Eagle River Democrat. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1893-1896, 1895-12-09

OR
THE FISHERMAN'S BRIDE.
CHAPTER XVIII.

ed at once into adense atmosphere OF
tobacco smoke, amidst which a high
piping voice seemed to have inextrica-
bly, involved itself, without hope of
regaining the owner who had amblti-
ousIy sent it forth III execution OF q
pretentious trill.
The opening of the door, with the
accompanying puff of outer air, had
the effect of bringing to a termination
what appeared to be the concluding
stave OF a sentimental ditty, 1t was
followed by an immense amount of
loud clapping, rattling of glasses and
pipe stems, in token of approval-all
was conjecture as far as the new COM
ers were concerned; for, as yet they
could see nothing.
Meghorn froWned, as these evidences
of numerous company met his ear;
he would have reiterated, and had al
ready half closed the door, when the
figure of a man doomed from out the
fog, and as he perceived who were his
visitors, came out to them hastily.
"Who are they? said Saul, gruffly,
still standing outside the door.
strangers, capt'n every one," the
landlord of the Trouble House replied,
in an undertone
They're undertakers from HERSHEY,
been to berryin of some great man
or another, and stopped here to bait
the horses-they'll be off now in a few
minutes"
The other still hesitated.
:. - There's q Jolly fre''-the landlord
went on-"and I've as prime ham
and cheese in cut-and your own
key"
4"There, there, that will do" said
Meghorn, impatiently, ~ suppose we
may as well.'
He entered, followed close by Yaw-
mans, and the two seated themselves
by a small table in the chimney nook,
which the high-backed settle screened
off from the view of the general com.
pany, though those who occupied it
had a tolerably good sight of the rest
OF the room.
Saul had decided in his own mind
the capture of the fugitives must be
made without witnesses and that he
would have to rid himself of his mate.
The undertakes continued their
festivities with an intermingling of
song and irrevelant stories.
Saul Meghorn had become very i'm
patient at the prolonged festivities
and every few minutes would give
vent to an impatient exclamation.
It growslight;" hesaid to Yawmans;
"you had best be going now. Go by
this door; it opens on the side nearest
the road you take. You understand
my pIans?" Mat assented. "You will
await me at the old cave in Deepgang,
or / shall be there before you. Any
way, all will be right See that on
board everything is ready for a mo-
ment notice"
cay, ay capt'n; I wish your honor
sdccess. !"
There's no fear Of it. So this way.
Remember"
He opened the door softly, and
watched his follower ashe sped swiftly
away in the opposite direction to
that they had come.
The dawn was spreading rapidly up
the horizon, tinging the blue skies
with violet; and the timid day, like
young queen, blushed at the prospect
of the mighty Office she was shortly to
assume.
Casting his eyes to the front Of the
house, they fell upon dark object
standing motionless before It's front
entrance.
1t was the hearse; which had taken
part in the last pageant the bad, rich
man could ever have any portion in
upon earth.
The mourning carriages had gone,
I+c ~
home the guests and friends (sad
mockery Of the sacred word! J /: and
the men in charge of the hearse had
stayed upon their journey Of some
ten miles home, to recruit themselves
and the horses.
: Those last-four splendid animals,
whose wants were sooner satisfied
than those of their masters-now
stood, carefully covered, at intervals
paving the ground, or proudly toss
ing alofb their plated names; but else
still as the brazen horse of the SOM
bre statue knight.
With amuttered curse at the tardi-
ness of these men, Meghorn returned
TO his place of concealment to await
their departure. They had ordered
fresh drink, and appeared newly set
tied down to joviality and free COM
munication.
GAS to what you say about not be-
Iieving"- unctuous voice of Chob
Laxity was saying tits neither here
nor there, If | ask what man'l do
a days work for, he tells me just his
charge, and show him the work. A
facts fact, and tell you fact" |
don't say what believe, or to ask
you to believe. | simply tell you a
fact"
"And you really mean to say that
a ghost"
II didn't say ghost, Toby"
ga spirit, suggested another: :.
s'Nor | didn't say spirit, neither"
continued Laxity, stirring on at his
grog. eff youlike, I'll just tell you
Che simple fact; judge for yourselves.
/ don't ask you to believe or no.
Toby, do be SO good as shut that
door,"
The lights were beginning to pale in
&ba chill dawn and the deem corners