The Morning herald., 1877-04-02
CORD AND cREEsE.
CHAPTER LII.-CoNTINulD.

you'll repehI VI w.
The stranger said nothing, but stood
with the same fixed and scornful smile.
4 noise was heard outside, the tramp of
.rowd of men. They assembled the stairs.
At last John appeared at the door Of the
room, M followed by thirty servants. Promi-
neut among these WAS Asgeelo. Near him
v.s Vial. Potts gave a triumphant
snile The servants ranged themselves
around the room.
Now, cried Pots, you're in for it. You'll
find that Pm not a born idiot. Give up
that cord.
The stranger said nothing, Gut placed it
IN his pocket, and still regarded Potts
with his scornful smile.
Here, cried Potts, addressing the ser
wants. Catch that man and tie his hands
and feet.
Vial only started forward. The stranger
turned toward him and looked in his
Vial glanced round in sui prise, waiting
for the other servants.
You devils, cried Potts, do ye hear what
Iay Seize that man!
None of the servants moved.
ltsmy belief, said John, that they are
all rafting.
Vial, cried Potts, savagely, tackle him.
Vial rushed forward. At that instant
Asgeslo bounded forward also with one
tremendous leap, and seizing Vial by the
throat hurled him to the floor.
The stranger waved his hand.
Let him co. said he.
Asgeelo obeyed.
What the DEVILS the meaning of this =?
cried John, looking around in dismay.
There stood the servaDts-notionless inn
passive
For the last time, roared Potts, with
perfect volley of oaths, seize that man, or
you'll besorry for it.
The servants stood molionless. The
stranger remained in the same attitude
with the same sneering smile.
You see, said he at last, that you don't
know me after all. You are in my power,
Brigsss-yyou can't get away, nor can your
son.
Potts rushed TO the door. Half dozen
servants we'e standing there. As he came
furiolsly toward them they held out their
cenchcd fists. He rushed upon them.
They beat him back. He fell loaming at
the lips.
John stood cool and unnloved, and
learning from the face of each servant
that they were all beyond his authority,
hehlded his arps and said nothing.
You appear to have bee1 mistaken in
your man. said the stranger coolly. These
are not your servants, they are nine. Shall
llell them to seize you?
Potts glared at him with bloodshot eyes,
but said nothing.
Snail tell them to pull up your sleeve
and display the mark Of Bowllani, sir?
Potts looked around Ikea wild beast in
the arena, seeking for some opening for
escape, but finding nothing except hostile
faces
DO what you like he cried desperately,
with an oath, and sank down into stoiid
despair.
NO; you don't mean that said the other.
ror l have some London policemen at
the Inn, and | might like best to hand YOU
over to them on charges which you can
easily imagine. Ion don't wish me to DO !
TO- think: You'd prefer being at large
!" beng chained up in cell, or sent TO |
botany Bay, suppose? Still, if you pre-
,er lwlIl at once arrange an interview
oetWeen I%e these gentlemen and yourself
"hat 90 you want anxiousIy asked
fo''s' who now thought that he might
tonle TO terms, and perhaps gain his escape
'Eo,a the clutches of his enemy.
Inc title deeds Of the Brandon estate,
said the stranger.
Never!
Then offyou 90. They must be mine,
aMsaaNy rate. Nothing can prevent that.
1 Ll'Aer give them now and be gone, Or de-
'ai' ana you 60 at once TO Jail.
Won't give them, said Potts, desperate
policemen. ~ '''' 'N'0'' ''''
Stop cried John.
,,i At sign Asgeelo, who had already
'"1v4sw "u steps towards the door, paused.
II mere, dad" said John, you've got
n,' ~uo 1t. You might as we'll had over the
TII%ls' %;, You don't want TO get into quod,
an aD''s turned his pale face TO his son.
.1n .Uo !" reclaimed John.
mi "eI," he said with sigh, "since Pve
Ssvt Ss' 10, i've got TO, l suppose You know
nos' ,''' d. johnnie. l always said you had
u,,! must 90 and get them," he continued.
viii IL IL go with you; or no-Cato shall 20
'"T w. you, and III wait here"
HI. I"g a", hlndo went with Potts, holding
jnr o"'af o.1 IN his powerful grasp, and TAX