The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-09-22

ground-tWo men, one a big hulking
fellow with a dark, unshaven face,
the other a nondescript OF middle
height and no particular color. Tom
recognized them both-old acquain-
tances of his vagrant days and a.
brace Of thorough-going rascals.
Hullo!" cried Tom.
"Bless me" said the big fellow, 'tif
it amt old SWeepy, and looking
quite respectable too! Got q good lob
on, old pal?"
Yes; I've turned groom"
"Lor' now, to think OF that! Old
Sweepy turned groom! And looks
quite reformed, don't he? Well, it is
pleasant meeting old friends when
they're getting up in the world. And
where are you hanging out now?'
"At that big house this side Of the
village"
"Mr. Willoughby's! I know him;
fond OF his glass, and don't mind tip
ping poor fellow shilling when he's
on g. bit. He's q gentleman, he is!
What are you going to dc with that
"Fetch up that horse for Mr.. Will
loughby to look att
"Ta.ta, then, for the present. We
shall be at the village in tonight.
Perhaps you'll drop in and stand us
glass for old times, Sweepy, won't
yer?" ... g.. ~. r..
. "No, I can't. Pm just off with Mr..
7W " i'll and shan't be home till
"Going out for the hevening, I sup
pose? Got yer dress suit in the con-
weyance, and too proud to look at old
mates?" ..-.
"Shut up your foolery. We are 60
ing to Mr.. Ferguson's; I'm only driv
ing
"Mr. Ferguson's? I've heard tell of
him. A great card-playing gent.
You'll haYe the cards out tonight, I
reckon"
"Likely enough"
"And what time will you be coming
'ome, if may ask the question:"
A cold shiver ran down TOMS back
as he discerned the blackguard's
thought.
"Not till daylight, I should think.
Goodbye"
"Good-bye!" cried the two rascals,
initiating Toms voice, and then roll
ing on the grass with loud outlaws.
"Did hear voices?" said Mr.. Will
loughby, when Tom had brought
Lightning up to the gate
Eyes, sir; a couple OF tramps chatting
me a Bit"
They drove on to Mr.. Ferguson's;
here master and man separated, one
going to the dining-room, the other to
the saddle-room. There were other
grooms there beside Tom, and they
made merry together; supper was
provided for them in the kitchen, and
unlimited beer. Tom was in great re-
quest; his stories, his songs and his
straightforward ways had longrender.
ed him a favorite. Retiring once
more to the saddle-room, the men
talked and smoked. Then one by one
they succumbed to sleep. At last
Tom was left the only one awake; he
was thinking of his master What
did this long stay mean? Was he
winning, Or had he, yielded. to the
seduction of the game and fingered on
though losing? In the middle OF his
specuaations he fell into doze. -.
Hullo' Sampler, Mr.. Willoughby
wants his trap. It's 2 o'clock; they're
all going"
Tom got his horse in and drove
round to the front. There was his
master talking excitedly among the
other guests; they helped him up into
the dog-cart, and then with many
goodnights sped him on his way.
When they had got out of the ave-
nue. and on the high road, Willoughby
turned to Tom.
'Tve done it," he said; "I've won
the money, e54O; here it is in my
pocket, most OF it in notes. No more
cards, Tom I swear" ! 49,.
He reached out his hand to Tom,
and their fingers closed in a grip that
meant more than words. The moon
light, escaping from cloud, fell full on
Toms face; it was radiant with hap
piness.
"Lord, how he must love mel"
thought Willoughby. ..
''Do you carry a pistol master?"
said Tom.
"No, Why"
II think it don't be safe without
one, when you have all that money,
sir" - 49,.
"Bosh?' and he breathed in great
draughts of fresh night air.
They were now nearing a gate.
Tom gave up the reins to his master,
and got down to open the gate; he
was no sooner on the ground than
he saw two figures behind the hedge.
He knew them at once-tbe men he
had met in the Bent Garth. With a.
swift rush he made for the gate and
fungit open.
"Come on, sir! Quick" he cried.
And as the cart came up to
him he gave a loud yell, and struck
the terrified mare on her launches.
She bounded forward, swered, and
then bolted down the road.
"Drive for your life, sir" shouted
Tom, "drive like heh!"
The big rufian, of whom Willough-
by just caught a glimpse, darted for
ward and made a grab at the foot
board OF the dog-cart. He held it q
second, and was tnen whiried away on
the grass by the roadside. He rose
unhurt, and, after picking up some