Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1890-09-03

some were engaged IN tine process OF hiil-
ing coin. In moment the whole truth
burst upon me. Here was the gang OF
was in search OF, and the
landlord and his wife evidently belonged
TO the same band, for in one corner per-
ceived them employed, the man polishing
off some some half dollar pieces just turned
from the molds, while the woman was
packing the finished coins into rolls.
had seen enough, and was about to re-
turn 10 my apartment again when sudden
ly felt heavy band placed on my should
err, and turning my head round, to my hor-
ror found myself in the grasp of as Ill look
ing a scoundrel as ever escaped the gall
lows.
what are you doing here, my good fell
lowsn he exclaimed in gruff voice, giving
me shake.
Taking a stroll by moonlight" re-
piled, endeavoring to maintain my pres
ence Of mind.
"well, perhaps you'll just take a stroll
In here, will your" returned the ruffian,
pushing open the door and dragging me
In after him.
All the inmates Of the barn Immediately
stopped work, and rushed toward us when
they saw me.
"why, what's this'" they all exclaimed.
"a loafer found peeping outside" said
the man who had captured me.
Hes traveller that came to the tavern
tonight and asked for lodgings; the last
time saw him he was safe in bed" said
the landlord.
The men withdrew TO corner of the
apartment, leaving one to keep guard over
me- soon saw they were in earnest con-
siltation, and they were evidently debat-
ing some important question. The man
keeping guard over me said nothing, but
scowled fiercely. / had not uttered sim
gle word during all the time l had been in
the barn. l was aware that whatever |
might say would in all probability ouly do
more harm than good, and it has always
been maxim of mine TO hold my tongue
when in doubt. At last the discussion
seemed to be settled, for the blacklist and
dirtiest of the whole came forw ard, and
without any introduction exclaimed:
II say, stranger, look here-you must
diei'
l did not move muscle, nor utter q
word.
"You have found out our secret, and dead
men tell no tales"
l was still silent.
"We give you ten minutes to say your
prayers, and also allow you the privilege
Of saying whether you will be hanged or
shot"
Suddenly an idea struck me. remem-
bered something that might save my life.
burst into violent fit of laughter, in fact
il was hysterical, but they did not know
that. They looked from one to the Other
in the greatest amazement.
"well, he takes it mighty cool, anyhow
said one.
II suppose he don't think we are in ear
nest" said another.
Come, stranger, you had better say you'll
prayers" said the man who had frs
spoken; "time flies"
NV only reply was a fit Of laughter NOR,
violent than the.hrst.
THE mans madi' they exclaimed
'sOr drunk" said some
"Well, boys cried, speaking for thu
first time, this is the best joke I ever seed
What, hang pals"
"a pal-you palr'
81 amt nothing else" was my elegan
rejoinder.
Whats you name"
ibid you ever hear Of Ned Willett"
asked.
you may be certain Of that. Amt h
at the head Of our professions"
"well, then, I'm Ned Willett."
"You Ned Willetti" they all exclaimed
"You may bet your life on that" l n
turned, staggering up to the corner wher
had seen the old woman counting an
packing the counterfeit half dollars.
Fortune favored me. None Of the me
present had ever seen Ned Willett, a
though his reputation was well known
them, and my staggering, insolent maj
ner had somewhat thrown them of thei
guard, yet could plainly see that all the
doubts were not removed.
"And you call these things well done, d
yous' | asked, taking up a roll Of I'll
, money. "Well, all can say is that IL 20
can't do better than this you had bett'
shut up shop, that's all"
''Can you show us anything betteri
, asked one of the men.
, Il rather think can. II couldn't
, go and hang myself"
, Lets see it, they all cried.
r This was my last coup, and one ON whis
: I knew my life depended.
I "Iookee here, gentlemen" exclaime
taking one of the counterfeit half della
= from my pocket which had been rejects
at the bank, "here is my last job; what ,
!, You think Of its"
a II was passed from hand TO hand, son
. saying it was no counterfeit at all, othe
r saying that ii was.
Q GLOW will you prove it Is acounterfeit
A asker one Of the men.
!. "By weighing it with genuine one
e replied.
This plan was Immediately adopted Al
a its character proved.
n perhaps he got this by ACCIDENT"
/ heard one Of the men whisper to anoth'
a "Try these" said l, taking the other u
e from my pocket.
II AL their doubts now vanished.
h "Beautifull'' exclaimed some. "Splt
IL didr' said others.
Z When they had examined it TO their s
,e isfaction they all Of them cordially sho
'. me by the. hand, every particle Of dou
n. having vanished.from their minds. c
n RED out my part we'll. Some questie
10 were occasionally asked me involving sol
In of the techniealities of the business; the
d however, avoided By stating that / "
re on q journey Of pleasure and would mu
he rather drink a glass Of whisky than
swer questions. The whisky was produ'
,e and we made night of It, and 1t was !
=: until manning had davned that we ee