The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1886-08-28
CHAPTER XVI.
DISCHARGED.

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Walter, in the midst of those dark
dangerous men, felt that his life was
not worth a 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 a moment; but the ques-
ton was which way could he serve
Mr.. Smallweed, the banker, best. His
common sense at once told him that
Joining the band and then betraying
them would be the surest way to save
the bankers life and property. He
would lose his life any way, and he
had better lose it to some advantage.
Those dark, fierce men, of whom there
were seven, would be sure to murder
him if he refused, and if he betray ed
them they would be doubly sure to do
so. He consented 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 Observation-Disclosures novel
list could paint them. He was silent,
and Bill spoke not word during the
drive home.
The othermembers of the gang were
worthless fellows who lived chiefly by
hunting and tramping, and spent all
their time and money in saloon at
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 Walter
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.
won't you git out an stay all
night?"
Il had better go on to Mr.. Miles to-
nights they might think it strange if l
did not come, said Walter.
That's so, Walt" said Bill. I'm
glad to see ye've got an eye to the
safety o. the band. Remember now,
NUNS the word.
81 understand" said Walter.
"The man who turns traitor must
die-that's the oath.
81 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 ye'll git wooden
suit
Walter assured him he was true, all
right, said every thing that would al
lay Bits fears, and hurried up the road
toward the farm house of Mr.. Miles. 1t
was midnight and the air was frosty.
Those autumn nights were clear and
cold. J he stars shone brightly from
the heavens, and as Walter saw them
he wondered whether he should gaze
upon them two weeks hence, or would
he fill a felon's grave?
"Why, o why, ain | so persecutedP'
he asked himself. Never before did ]
know the full force of a bad name.
Bill Martin heard that | had beer
charged with larceny at Queenstown
and supposed me suitable person fol-
this diabolical burglary burglary in
which am appointed to commit muir
der" He shuddered, and we need no
wonder. t..a
The road was cold, dark and silent
when he came to the great farmhouse
the dog barked furiouSly until hC
recognized Walter, and then with ;
Joyous whine, sprang forward to gree
him. The house was silent. Walter
found door unbolted, by which hC
entered, and going to his room retired
to bed. He slept none that night
His mind was harassed by doubts anC
fears. At one time he almost came t
the conclusion of taking Farmer Mile
into his confidence, but then, knowing
that he lacked discretion and eX
perience, he abandoned the idea. HI
finally concluded to take only the on,
man into his confidence who was tn,
most interested-that was the banke
,, Smallweed. 1t was dawn befor
, Walter slept the sleep brought on b.
/, exhaustion. He was aroused from hi
slumbers by John Miles shaking hin
by the shoulder, saying;
"See here, sir; We better git up if Y
want any breakfast. "
I Walter started up, rubbing his eye
!. and without a word arose and dresse,
p himself
"Feedins all done an breakfas
; ready" said John.
: Walter went down to the well an
= drew a bucket of cold water from il
and, though the morning air was sting
/ ing cold, proceeded to wash his fac
! and arrange his toilet in the rear yard
| "Were you at the village yesterday?
I asked Mr.. Miles, coming up to Walter
Eyes, SIR" Walter answered, an
i his eyes fell as he remembered IN wha
business he was engaged. 81 perhap
!. did wrong in going to the village with
! out your consent" o How! he wishe
5 he had not gone at all.
n at was all right the farmer n