The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1860-12-25
CHAPTER l.
THE NEST OF THE TOMTIT.

and entered little hosiery, or tavern situ-
ated in the then widest region of Pennsyl-
vania. The stranger, who was a large, stout
looking man, heavily bearded, paused be-
fore the door that led into the bedroom, and
peeped inquisitively in; seeing a small group
sitting around the table, be walked very
leisurely toward them, introducing himself
in frank, easy style.
"a good evening, gentlemen, to you all -
The company, who were earnestly engage
ed in conversing, hardly noticed his en-
trance, but when he spoke, they instantly
paused and greeted the newcomer with a
look plainly expressive of surprise, curiosity
and anger. One of the party, who had a
less sinister and surly face than the rest,
gravely advanced toward him, cycling him
sharply, as he said
You wish lodgings, my man ?"
Certainly do, Mr.. Beg (who at the
mention of his own name visibly started J.;
what else should | stop here for2 There's
my pony wants the same thing attend to
him first, and in the meanwhile l will make
myself at home"
So saying, the stranger, scarcely needing
the general scowl which greeted him as he
said this, co0lly lit his cigar and forthwith
stretched himself in an easy posture in Tim
Begs favorite armchair, much to the aston
moved toward the door, winking silly to his
companions as he did so.
The stranger commenced to smoke, eye
ing the company with nonchalence and
familiarity that took them completely by
surprise.
@ Vot yer doing here for2" growled
1arl1-visaged, ugly-looking scoundrel, whose
pox-marked face was half obscured by a
dirty cap. He rose as he spoke, and drew
out a sharp knife.
"Oh, no !" laughed the stranger, send
ing up a spiral column of smoke, and re-
garding the other with a half sueer.-
" Don't attempt to Brighten me; amt your
name Dick Hatton p
Scarcely had he asked the question before
the whole party sprang instantaneously to
their feet and confronted him with the rage
Of tigers-aud a more precious crew of
cut-throats could hardly have been found.
"Kill him ! kill him p was the general
cry. Pistols and bowie-knives were pro-
miscuously drawn, aud one could see they
longed to lap the blood of the unfortunate
man, as they crowded round their victim.
Dick Hatton, with an ugly grin, interpos-
ed.
Stop, boys, the fellow is safe. want
to catechise i'm afore he's made mince-meat
OF. Come, now, who are ye?"
During all the tumult occasioned by his
remark, the stranger had kept his easy,
half-recumbent position, regardless of the
menacing group, continuing to smoke with
the most astonishing GOODNESS, and eying
them ali with sort of saucy smile that was
absolutely provoking.
Come, now, who are We p repeated
Dick Hatton, tightening his grasp on his
bowie-knife
The ruf1ianS pressed nearer, n dozen
knives were raised, but still the stranger
manifested not the slightest symptom of
alarm. Carelessly divesting himself of his
beard, he proceeded in the same quiet way
to displace a black curling wig. In one
second more, the gang had burst into wild
halloo, which sent Tim Beg rushing back
Blow my eyes ~ exclaimed he, letting
his pipe fall from his mouth, in his amaze
ment Why it's the Tomtitp'
Nobody else" replied that individual,
who had not changed his position, but was
putting vigorously at his cigar. "You're
bright people all of you, pom my word; now
Beg see if you can trot back to the stable and
put my horse in better quarters than you at
FIRST intended; and hearken, lad, tell that
spoony of wife of yours to fix up something
hot; / blasted hungry. Now then, wha.
are you all gaping at me for 2" added the
Tomtit, surveying the group with derisive
smile. "Didn't know me, when I've cheat
ed you so often Nice fellows"
The gang indeed looked very foolish, at
the unexpected denouement their weapons
were once more returned to their hiding
places, and they stood staring at their chief
scarcely believing their own eyes
Their devil imself would find it ard to
tell ye, observed Dick, sulkily. "Vy, Beg
as knows everybody, with Won eye, gets
taken in; but, Tomtit, volts the news?"
"Never you trouble your head for that, it
will come in good time, replied the Tom
tit, draining glass of ale, oficiously placed
before him. Everything just as suspect
ed the police were on our track at Gam
ble's but | fixed EN-" With this brief
synopsis of news the Tomtit leaned back in
his chair, and continued to smoke in a
thoughtful, meditating manner.
In about fifteen minutes, Mrs. Beg. a
portly, redhaired lady, announced that sup
per was ready, and the gang adjourned to a
small apartment in the rear part of the
building where rude meal was served up !;
roast pig forming the principal feature of
the entertainment which was quickly
washed down with a liberal supply of whis-
key.
Now, then" said the Tomtit, after he
had satisfied his hunger, and was stirring
the componentS of second glassfull of
punch now Lheh, boys, M ready TO tell
the news. In the first place, Crib has been
cribbed."
What" CALCULATED the gang with one
voice, " Crib nabbed?"
"Crib is cribbed, and that's the short and
long OF it." observed the Tomtit, gloomily
"Once was the time the trade could be car
ried on, and none Of US ran the least bit of
risk ; even Nest wasn't necessary now
the thing gets every day more dangerous,
and the profits grow smaller"
But what about Crib p inquired several
of the gang, anxiousIy.
"Crib, continued the Tomtit, acted
like precious fool; l told him all the bows
had left but him, but he was SO blasted
confident he kept tagging, and putting of,
till be got cribbed. He would Just close
his peppers, and walk into the pit without
any one helping him in confound him, he
nearly dragged me in with him.
The cOnDanv now Draesa6 the 60