The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1880-11-10

the hoorand listened, ~
aBut the peddler?q
1t was the woman's voice,
"Never mind him, replied Price.
"Ned he continued, apparently ad-
dressing the newcomer, we've acus-
toner up stairs-a Dutch peddler-
|and he wants four hundred, I'll
bring him to ye in the morning.
He'll buy"
The door opened a second time.
Presently his face close to the floor.
Densmore found he could both see
and hear. Three sharp looking,
roughly dressed men entered.
"Ha! all here,n said Price in low
tone. "That's good. l want half a
thousand of the queer tonight; for we
Ekin send to the Tavern tomorrow
and the chap up above wants some.
Did you bring the dies Bray?"
! The addressed shook his head.
Il hayn't been home, an jest come
from Elkhorn. sendNettie. My old
woman will give 'em to her"
Price turned to the girl.
"Are ye afraid to go, Metz"
"Afraid" she laughed, and touched
her bosom, just drawing the butt of a
pistol into sight-"atraid Dick? Ye
ought to know better nor that"
"Wall, then, my gall, if ye go to
Bray's an git the dies, it will help
us;-for while the boys are coming,
will,stay on watch and mill the hun.
dred we ran yesterday. Yell be back
in an hour"
"Yes DEAR"
And throwing heavy cloak about
her, and encasing her head in q deer
hood, the girl opened the door and
disappeared into the night.
Price turned to the gang.
"Boys, go below, fire up, and pre-.
pare the rest O. the metal. I'll stay
here and when Net comes with the
dies we'll coin. I want q full load
tonight for we're almost out. Here
give me a lift"
As be ceased speaking he seized q
heavy iron bar and thrust it beneath
the hearthstone. The others Joined
hands with him and, with desperate
effort, the five raised the great stone
Beneath it appeard door, secured
by long, iron bolts. These being
shut, and the trap raised, a flight Of
steps was seen.
The four strangers descended, one
carrying a lantern, and Price drop.
ped the door behind them. Then
opening sort of hidden closet, he
drew from it a box of rough silver
coin and a milling machine witt
which he began to work.
Densmore breathed hard.
Trapped" he whispered, "trap
pedl the whole gang complete. Ane
now for work."
Noiselessly he arose and approach
ed the ladder. In either pocket wer,
his pistols, in his hand o pair 0
; bracelets, on his breast a star.
AT the top of the ladder he paused
struck his foot against the floor, ant
coughed.
! There was quick stir below.
"Mr. Bricel Mr.. Bricel Vas 20,
| dere" A half growl from below an
swered him. "What do ye want?"
5 ~ vas sick, Mr. Brice-I vas SO ho
3 as neffer vasl want little water
t Mr.. Brice, if you please Mr.. Brice.'
"What the" then came an oath
"Lie still ye Dutch fool; and III
bring ye water. Don't come here
I. ooh, no, Mr.. Bricel But SOM
, water, Mr.. Brice, for Gods sakel
vas burned alifel"
There was moving about tn,
. room, patter of dipper and pail, ant
then Price approached the ladder
Densmore breathed hard. The stepl
! came nearer, nearer they mounted
the ladder. He cronched, waiting
9 An instant more and the bearded
r face Of Price appeard above the open
( ingin the floor, and his right hant
. was raised, holding attn cupof water
"Here, Dutchy-ye're cursed hare
to take care of-here's yer drink"
Al carl's arm was outstretched; bu