Nevada County picayune., 1888-12-05

again l quickened my pace, and i'm pelled by sudden inspiration, leaped forward and into the cart.
 There, bolt upright against the front seat, sat the stolen corpse. a hat pulled down over the face, while the cloak before mentioned complete ly enveloped the rest of the figure.
 My purpose was, first, to remove the corpse, and then, having put on the cloak and hat, to take it's place and await what might happen.
 need not have hurried my task as l did, for the men took their time. When they came out at last, it was evident that they had been drinking freely inside; and 1 saw with delight as they entered the wagon that one had bottle with him to imbibe on the way. They resumed their seats, one on each side of me, and we start ed again.
 Hitherto, 1 am inclined to believe, not word had been uttered upon the road by either of my companions i; but, the alcohol doing its perilous work, they began to talk openly. l learned now that it was not their in- tention to stop in the village, but at vacant house six miles beyond; and this place was, as l further discover ed, within easy reach of my own des- tination.
 By the time we were fairly out of the village the bottle had already twice been produced, with results that greatly confirmed my hopes of the scheme l was meditating.
 My comrades, soon in the maudlin state, became silent and drowsy; and just here it was that my part began. Very gently at first, and by slow de- grees, l inclined myself more and more to one side.
 Jim, you are pushing this thing on me-" said my left-hand neighbor. "Don't lean on it so.'
 Jim, with an effort, strengthened himself and tried to sit upright. It was his turn next to complain of me, for gradually sloped my whole whight on him till he gasped for breath.
 By George, 1t is you that are showing it now, I'm almost smoth- cred! Pull up the blame thing, will you:" he cried, and don't let it slip over this side again" Denying the charge with an oath, the other leaned over, aud drew me into position. So ludicrous was it becoming to me, that, but for the stupeiied state of the rogues, l must have betrayed myself. This game, however, was not yet done, and my stakes in the issue were far too great to allow it to stop. The question was now of a second move, 
 was projecting another descent upon the left wing, when, as if to anticipate such design, the enemy hemmed me in on both Hanks; and there l sat, pinioned between the two, like handcuned prisoner.
 A nudge of both elbows at once, on the ribs of my sleeping guards, was q shock that loosened their jaw bones, and brought the cold sweat to their faces.
 "What are you up to?" each ques- toned the other in tremulous voice.
 VI didn't touch it" said Jim, in dismay.
 "'rhe deuce you didn't.' exclaim- ed the other. "Don't tell me a lie Put your hand under the cloak there, and feel if the muscles are drawn. "
 Jim meekly obeyed.
 Great Cesar!' he panted; ii the thing ain't hot
 "Hot!" l yelled, tearing the cloak apart; "You would be too, if you were in my place!"
 The two wretches cast but one look at me, and then, tumbling bodily out of the wagon, took to their heels,
 That was the last l saw of them. The coast thus clear, l seized the reins and drove rapidly on. Next morning discovered me safe at home the happy possessor of wagon and horse, the spells of the enemy Wk,. ;o |, mum who makes mems