The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-10-08

the youth was in earnest Walter at
times felt q twinge of conscience. Was
it right to betray even q robber? He
was in no sense traitor, as he had
never had their cause at heart. At
most he was but a spy. and one upon
whom circumstances had forced the
arduous task.
II shall not live to see this matter
over with" he said to the sheriff and
banker; '.they will not hesitate to kill
me-"
Tuesday before the fatal Wednesday
there was to be q meeting of the
knaves at the old log hut in the forest
Walter had promised to attend this
meeting, and getting leave of absence
from his employer on Tuesday after
noon. set out on foot for Jack Hawk
ms house. The thoughts of Walter
Brownfield as he trud ged along the
road were gloomy. But forty-eight
hours would clapse when the false
mask he had worn would be thrown
aside forever. Perhaps q shroud and
a coffin would be assumed in its place.
Would the public indorse his act, and
would he be once more accepted in So
ciety? He was cast out without his
fault; branded as . thief and swindlcr
by Joe Brewster, for an offense he
never committed. Sometimes he
thought that he would not have been
to blame had he gone in with the rob
bers in earnest, and shared their
profits; then the face of his dead
mother, and the lessons of honesty she
had taught him on her knees, arose be-
fore him, and he drove all such things
from his mind.
God forgive me and aid me-" he
calculated. Il need Thy strength now
more than ever before in my life"
He reached Jack Hawkins house
and found the villain rejoiced to meet
him. At dark Bill Martin and Jack
harnessed up the team to the wagon,
and the three getting in drove to the
log hut Here they met five other ruff
fans, and all went in.
Light candle Bill" said Jack.
San We, Tom Chamberlin, stand guard
outside. Now keep yer eyes and ears
open"
II will. Capt'in, said Tom, a tall,
burly looking fellow, whom Walter
had seen several times about Bushville
and the Flat. He was never known to
work, but spent most of his time drink
ing mean whisky and playing cards in
the village.
Walter gazed around over the vii
famous crowd, meeting their cold muir
derous eyes. and his heart sank within
him. There was not a man in there,
he felt assured, who would not stab
him to death on the slightest provoca-
ton. The candle burned dimly, and
the badly lighted room had q CHASTITY
at best. With those hOrri-
BILE, fierce looking men in the fore
ground picture was formed calculated
to make the beldest shudder.
"Now," said Jack Hawkins, taking
a seat on the wide bench with an air
of authority, 'let's persue at onc't to
bis'ness. Walt, what hev We to report?"
The ruffians waited eagerly, fixing
their eyes upon him. Walter then pro-
ceeded to state that he had managed to
secure position as clerk in the bank
of Mr.. Smallwced.
They're got considerable chink
there, chi" said Jack, winking greedily
at his companions.
"Yes, sir, suppose there is now in
the bank. in gold, at least three hun
dred and fifty if not four hundred thou
sand dollars" Walter answered, with
an air of truthfulness.
Listen at that, boys" said Jack,
with another knowing wink. -Four
hundred thousand dollars in gold"
Silence fell on the dark group. but
Walter could see the villainous clutch
of those greedy hands.
wall, now. hev We examined the
bank an vault? Dye know where the
money is kcpt?''
"Yes, it is in the vault which can be
forced. or blown open with powder. l
know all about the building"
"Who sleeps in the bank?"
"Mr. Rockwell, the book-kecper."
1--WE kin easy cut his throat" said
Jack Hawkins, as coolly rs if he had
been talking about blowing a field of
corn.
"How are the doors2'
1.-The front door is bolted and barred
on the inside of night, but the win
dow on the right can pass in and out
at"
well, which will it be best for us to
come in through, the window or the
door?''
1.-The door," answered Walter. IF
we can get it open, and can open it
on the inside"
For a few moments Jack Hawkins
bowed his head in thought. Waiter
shuddered, for well he knew what the
dark thoughts of that villain were;
raising his eyes till they met Walters,
he said:
1--WE got the plan all laid out now.
Wen be under the old bridge. Ye
must come out of the winder when all
is ready, fur eff the door wer' open it
might excite suspicion. Come down
after US. then go back through the VIM
der and unbolt the door. Ye must take
this dagger and drive it to the heart of
that Teller Rockwell. what stays there
O nights, with you."
Walter took the dagger, which was
in sheath, and put it in his pocket.
Remember now" said Jack, laying
his hand on the youths shoulder, ''ef
you prove us false Wen not hesitate to
send bullet thro' yer head
Walter felt that such would be his
end. After arranging few more pre-
the meeting broke up, and
Jack, Bill and Walter returned to the
house of Hawkins.
CHAPTER XIX.
WALTER AND PINKEY.
1t was late in the night when Jack
Walter and Bill Martin,
rea ched tho houSa of the farnner A.