The Washington times., 1894-08-19
not at all used to. Who is this disreputabl

not at all used to. Who is this disreputable
person, wonder?''
At last John. recovering himself, and wip-
| ing the tears from his eyes with the back OF
his hand, proceeded to business.
Lifting the efigy of Mrs. Higginbotham-
which proved on inspection to be pillow
| dressed up for the occasion-from the gig, he
hid away amongst the branches of the trees.
| and then proceeded to adorn his own person
| with the black dress, cloak, bonnet, and veil
he had previously taken from the dummy.
| He then clambered into the gig and waited
with much wondermeat to see what would
happen next.
He must have sat there fully half an hour
with his eyes fixed steadily upon the house.
| until cold and want OF rest combined made
| him ''that drowsy-like," as he afterward ex-
| pressed it, that it was all he could do to man
| age to keep himself from dropping to sleep,
when the pony, pricking up his ears and
| giving slight whinny, at once brought the
| old river-keeper to attention.
A sound, too. at the same time, as of a
gentle closing of door, and a slight foot
| step on the carriage drive, made him aware
| that his man was not far of.
He chuckled grimly to himself when he
| thought of the gentle shock his enemy would
experience when he revealed his presence to
| him.
Another second and the immaculate Mr.
Higg1nbotham stood before him, large and
well-filled black bag in his hand. Taking of
the Grape mask that adorned his classic feat
ures, he stuffed the bag under the seat, took
the reins, jumped into his place beside his
dear wife. and with "Cut-along. Bingor' to
the pony, drove rapidly off into the darkness
of the night.
John Scragg. holding his breath at his side,
wondered how his highly respectable compan-
ion would get on at the lodge, which he must
pass in order to get into the high road>a
mystery. however, which was quickly solved
when they reached the obstacle in question,
by Mr.. Hisginbotham coolly dismouLting
from the vehicle and opening the gate with a
private key which he produced from his
pocket.
He then led the pony through. and, having
closed the gate quietly behind him, once more
jumped up to his seat and drove quickly oil.
Now John was quite aware of the fact that on
his way 20 Alma Cottage it was necessary for
Mr.. Higginbotham to pass the police-station;
and the plan OF action that he had formed in
his own mind WIS, unless discovered before,
to lay hold of that gentleman whom they ar
rived opposite to it, and call loudly for help.
He was just preparing for his spring, and
had actually opened his month for shout,
when, to his surprise, his companion began to
slacken his pace of his own accord. A second
later, and he had pulled up in order to ex-
change pleasant "Good-night,' with his
friend the inspector, who was standing talk
ing to a mounted patrol outside the station
house.
'well, Mr.. Higginbotham. how are you,
sir?' inquired that jolly parsonage Late
again. as usual. Been taking your good lady
out fer drive. eh? What a good man you
are Pom my word, don't know your equal
certainly not in Slumberford! And how is
Mrs H.?
| "Hope I SEQ you well. ma'am?" said the 20,