The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1889-03-01
CHAPTEl, VI
DISCHARGED.


Walter. in the midst Of those dark
dangerous men, fc.t tIat his lie was
not worth Il moments purchase. Ine
lonely cabin was in the deepest, gloom
lest recess = of the forest. and the men
whose tr,de was blood were grouped
a;out him. He did not consider his
own safety for n moment; but the ques-
ton was which way could he serve
Mr.. Smallwccd, the banker, best. His
common sense at once told him that
Joining the Land and then bctraying
them would be- the surcst way To save
the bankers lie aud property. He
would lose his If any way. and he
had better los, it TO some advantage.
Those dark, fierce men, Of whom there
were scN en-, would be sure to murder
him if he refused, and if he betrayed
them they would be doubly sure to do
so. H. 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 s'@t by Bill Martin. he could
scarcely believe himself awake; could
it bc 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 Il real band
of outlaws, more terrible and danger
Gus than the blood-and- thunder novel
ist could paint them. lie was silent,
and Bill spoke not word during the
drive home
The other members of the gang were
worthless fellows who lived chiefly 10y
hunting and tramping, and spent all
their time and money in saloon ut
Bushyillc Jack Hawkins was the
leader and the brain power OF the
gang. Never had Waiter dreamed
that Jack could bc 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 il To the
hilt.
1t was late when Bill Martin drove
up To the farm of Jack Hawkins.
Won You git out an stay all
nightP'
Il had better go on to Mr.. Miles to-
night, they might think it strange if |
ull libl Nblllt. Sill W ulltI.
That's SO, Walt, said Bill. I'm
glad To see yc'vc got IN eye TO the
safety q the band. Remember now.
mum the word.
II understand" said Walter
"Thc man who turns traitor must
di"-that's the oath.
IL understand it. Bill"
"Rcmcmbcr that Wednesday night
we meet to make u grand haul. Help
me an " Kin buy ole Miles AN his gal.
too; fail us an ycll git II wooden
suit.
Walter assured him he was true, all
right, said every thing that would al-
lay Bill ; fears, and hurried up the road
toward the farmhouse Of MIR. Mics. Ii
was midnight and the air was frosty.
Those autumn nights were clear and
cold. he stars shonc brightly from
the heavens. and rs Walter saw them
he wondered whether he should gaze
upon them two weeks hence, or would
he till f,lon grave?
"Why. q why. am so pcrSecutcd9'
he asked himself. Never before did
know the full force of bad name.
| Bill Martin heard that | had been
I NaiNi ENh WIN AhlN'llN ~ NN''''AiNAN'hs W.
and supposed me suitable p 'rson for
this diabolical burglary burglary in
which am appointed t. commit muir
der He shuddcrcd, and we need not
wonder.
The roaS was cold, dark ami silent;
when he came to the great farmhouse.
the dog barkcd furiously until he
recognized Walter. and then with n
| joyous whine. sprang forward to greet
| him. The house was silent. Walter
found door unboltcd. by which he
entered. and going to his room retired
10 bed. lie slept none that night
| His mind was harasscd by doubts and
fears. At one time he almost came To
the conclusion of taking Farmer Miles
into his confidence. bat then. knowing
that h. lacked discretion and eN-
| pcricnce. he abandoned the idea. lie
finally concluded To take only the one
man into his confidence who was tho
J most int rcsted-thlt was the banker