Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-04-07
WAYLAID.


Don't be on the road after dark with SO
much money about you.
The window was high from the
ground, and the disreputable looking
: tramp who had entered the garden
heard Mr.. StockwelIs remark, and
came to stop on the gravelled walk.
Neither Air. Stockwell nor his trusted
clerk, Chip Ferris, saw him as he half
crouched eneath the open window,
from which place their tones were
plainly audible.
Mr.. Siockwell had the largest grocery
in Lebanon, and Chip Ferris, though
only seventeen years old, was his right
hand man.
lie owned another grocery in Milldale,
thriving little village only eight miles
away. and Chip had just been directed
by him TO go over and collect the
months receipts from the man in
charge.
Tell Hanley I'll be in Milidale to see
him just as soon as can get out of the
house. said Mr.. Stockwell, who had
been overcome by his old enemy. the
rheumatism. 1--we instructed him in
the note to turn oser the collections to
you, and if any stock is needed he can
iet you know.
The man at the window did not wait
to hear more, but went noiselessly to
the gate, all thought of begging re-
moved from his mind
A companion, as ragged and vicious
looking as himself, stood waiting for
him some distance down the street.
What kept youso longS" he growled.
ANY luck?"
i shouldlsay so, was the response.
You didn't get any money, did you 2"
No, but we'tI soon have plenty if we
manage things right
And lie proceeded to confde what he
had overheard, whereat the Other
worthy's eyes glistened.
We'll, that is luck, aud no mistake,
he said IF he's only q boy, it will be
as easy. as rolling of log There he
comes now.
At that moment Chip Ferris was clos
: ing Mr.. Stock wells gate
He walked down the street In the
direction of the two men, giving them
no more than a casual glance as he
passed, by, for tramps were no rarity in
Lebanon.
Those fellows are pretty rough look
ing customers, he thought. ITS a
wonder the constable hasn't got them.
It was 3 3o'clock then, and he went to
the stable in the rear of the shop and
harnessed. the horse to light vehicle.
The drive to MilldaIe was pleasant
one, and Chip enjoyed the prospect OF it
exceedingly.
About mile from town, resting un-
der leafy tree by the roadside, were
the two tramps he had seen some time
before.
"Hellol" he said to himself ~There
are those fellows again. Iwonder whai
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, lie said uneasiIy. Such
men look evil enough to do anything.
When he reached MiIIdale he was dis
appointed to learn that Mr. Hanley had
gone into the country to look ut colt
that he had thought of purchasing
8 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 to
wait for his return, which he did with a
good deal Of impatience.
Itwas nearly six O'Clock, and the sun
was Tar down in the west when Mr..
Hanley came back, and Chip lost no
time in transacting with him the busi-
ness on which he had come.
Better stay with me to supper,
Chip, said M Hanley. -There'll be
q moon at to light you back.
No, thank you, said Chip sI don't
want to be out late with this money.
I'll just take some bread and cheese
with me.
He bade Mr. Hanley good BY. and
giving his horse the reins. was soon 60
ing at a right smart pace through Mill
dale. until the last Of the struggling
houses at its outskirts was left far be-
hind
The sun sank behind the distant blue
hills and twilight came on.
II won't be long now before it's
dark said Chip = hope WON'T meet
those tramps again. They d stop me in
. minute il they thought I had 50 much
money about ma
As the light faded he grew more nerv-
Gus, and vvish - fdea ID his head. hs