The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1886-09-04
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE PLOT OF KNAvEs.

CNCllCluCHJ ONCl lHG dIJtIu Jl6u IODD6Iy
of the Californian. Almost every man
began to distrust his neighbor, and the
rumor was on the air of an overwhelm-
ing force of outlaws who had in con-
temptation the burning and slcking of
Bushville. Many a kind-hearted, we'll
meaning farmer took the banker to
one side, and, with knowing shake
of his head, told him to be on the look
out. These rumors, of course, came
from nowhere, and could be traced
to no reality. The banker always
smiled assuringly, as was his habit, and
told them to not have the least bit of
fear on his account.
Walter BroWnield was not in the
employ of the banker six hours before
the news spread like wild fire all along
the Flat. 1t was received by some with
suspicion. Some regarded it as very
indiscreet on the part of Mr.. Small
weed.
"Smallweod knows what he is do
ing" was the reply of the older men.
"Old Miles was just a little hasty in
discharging his hand, and l reckon the
young fellow is better suited, any way,
for Il bank clerk instead of farm
hand
MI Miles heard the news on the
Monday Walter entered on his duty as
clerk, and the emotions it aroused were
various and conflicting. At one mo-
ment he was blaming himself for his
rashness in doing what might have
been lasting injury to the youth; at
the next was trembling with horror for
! the banker
/ 'What on earth can Smallweed
mean?" he asked himself. He surely
don't know that Walter is suspected,
yes, known to be a highwayman. Well,
| I'm going to town next Thursday to
take Mr.. Brown in, and I'll Just call on
Mr.. Smaliweed and tell him all about
the boy. | don't want to do Walter
any harm, but must do my duty as a
good citizen"
Bill Martin heard the news and hur-
ried to convey it to Jack Hawkins.
Together they chuckled in their glee to
think that the new pal was gettin' in
his work so nice"
Walter went carefully about his du-
ties, yet grew somewhat nervous as
the fatal day drew near. He and Mr..
| Smallweed had secret interviews with
the sheriff, in which every thing was
revealed in such a straightforward
manner that both the sheriff and the
banker were compelled to believe that
the youth was in earnest Walter at
times felt a twinge of conscience. Was
it right to betray even a robber? He
was in, no sense Il traitor, rs he had
never had their cause at heart. At
most he was but spy, and one upon
whom circumstances had forced the
arduous task.
Il 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 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
Brownfeld as he trudged along the
road were gloomy. But forty-eight
hours would elapSe when the false
. mask he had worn would be thrown
aside forever. Perhaps a shroud anc
a coffin would be assumed in its place
Would the public indorse his act, anC
would he be once more accepted in so
cictv? He was cast out without hi
! fault; branded rs a thief and swindlcl
, bv Joe Brewster, for an offcnse h,
! never committed, Sometimes h,
A., thought that he would not have beer
: to blame had he gone in with the rob
, bers in earnest, and shared thei
profits; then the face of his dea,
, mother, and the lessons of honesty sh
:. had taught him on her knees, arose be
fore him, and he drove all such thing
, from his mind.
God forgive me and aid mel" h
calculated. 81 need Thy strength nov
more than ever before in my life"
He reached Jack Hawkins nous
/ and found the villain rejoiced to NEE
n him. At dark Bill Martin and JAG
n harnesscd up the team to the wagon
g and the three getting in drove to tn
LOG hut Here they met five other ru
a fans, and all went in.
|, Light candle Bill" said Jacl
is 'an' We, Tom Chamberlin, stand guar
IS outside. Now keep yer eyes and eal
y open.
e Il viii, Capt'in,' said Tom, a tai
burly looking fellow, whom Waite
J. had seen several times about Bushvil
e and the Flat. He was never known
d work, but spent most of his time drinl
ing mean whisky and playing cards
d the village.
Walter gazed around over the vi
d famous crowd, meeting their cold mu
is derous eyes, and his heart sank With