The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1860-12-25


a bluly man."
$50 do l, so do l." exclaimed several
voices at once.
"a. to the matter of that" remarked
Tomtit, he Il keep things dark, and may
be set them on the wrong scent-let him
alone for that. But blast me-" continued
the gentleman, 4" that is Mt the thing; we
can't spare Crib why the whole twelve of
US are wanted for next weeks job, and Crib
was such locksmith that his services were
next to gold, but it is just our COMPOUNDED
luck"
The Tomtit, with this brief reference to
the valuable qualifications of Mr.. Crib, pro-
ceeded to mix third glass of whisky
punch, and to swallow the same with look
of becoming sorrow and resignation.
AS he's gone" continued the Tomtit,
musingly, az suppose it's best to try a diff
ferent plan tell you what boys, | have a
great mind to postpone the visit to old Van
Checkers for a fortnight at least, till l can
get one of US in some way connected with
the house heard the other day that the
old gentleman wanted coachman, and if
had somebody to personate one, why it
would be very rum thing to get him il
there, and then, don't you see, there would
be no need of locksmith.'
"Vy don't you 60, Tomtit. yer would
make rum coachee, yer would q suggest
ed Dick with a grin.
Why, as to that, I suppose l might suit
the old gentleman to hair" returned the
Tomtit complacently; "but | have some
thing more important to manage; no, I'll
tell you what boys, I've a good mind to
send one of you"
Good" said several voices.
al know" continued the Tomtit, call
about the house, as far as that goes, for
have visited every nook and corner myself
but still it would be very convenient to
have somebody to let US in Crib could
have opened the back door easily, but seeing
he's Gagged, we'll have to give up getting in
that way"
Hist !" suddenly exclaimed Mr.. Beg,
describing with his finger a rapid move
ment in the direction of the window. The
burglars started and pricked up their ears
as they distinctly heard the sound of an ap-
preaching vehicle; it was just wheeling up
before the tavern, and Mr. Beg, who had
been sent to reconnoitre, quickly returned
to report to the anxious gang that it was
only traveller who had lost his way and
wished to stay over night. "Hes a jolly
looking 'un and has big carpet bag whis-
pered Mr. Beg.
This intelligence caused a momentary ex-
element; the burglars started up, their
fierce eyes sparkli ng with eager delight, but
meeting the gaze of their chief they sullenly
resumed their seats.
Is it a very comfortable looking bag
enquired Dick, rubbing his hands in expec-
tation of plumber.
every promising looking should say,
replied Mr.. Beg, but what shall do with
the owner ?"
-Four tallow candles were now brought
into the room, and the burglars held a bur
ried conversation as to how they should dis
pose of their visitor; some were for dis
patching him at once, others were for max
ing away with him silently, but as a pro-
longed discussion seemed likely to arise, Mr..
Beg was commissioned to see to the person.
al comfort of the gentleman, provide him
with supper, and make ready his apart
ment, which last direction caused Mr.. Beg to
grin from ear to ear.
Mind" said Dick, {" to put i'm in the
room volts got the trap-door, vich is the
VERY model of convenience, and the conf
fortablest room in the 'ouse."
Mr.. Beg laughed approvingIy at Mr..
HAtton's humorous allusiOn to the trap
door, and left his friends to continue their
consultation.
My advice" said Dick, " is to run i'm
down ven he's snoozing, and drop i'm in
Their vat dead men doesn't tell tales"
" Dead men does tell tales, though" in
terrupted one of the burglars, lowering his
voice to an impressive whisper; they come
up and peach, il its only to get a cove in
trouble"
&c think so, too" chimed in another,
who was known by the soubriquet of Mole
cat they'll come up sometimes ven its
VERY announcement and Troublesome
Vonce, ven | vos doing business in the pad
line, in York. we cotched a fellow one
night who wos VERY lushy, 1t wOs a wer-
ry good haul, an some on us was for let
ting him go but he kept such hollerin'
and threatening, that, arter parleying n
leetle, Bill Hedges gives him knock on
the head vich sienced him; veil, afore we
tossed him in the river, Bill ties big rock
to his neck to prevent his coming up and
breeding lot o nasty questions but the
VERY next morning the spiteful corpse
comes ashore without the rock, and holding
tight onto q piece of Bill Hedges jacket,
vich wos the means of conwicting him and
sending him to the gallows.
Mr.. Molecat's record of his personal ex-
perience seemed to make but little impress
sion on his listeners, for the main subject
under consideration was resumed, and live
ly debate sprung up which was, however,
not participated in by the Tomtit
That gentleman sat quietly listening to
the various opinions, deigning no other
comment than an occasional nod of the
head. 1t was evident that the burglars
were unanimously in favor of instantly de-
stroying the traveller though they essenti-
ally varied in their proposed plans of opera
ton.
Mr.. Dick Hatton watched his leaders
countenance during the progress of the
conversation, but it looked stolidly indif-
ferent.
"Yot's yer opinion, Tomtit 81 he inquir-
ed anxiously. Saint yer going to say
nothing"
"Of course am" replied Tomtit, plant
ing his legs defantly on the table - my
opinion is the opinion that's got to be
adopted, and no chattering. Now look
here" continued he, fixing his restless eyes
on the group, you all want to make way
with this traveler?'
n