Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1891-08-07
WAYLAID.

much money about you.
T~hewindow washigh from the ground,
and the disreputable looking tramp who
had entered the garden heard Mr.. Stock
wells remark and came to a stop on the
Waveled walk.
Neither Mr.. Stockweli nor his trusted
clerk. Chip Ferris. snw him as he half
crouched beneath the open window, from
which place their tones were plainly
audible.
Mr.. Stockwel had the largest grocery
in Lebanon, and Chip Ferris, though only
IT years old, was his right hand man.
Hs owned another grocery in Milldale,
y thriving little village eight miles away,
and Chip had just been directed by him
to go over and collect the months re-
ceipts from tho man in charge.
TELL Hanley III be in Milldale to see
him just as soon as l can get out Of the
house. said Mr.. Stockwel, who had been
overcome by his old remedy, the rheu-
matism. "Tve instructed him in the note
10 turn over the collections to you, and
II any stock is needed he can let you
know"
The mar Mt the window did not wait
to hear more. but went uoiselessly to She
gate, all thought Of begging removed
from his mind.
A companion, as ragged and vicious
looking as himself, stood waiting for
himsome distance down the street.
"What kept you SO longr he growled.
"Any luc6Y'
Il should say I'd" was the response.
~Yoa didn't gct my money, did your
mo, but wen soon have plenty If we
manage things right"
And he proceeded to confide what he
hadoverheard ,whereat tho other worthy's
eyes glistened.
"Well, that is luck, and no mistake, ="
10 sold. "If he's only a boy it will be as
easy as rolling of a log. There he comes
now"
At that moment Chip Ferris was clos
ing Mr.. Stockwel's gate.
He walked down the street in the di.
rection of the two men, giving them no
more than a casual glance as he passed
by, for tTamps were no rarity in Lebanon,
"Those fellows are pretty rough look
ing customers" he thought. "Itsa won
der tho constable hasn't got Them"
It was Q o'clock then, and he went to
the stable in the rear OF the shop and
harnessed the horse to a light vehicle.
The drive to Milldale was a pleasant
one, and Chip enjoyed the prospect Of It
exceedingly.
About q mile from town, resting un-
der a leafy tree by the roadside, were
th6 two tramps no had seen some time
before.
"Hellor he said to himself. There
are those fellows again. wonder what
they're up to now"
He passed by in a cloud Of dust, and,
looking back, saw that an animated con-
versation had suddenly sprung up be
tween the two.
Somehow Chip got it into his head that
they were talking about him.
"They can't know about the money,
of course" he said, %uneasily. 'Such
men look evil enough to do anything. u
When he reached Milldale he was dis
appointed 60 learn that Mr.. Hanley had
gone into the country to look at a coli
that he thought Of purchasing.
The money was locked up in the safe
and he had the key with him, so that
there was nothing for Chip to do but tc
wait for his return. which he did with a
good deal Of impatience.
It was nearly G o'clock and the sun
was fgr down ia the west when Mr.
Hanley came back, end Chip lost nc
time in transacisng with him tho bust
uAn. 49,, ru~Itnn Ia. F4a aa~arr
Better stay with me TO supper, Chip
said Mr.. Hanley. ''rhercu be a moon
at 8 to light you back
mo. thank You" seid Cfip, ~ DOM
want to be out late with this money.
I'd just take some bread and cheese will
me-"
He babe Mr. unnley gOod-by, and,
giving his horse the reins, was soog
going at a smart pace through Milldale
until the last Of tho struggling houses al
its outskirts was left far behind.
The sun sank behind the distant blue
hills and twilight carae OF
sit won't be long now before it's dark, >
said Chip. u hope / WON'T meet those
tramps again. They'd stop me in a min.
uteif they thought had o. much money
abont me
As tho light faded he grew more uory.
Gus. and, with an idea ia his head, be
refined in the horse 90 carry it cut, lrsl
looking around TO satisfy himself that
no ono was In sight.
IN bis pocket was a copy Of the village
paper, which he carefully tore into strip.
the zize Of bank notes.
Hs selected from tie roll Of notes Mr.,
Hauley had given him four Of the lcasI
valuable ana wrapped them around Oh,
strips. placing them 10 his p~ofketbook.
Tile money he bid in,OEe Of bis shoes
Perhaps Tia over cautious ha tolo
himself. with O smile. Those met
hag0 likely enough taken another road
but II they should try TO rob me this DO
gus roll mny fool them."
He was half way home when DO camI
.."" go NaHHHH""ne