The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-25


" For how much ?" said Carl.
60, may be one-half," returned the
other. b" 1 can't say. It's bad stuff to
deal with, we know, an never touch
| it,"
zone half You mean two dollars
for onep Ply shimminy / will give
two hundred tollars for four, an got
myself rich ~ cried the pedlar.
Price smiled.
But how kin ye pay for it ?"
Never mind. 1 know" said Carl.
"Show me de fellow what got it to sell,
und / pay him NIT it,"
"Well, ;" said the host, rising, "I'll
find him for ye in the mornin'. Do
you want to turn in ?'
Turn in 7"
"Go to bed-ter sleep, 1 mean"
ooh, yaw was tired myself out
tonight"
A moments consultation with the
woman, and Price called the pedlar to
follow. Carl picked up his pack and
climbed the ladder that led into the
loft. There was a shakedown on the
floor.
"Thar It's not the finest bedroom
in the world, but yell Sleep" said Price
laughing. Goodnight"
Goodnight" returned Carl.
The other disappeared. Densmore
heaved sigh.
"It's hard work playing Dutch" he
muttered.
Then he opened his pack, and from it
drew two heavy revolvers, bowie
knife, three pairs of handouts, and the
star of the United States Secret Service.
"I may have work before morning."
he thought, ''and these are good bed
fellows"
He removed his coat, blew out the
candle, and lay down, his mind busy
with the events of the day and in form
ing some plan for the morrow.
While thus engaged, the sound of q
door stealthily opened attracted his at
tention, and moment later he heard
mems voices below. Quietly leaving
his bed, he crept to knot-hole in the
floor and listened.
"But the pedlar?"
1t was the woman's voice.
"Never mind him." replied Price.
"Ned," he continued, apparently ad-
dressing the new conner, "we've custo-
mer up stairs-a Dutch pedlar-and he
wants four hundred. I'll bring him to
ye in the morning. He'll buy"
The door opened a second time. Press
ing his face close to the floor, Densmore
found that he could both see and hear
Three sharp.looking roughly dressed
men entered
Ha! all here" said Price in low
tone. "That is good. / want half a
thousand o. the queer to night, for we
kin send to the Tavern tomorrow, and
the chap above wants some. Did you
bring the dies, Bray? ?"
The man addressed shook his head.
"I haven't been home, an jest come
from Elkhorn. Send Nettie. My old
woman will give 'em to her."
Price turned to the girl.
"Are you afraid to go, Net ?"
''Afraid?" she laughed, and touching
her bosom, just drawing the butt of a
pistol into sight-"afraid, Dick? You
know better nor that"
"Wall, then, my gal, if you go to
Bray's an get the dies, it will help us
for while the boys are coming, will
stay on watch, and mill the hundred
we ran yesterday. Yell be back in an
hour.
eyes, dear"
And throwing heavy cloak about
her, and incasing her head in a deep
hood, the girl opened the door and dis
appeared into the night. Price turned
to the gang.
Boys, go below, fire up, and prepare
the rest o. the metal; I'll stay here and
when Net comes with the dies Well
coin. want full load tonight, for
we're almost out. Here, give me a
lift"
AS he ceased speak, ng, he seized O
heavy iron bar and thrust 1t beneath the
hearth. stone. The others Joined hands
with him, and, with a desperate effort,
the five slowly raised the great stone.
Beneath 1t appeared door, secured by
long, iron bolts. These being shot, and
the trap raised, flight of steps was
seen. The four strangers descended, one
carrying lantern, and Price dropped
the door behind them. Then opening a