Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-06-19
al beg pardon Oh, yes; dear me Zacha-
riah Grit Well really, until you spoke, was

IL know'd you, soon as | sot eyes on you.
Guess your mem'ry's gone bad, Mister Aveling,
for want o. usin' on it,"
aThe fact is,n responded Aveling "you were
the very last person expected to meet with IN
this part Of the world. | thought you were
hanged long ago"
al TUX new lease, Squire" retorted Zach
started fresh, and, onless has uncommon
bad luck, Expects now to die honestly, wnen
my times come. WHAT'S KEEP you from inc
gallows, squire
A yelincis eountenance underwent a marked
change. and his eyes kindled with anger he
oontriyed. however, to maintain his self-compo
sure, and answered, with forced laugh;
"Yon are jocular, Zachariah But, you
really must excuse me; have important busi-
ness on hand, and cannot be detained"
"Jes' you listen to me, Mr. Aveling" re-
torted Zach deliberately, at the same time
hooking himself ON to Aveling's arm, with
grin that indicated an intention OF not i00sing
it soon; Of you're in sech hurry, you noedn't
to stand souintin' ut that var obstacle, for
all folks calls it one Of King Chops mile
stones. sot no on end Pm for walkin', OF you
are, not boirg bound nowhar partikler this
morning; or ef you're mind for quiet talk,
there aren't no easier place than down under
that wall yonder in the SUD-" !,
Really Mister Grit, Won must excuse me- 4
demonstrated Mark, resisting Zach.s efort 70
pull him towards the spot he had Indicated J;
another tmc; tomorrow but cannot now,
really
1Tye cotched live cells, afore now, Mark"
said Zach, clenching his victims arm still
tighter, and I've larnt that the best way to
circumvent their wrgglements is to kip tight
hold on 'em when once you've nicked 'em.
Your company's agreeable, jest now. You've
turned up agin. unexpected like . drowned
man, and aiore gives you line, I'm Tor squar-
ing an old matter or two atwixt me and you,
rs you knows on Wen come to an onder-
standing 'bout these var trifles as sharp as
blinkin', and then, Mr.-Aveling, you may take
long strides till you're fnrder Oft from me
than the beginning Of the world, for anything
| kears about ever setting eyes on you agin
that's a fact yes, cir"
Avelng felt greatly embarrassed. He evi-
IDENTIFY knew his man, for he made no further
attempt to release himself from his grip. he
did not, however, proceed in the direction
Zach had intimated, but pointing to the gate
said
aWell, Zach, Pm for listening to what you
have to cay, but would rather walk home
wards
"To home, then, Mark" replied Grit; !" il
it fur ~ -
aBehind the Madeleine, Just ronnd, are cor,
ner yonder, five minutes wa,s answered
Aveling. Will you brcakfas1 WIN me me
60 II MAC 49, e,-siCK response, I'm hungry
La meals don't come quite regular with
ydf money; though this yar's a screeching
cheap place to live in, pnrvidcd you're noways
particular bout what's give you to eat, and
how it's seasoned.
"Out of money then, as usual, Zachariah -
remarked Aveling, and at that same moment
q shadow passed across his countenance, as
though some disagreeable thought had occur
red to him.
"Truth, Mister Avelingn retorted Zach !;
for want Of honest folks ike you payin' their
debtsn
The hint did not appear to call up any very
pleasant association in the mind of Mark, for
he did not again address Zach until they
reached the hotel. Nor did Zachariah appear
in the least disposed to thrust his conversation
upon his companion, who led the way to a
handsomely furnished chamber ON tho second
floor, and made sign for Zach to enter.
But Zach's eye had rested on the key of the
door, which was outside. For some reason he
hesitated, and, instead Of entering the apart
ment, made way for Mark, saying:
"Pll foller your track, Mark
Aveling's face flushed. He had noticed the
suspicious glance Zach had cast upon him,
and quite understood it; but he passed in, with
out saying word. As he did 80, Zach took
out the key, and, following him into the room,
closed the door deliberately, locked it. and put
the key in his pocket.
g Zachariah Mister Grit ~ exclaimed Ave-
ling, pale with anger, "what do you mean 20
" Business, Mark Aveling,n retorted Zach
I" lie amt no use loein' time about il, nor maxim
believe az trusts you. You're a down cute
customer Mark, and done me over. This time
! means to be cutter; that's the idean
SWELL sir,n replied Aveling, doggedly, "and
now you have me in close quarters may know
what you expect me to do?n
|" Set down, Mark, and don't 90 for TO get
riled," answered Zach, "'cause it wont do you
no good, and il might fire mp my powder, and
then | reckon it nd come TO which was tough
est at close hug and one on ms mightn't get
over it quite easy. So set down, Mark
Avelng frowned, but seated himself at the
table, watching Zach as he proceeded to turn
up the right leg OF his pantaloons over the top
OF his boot. Trusting his hand down into the
latter, he drew out long Bowie knife. in
leathern sheath, which he presently removed,
turning the broad haft towards Avelng IL
was done deliberately; and Marks eye became
A''eeS0 "toh VIC Noa puAif 90 ~ ~ aoo bccH itn-
bued with some extraordinary and irresistible
power OF fascination. At the same moment
heavy drops Of preparation burst out from
every pore, and his countenance became ghast-
ly rs that Of corpse He read his own name
on the haft OF the knife and well no knew the
history of it.
."Pve KEEP it ever since, Mister Aveling,n
observed Zach, with an imperturbable decision
Of manner, !" but il Amt mover been used like it
war that night
see, ! see" observed Aveling, with bit
ter smile, "you intend TO extort more money
from mev
"Pm clean used up, Mark" retortcd Zach;
and If don't 60 for money to them as owes
it to me, can't keep honest
Did not pay you handsomely enough, at
the time for the service you rendered me? !"
asked Ayeling.
You only KEEP half your bargain replied
Grit; "you lodged out Of the rest But, fairs
fair, and settlin' times come Marx; that's a