The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-10-01
CHAPTER XVI
DISCHARGED.

Walter. in the midst OF those dark
dangerous men. felt that his life was
not worth moments purchase. The
lonely cabin was in the deepest, gloom
lest recesses of the forest, and the men
whose trade was blood were grouped
about him. He did not consider his
own safety for moment: but the ques-
ton was which way could he serve
Mr.. Smallwecd. the banker. best. His
common sense ut once told him that
joining the hand and then betraying
them would be the surest way to save
the bankers life and property. He
would lose his life any wav. and he
had better lose it TO some advantage.
Those dark, fierce men, Of whom there
We're seven, would be sure to murder
him if he refused. and if he betrayed
them they would be doubly sure to do.
so. He con sented to aid them. and
apparently entered into their plan with
considerable zeal.
When the meeting broke up. and
Walter once more took his place on the
wagon seat by Bill Martin. he could
scarcely believe himself awake: could
it be that he had identified himself
with band of burglars and murder
ers? He had read of such people and
such organizations. but supposed they
existed only in the Imagination of some
author. Here he had met a real band
of outlaws, more terrible and danger
Gus than the blood-and-thunder novel
ist could paint them. He was silent,
and Bill spoke not word during the
drive home.
The other members of the gang were
wo6thlesS fellows who lived chiefly by
hunting aud tramping, and spent all
their time and money in \ saloon ut
Bushville- Jack Hawkins was the
leader and the brain power of the
gang. Never had Walter dreamed
that Jack could be so cruel, as he
looked on that night when he held the
sharp point of his knife over Walters
heart, and swore that if he ever proved
false to them he would drive it to the
hilt.
1t was late when Bill Martin drove
up to the farm of Jack Hawkins
Wont YOU git out an stay all
night?"
Il had better 60 on to Mr.. Miles to-
night, they might think it strange if l
did not come" said Walter.
That's so, Walt" said Bill. "rm
glad to see we've got an eye to the
safety o the band. Remember now,
NUNS the word"
Il understand" said Walter.
1.-The man who turns traitor must
the oath"
II understand it, Bill"
Remember that Wednesday night
we meet to make grand haul Help
me an We kin buy ole Miles an his gal,
too; fail US an yell git wooden
suit"
Walter assured him he was true. all
right, said every thing that would al
lay Bills fears, and hurried up the road
toward the farmhouse of MIR. Miles. 1t
was midnight and the air was frosty.
Those autumn nights were clear and
cold. The stars shOne brightly from
the heavens, and as Walter saw them
be wondered whether he should gaze
upon them two weeks hence, or would
be fill felon's grave?
why. o why, am so persecuted?'
ne asked himself. Never before did
Know the full force of q bad name.
Bill Martin heard that l had been
charged with larceny at Queenstown.
md supposed me q suitsble. person for !
his diabolical burglary burglary in
which / am appointed to commit muir |
Her." He shuddered, and we need not
wonder.
The road was cold, dark and silent;
when he came to the great farmhouse,
he dog barked furiously until he |
Walter, and then with q |
oyous whine, sprang forward to greet |
him. The house was silent Walter |
ound door unbolted, by which he |
and going to his room retired
20 bed. He slept none that night !
His mind was harassed by doubts and |
ears At one time he almost came to |
he conclusion of taking Farmer Miles |
INTO his confidence, but then, knowing |
hat he lacked discretion and ex-
,erience, he abandoned the idea He |
inaliy concluded to take only the one /
nan into his confidence who was the |
most interested-that Was the banker |
Smailweed 1t was dawn before