The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-10-25

dark TIL YOU see me dBdiuf anu Snuk-
ing hands, Claude departed, promising
to return the next day at an early hour.
True to his word, Claude was on hand
at the appointed time. Giving the well
known raps, he was again admitted to
the presence of his accomplice in guilt.
"Well, let me see how shall look i'm
wig" said Norman, taking a fero-
cious-looking red one from the bundle
that Claude had placed upon the table.
Fitting it upon his head, he ex-
claimed:
''That certainly makes me look very
fascinating. Now for the heavy whis-
kers to match. There, that is capitall
I can travel IN safety now if ever /
could, for look SO outrageously ugly
that the old fellow himself would
hardly dare approach me-"
Dressing himself in the suit of a sal
lor, lie jauntily placed the tarpaulin
upon his head and pronounced himself
ready.
"Not quite" answered Claude, taking
bottle from his pocket containing a
dark mixture. "YOur delicate hands
would betray you. Just let me give
them wash with this" and taking a
brush, he soon gave them the appear
ance of having been long exposed to the
sun. "NOw you are finished to perfec-
ton. Let me see how / shall become
the dress of a country curate. The
greatest difficulty will be for me to be-
have myself with proper decorum and
keep my face long enough" and taking
another bundle, he was soon attired,
looking so meek and solemn in his long
straight locks and 'shad-bellied' coat
that Norman gave vent to hearty
laugh.
"Now, then, for particulars" said
Norman, seating himself. "First we
will start for Bridgeport, where we will
engage board at some obscure shanty.
There we can be on the lookout for our
fair captives, and arrange something to
cur satisfaction, or better still I have
it now" exclaimed he, springing from
his seat. al will write a letter telling
her to come to the cottage of poor blind
Sarah, of whom have often heard her
speak. 1 will write it in the name of
some minister can easily ascertain a
name-telling her Sarah wishes to
see her privately. She in the compass
sion Of an unsuspecting heart will never
imagine evil, and will of course comply
with the wish of the Rev. DIR. whom |
shall have the honor of personating.
Ahem! There is a small portion of
thick woods near the cottage. In them
we can secrete ourselves and await her
coming, which 1 have no doubt she will
do; and if fail in it, why, no one will
be the wiser, and / should only be
Obliged to plan something else. If all
goes on as l hope for, when see her
coming shall just pop out from my
hiding place and gently close her mouth
with a sticking plaster, which L shall
carry for the occasion. See, Parson,
how have planned it?''
Exactly, son of Neptune. But how
will you get her into the carriage, for I
suppose she will be like all other women
kick up terrible fuss"
"You must have the carriage in read
iness at the foot of the lane leading be-
tween the Marsh's and the Hewitts,
and keep both ears and eyes wide open.
As soon as you see her coming, Just
hold yourself in readiness to help me. /
have not much fear of q scene. She will
be frightened nearly to death at this
hideous head of mine"
"Well, certainly give you credit for
planning deviltry, and sincerely hope
you may succeed. L shall do my best to
help you, for 1 shall only be too glad to
see her naughty pride brought low. She
has always scorned me, 1 know from
her very actions, and 1 should not be
surprised if it was through her means
that was cheated so nicely out of my
five thousand" answered Claude, as he
opened the little door before mentioned
leading into LOdi's apartment. Then,
I pushing it shut, he asked in a subdued
tone, "But where am to drive to after
we have obtained the fair lady, for /
suppose / am to assume that very re-
spOnsible office"
Never mind now. I will tell YOU
more before the time arrives, ," answered
Norman. Come, let US be Off as soon
as pay the old squaw for hiding me so
nicely. have no fear Of being detected
even by Hays himself, were he LIVING.
so come"
"Well, Lodi, how much do I owe
yOu?" asked Norman, as he and Claude
entered the apartment where the old
woman sat.
cove me? Only thanks. I ask nc
money. 1 have enough to carry me
back to the distant West. LodowiskI
asks no more. Let her rest in the for
est where the great chiefs live"
ITO what tribe do you belong ?'l
asked Norman, new thought striking
him.
"To tribe of brave and fearless Nat
ichitoches, who live far away toward:
the setting sun. Louisiana is my
home" answered she, eyeing her ques-
tioner.
"Louisiana," said Norman, mentally
} "That is the place. 1 should then bS
safe and out of the way of Catherine de