The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-10-31

to Lions entrance, suggesting that he
might remain in the stable, but to this
l refused to listen. Lion was, therefore,
admitted, though with bad grace.
found the interior of the cottage low
and smoke-stained. The one unglazed
window was partially closed with a
wooden shutter. A turf fire smoldered
on a fiat stone that served for hearth.
At one end, in a corner, stood a rude
pallet. covered with sheepskins. OPP
posite was heavy wooden press that
looked rs if, at some former day, it
had known better quarters.
"You will have the place to your
SELF" said the man, in hOarse voice;
Il am going out again. You'll want
supper. SUPPOSED"
signified that such refreshment
would certainly be desirable.
He opened the cupboard and brought
out loaf of black bread, some eggs
and dried fish. These latter he pro-
ceeded to cook. He then produced a
bottle of wine, and set on the table a
plate and drinking cup of more re-
spectacle kind than mi ht have been
| expected.
drew out my purse, and placed a
few coins in the mans hand.
If you are going out, let me pay
you now, my good friend,'' l said. II
must start at day break, probably before
you return"
For moment I was startled by the
greedy manner in which he eyed the
money; but he merely expressed him.
self satisfied and pocketed the coin.
Then taking down a lantern that hung
from a nail in the wall, he lighted it,
and set off on his nocturnal errand,
whatever that might be.
When, having finished my supper,
and having given Lion his share, had
time for reflection, the sinister counte-
nance of my host began to haunt me
unpleasantly. However, he had pro-
viied me with roof over my head,
and that was something to be thankful
for in that foggy, dreary, isolated spot.
l threw more turf on the fire, for the
bit of candle that had been lighted
when began my supper burned low,
and did not relish the idea of being
left in the dark.
Before it failed me, l thought it adj
visable to take a survey of the prem
Uses. Beside the entrance door, there
was another at the emo of the room on
one side of the press. Opening it,
found it led into a sort of lean-to, part.
ly filled with hay. raised the candle
and glanced round. The place seemed
to be a receptacle for all sorts of odds
and ends, some of which raised uncom-
Portable doubts, SO out of keeping did
they seem with the cottage and its in
mate. The further l looked the more
my suspicious became excited.
| took pole that stood against the
wall and removed the hay. An ire
sistible feeling took possession of me
that it had been thrown there for the
purposes of concealment; nor was l
mistaken. The first object turned up
was boot of Partisan make, and near
to it l found Russia leather valise,
with brass plate at one end, on which
made out the initials G. +.
A cold SILVER ran through my frame.
1t was situation that might well dis
may the boldest. l could no longer
question but that had fallen into a
nest of brigands. A very few months
before, good deal of painful interest
had been reused by the mysterious dis
appearance, in this part of the coun-
try, of commercial traveller, named
Charles Favel, and the conviction
forced itself on my mind that I had
come upon the relics of this unfortun.
ate man.
1t was scarcely possible that my host
carried on his nefarious traffic without
accomplices. In all probability he had
then gone to acquaint the gang that a
bird had been caught. How many might
there be? was alone, with only dog
for my companion. True, had pistols
in my saddle-bag, but of what avail
would they be against number of des.
peradoes?
For a moment thought of saddling
my horse and making my escape, but,
on cooler reflection, such an attempt
seemed to be only flying from uncer-
tain to certain peril. II had been in
danger of losing my way in the dusk
of evening, how could hope to keep
to the pathway in the dense darkness
that had now closed around? l put
away that idea and determined, if at
tackled. to sell my life dearly, at any
rate.
"Forewarned, forearmed," said to
myself, as, returning to the principal
room, took down the pistols from my
saddle-bag and looked to the printing.
eff they make any attempt upon us
they shall have hot reception, Lion,
my boy" I said, and Lion looked in nv
face and slowly wagged his tail, as much
as to say. LET come what will, we
are ready"
I threw myself on the bed, without
undressing, and placed the pistols un.
der the bolster. Lion stretched him.
self at my side. l had no intention OF
sleeping, you may be sure. 1 watched
the fire for some time, but the fatigue
Of the day had overpowersd me, and
objects became dim and indistinct be-
fore my eyes. Once or twice started
as noise caught my ear, but | soon
convinced myself that it was only my
horse stamping in the clubhouse, or the
ducks disturbed in their sleep. l strug-
gled hard to keep on the alert, but the
wearicd senses refused their office;
past and present began to be mixed up
in inextricable confusion, and ut last /
] SUPPOSE fell aalean