The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-02-20
CHAPTER HOLY JoE.n

such that my reasoa doubted the evidence of my senses.
 CHAPTER Iv.-"HoLY JOE"
 missed the down train in London, dined at the station, not reaching Cross Hills until past nine instead of at six Leaving my valise to follow by the carrier next morning, l walked up across coun- try. The footpaths l had taken brought me into the lane skirted by the palines of our grounds opposite a gate in them of which had the key in my pocket. The gate led me into copse, where at no great distance stood rustic summer house l had appropriated as a comforta- ble smoking lounge-strongly built, heather matched, lined with mating, and furnished with rustic table, couch, and chairs. Already. since my return, had brought thither few books, writing ma teriais, and newspapers that gave it habitable appearance. l went inside for the purpose of there depositing the ghost picture in security and secrecy, for the place was locked and never visited but by myself Had taken the canvas home, the servants or my mother would as- suredly have ferreted it out, and had promised discretion to old Parker. I lit lantern and unrolled the picture, which had become somewhat creased. To stretch it out. thrust tin tacks through the four corners and fastened it thus to the mating on the wall.
 Great goodness What horrid, haunt ing thing it vas felt constrained to gaze on, though hating the contempia- tion. How minutely it answered to my hallucination Or was it only my excited fancy that said so7 Presently began to enter into old Parker's desire to get rid of it. l should have destroyed it then and there had this been an easy task. Then decided to keep it, at least till the mys- tery had been cleared up. That very night would write to the governor of Southbury and make searching inquiry.
 But could not have 1t staring me in in the face. took an old sheet of the 7SnHes and pinned it across, then, taking the lantern, turned to walk home through the wood.
 At that moment heard thud, as of a mans weight alighting from over the palings on the grass. turned off the lantern aud endeavored to reconnoitre through cranny in the summer-house. What should lurcher be doing at this hour Easy to guess. The game shop at the next town was notoriously supplied by others than those who had the right to shsot The moon was yelled, but there was light enough for me to descry the mans figure stealing nearer through the copse. 1 was no very rigid enforcer of the game laws, but was none the less eager to take stock of my poacher. It might be for a wife and six starving chil- dren that he was earning a dishonest penny ; but should like to know it. As he crept through the underwood caught a glimpse that suficed for recognition. By all that's hypocriticl, the reformed drunkard, the ex-colporeur, the model organ blower, Holy loci
 The rascal disappeared again in the thick of the copse, where no doubt his trap was set. It was no case of accom- pIces or firearms, and was not afraid of tackling Joe Murphy. While he was busy with the trap slipped cut, en- sconced myself SO as to cut of his retreat toward the palings, and just as he turned to make of with his booty dashed at him and coilared him.
 Let go. you d-d keeper" he roared, @or I'll swear caught you doing a job on your own account Like enough you trapped that bird. Get off," and with frantic effort he actually shook of my hold. "Take that-and that" hitting out right and left then, as closed with him. fighting 61rcely as badger, and showing a savage strength that took me by surprise. had to defend myself for . minute, then came a sharp tussei, then . well-planted blow of mine ieveiied hiEa to the ground, where he lay groaning, his valor extinguished, whining out that had done for him. and 1t was all over for Holy Joe"
 Get up," [ said, suspecting he was sham ming. He knew me nov, and ga1ed at me respectfully, saying had broken every bone in his body, and all for a poor httis bird Ae had gone for to hill, just to put it out of its misery. He never could bear to see poor dumb animals suffer ! fefched the lantern and flashed 1t en his face. It vas white and strange. Seeing he either couldn't or vouldnt stir un- aided, l got him made the summer house. A few moments would show whether he were really hurt-I might have hit harder than l intendsd-or whether, as believed, he had got 10 more than the drubbins he rickly de- served for his delinquencie& propped