Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-04-25
CHAPTER xI.
Mr.. Ntcksey ENJOYS himself.


Nicksey's stamp-a reckless villain. q
daring robber-was. as will very easily
be judged. most painful to Noel Bar
rington.
Fortunately the person whom Nick
sey-for Nicksey only was he still to
Emmeline. and her true friend-had
now plundered would not dare to be
come his prosecutor; and before his
present booty should be gone, and he
was driven again to plumber some one
who would not. like Mrs. Chesterton,
be compelled to silence, Noel had good
hope that he would be entirely done
with the ruffian at present so neceS-
sary to Emmeline and himself.
That the proof of the crime which he
needed had been in that pocket-book,
with the notes which Nicksey had 81
daringly stolen, Mrs. Chesterton's
agony and terror after the robbery hal
well convinced him.
The loss of a mere sum of money. he
reasoned. would not so have afflicted
her.
And he reasoned rightly; although, OF
course. he knew not that the money
which Nicksey had stolen had been the
whole of Mrs. CheSterton's wealth.
ludt lNOel SuOuiu ste AN1ShSSy tlSoit'
while all which that worthy had taken
from the pocket-book was still intact
In his hand, was of very vital import
ance.
An hour after the robbery Darlington
had quilted Mrs. Chesterton's house.
hurrying, with all the speed Of which
the horses. harnessed to Jonas Jarvis
numbering hackney coach, were capa-
BILE. to Mr.. Nicksey's very far from
elegant abode. in very far from fash
ionable neighborhood.
Mr.. Nicksey had not returned.
Noel fingered near the house through
half the night. but still Mr.. Nicksey
came not to his home.
Three or four hours devoted to sleep.
and Darlington was again at Nicks " $
door; but even then the gentleman
had not returned.
Jonas Jarvis was directed to drive his
fare to within four or five doors OF
the "Sprat and Gridiron."
Having entered the place of bad Cha
acters, and equally bad liquors, Noel
found there a crowded and very III
toxicated company, amongst whom.
however. was not Mr.. Nicksey.
AS that gentleman's friend, Barring
ton found himself very warmly WEI
coined by an assemblage rather LII
merous. but not at all respectable
Nicksey had been there, Noel was
told, through nearly the whole night
How vexed was our Commercial maa
that he had not sooner thought of til
"Sprat and Gridiron." Yes. NicSse:
had been there. with plenty of money,
and had behaved to his friends with
the utmost liberality; and, as he ha,.
said, needing little fresh air, had lnf:
them with the intention of going to
another public-hOuSe. and to Il fItS...
set of friends
Noel was told where Nicksey NIGH.
then, and in all probability for several
hours afterward, be found.
Darlington had promised that early
In the morning he would be with Err.
incline, to report progress.
He knew how great would be her
anxiety; and besides, he had important
tidings to reveal to her.
So next toward Emmelines dwelling
ratified Jonas Jarvis ponderous vehicle.
And when she had all that Noel had
to tell her. Emmeline insisted on ac-
companying him in his search for Nick
sey.
Closely muftled. she took her seat be-
side Noel in the hackncy-coach
When they arrived at the public
house to which harrington rad bee, d.
rected, Nicksey had been gone from
there about five minutes, he was told.
And after that the fellow appeared
to grow more and more restless in his
wanderings; for in the course of the
next two hours those in search of Nick
sey traced him through at least a dozen
taverns. to overtake him at no one of
them.
Evening was approaching when at
last Nicksey was fairly hunted down
by those who had been SO long in his
pursuit.
Alighting from Jonas Jarvis carriage.
in which he left Emmeline seated. be-
fore the door of the tavern to which
Nicksey had been traced, Noel entered
the house and had no need to ask il
the man he was seeking was there TO.
although he saw him not, he very plain
ly heard him.
Nlcksey was somewhere ON the prem
Uses, and shouting and screeching with
all his might
Noel, opening a door, and looking
-~~N - A5S AoOAAA, 90 w ANIChSty SlduN-
ing on strong and common deal ia
BILE, swaying about in way that prom
Used him every moment tumble to
the floor, and shouting wildly as we
have already said, and in state almost
of drunken frenzy.
At least score of men-laZy, drunk
en- loungers about public-houses
around him and laughing and cncoln'-
aging him with their cries and with thu
clapping of their hands.
AS Noel locked into the room his nee
essary but disreputable acquaintance
was holding in his hand E2D note,
which he was waving above the heads
OF the people surrounding the table on
to which they had hoisted him.
Widely were all eyes opened, greedy
were the looks fixed on that bank note;
and not man of them whose fingers
were not twitching with eagerness tn
clutch it,
Gentlemen" Nicksey was shouting
drink as much as you want, and us
much more as you like. have just
come into my property, and shan't con
descend to accept any change from this
tlimsy; all Of it has to be swallowed
so set to work, gentlemen"