American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-05-31


usual over his bad fortune, was met by
Sarah Blake. He felt awkward aSd
confused. Sarah had valorous tongue
and he had no ground to expect mercy.
To his surprise, however, she met his
clumsy greeting graciously, for the time
disposed, apparently, to forget past
grievances.
"I've news" she said; "news you'd
give deal to know"
"What is it, SallyP" he asked coax
ingly.
"Oh, never mind"
"Come, Sally, for old acquaintance
sakeP''
Was it smile or scowl she gave
him then? Dick wasn't sure and was
beginning to tremble again when Sarah
resumed her gracious mien.
Well, seeing it's ycu," she said, 81
don't mind telling. Jenny Allen is 60
ing to elope with VIII Harvey to. night.
He's to be at her fathers back gate at
II O'Clock, his face covered with black
mask When he gives low whistle,
thrice repeated, she's to come out and
then they'll dit together. Here are all
the details in note in her own hand,
which Ipicked up after seeing it drop
from Will Harvey's pocket as he canter-
ed down the road half an hour since.
Read for yourself"
Dick ground his teeth as his eye ran
over the lines which confirmed every
word of Sarah's statement.
"What are you going to dop" asked
Sarah with a provoking GOODNESS that
reused Dicks fury.
"DoP' he growled. "I'd pommel
the villain if could only lay hands on
himl" 80
e 81 can put you on better plan."
"What is ita"
Disguise yourself as the letter in
dicates. Be on the spot little before
the time. Give the concerted signal
and when the lady comes fit with her
yourself. Ten to one, when she sees
the trap she's in, she'll marry you to
avoid exposure. At any rate you'll earn
her fathers gratitude by ehwarting
plot" a
But suppose Harvey, too, comes be-
fore the time and we meet at the gate? ''
"Knock him down, beat him sense
less, give the signal and get away with
The prize before he comes to-"
"I'n do itn' cried Dick, his eyes
flashing fiercely. "Good-by, Sally; I'll
have news for 20. when We next
meeti"
1t lacked quarter to - when Dick
Sanders, his face masked, stole up to
Mr.. Aliens garden gate. At the same
moment man similarly disguised ap-
preached by another path. For an in
'tant the pair confronted each other.
They both spang forward, striking out
With might and main. Blows rained
hick and fast. The combatants were
veil matched. After a mutual ham,
nering for 10 minutes, without advan-
age to either side, they grappled and |
vent down together. Then they scuf-
led and bit and scratched till they roi- !
ed apart from sheer exhaustion and lay |
.laring at each other in helpless rage
Both their masks were torn to tatters,
nd as the bright moonlight beamed |
lown upon their battered faces each ut
cred an exclamation of surprise.
"Ted Brant!" painted the one.
"Dick Sanders!' gasped the other.
81 thought it was that scoundrel Har-
cyl" replied Dick.
$50 did Il" rejoined Ted.
A brief comparison of notes disclos-
d hat Sarah Blake, after her interview
With Dick, had had similar one with
Ted; the result being, as above narrat-
d, desperate encounter, in which
ach thought he was pommeling away
t Will Harvey. The letter, we need
ardly say, was amiable Sarah's own
Before Dick and Ted were present.
BILE again, Will Harry and Jenny Al
en- were happily married, with the full
onsent of the latter's father, who, in
eed, had never opposed the match.
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