The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-05-14

wrong-they'll soon lind 1t out. Smart men that go there stop, and work their way up. It's the rarest thing for them to be short-handed-in fact, you're in luck"
 I thanked him, of course. had meant, if he let me off, to go to Enton. But had no intention of going near the mills or getting regular work of any kind. However, I did not want to worry him by telling him that preferred my own way of living, especially as he seemed so pleased with the idea about the mills. After supper he sat down and wrote line or two to the foreman, whom he seemd to know well. As he was writing it, the clock struck three. "You will start at once," he said, "so as to be there early. You won't be able to work that day, after being up all night, but you can begin work the next day. It's important that you should apply early, before everything's filled up."
 I thanked him again, and asked him to put me on the right road. What I wanted was to get him out into the dark. He came out of the house with me, showed me which turn to take, and said good-by. Come and see me again, have much more to say to you when the right time comes." l thanked him and said good-by.
 shut, and then ran just about as hard as l could go. passed one policeman, and he tried to stop me, but I lodged him and got away. I was on the out skirts of the village then, and once past him l had a lonely country road and nothing to fear.
 You see, while was on my back I had noticed the parsons watch chain. took care not to look at it again, but I kept it in my memory. While he was saying good-by to me in the dark I got an easy chance. The parsons gold watch and chain were in my trousers pocket, and he never lad the least notion when took it. My notion was now to get to Enton about five, and take workman's train on to Waterloo.
 I chuckled to myself. He'd called me a ginger-headed scoundrel, stopped me swearing, spoiled my little game and given me thrashing, but I had the bet ter of him in the end. There was his watch and chain in my pocket, and in less than four hours should be hand. ing them over to Ike and getting three or four sovereigns for them.
 As walked along it gradually began to grow light, and somehow or other lost my spirits. I stopped chuckling; the more thought about the neat way that had scored offthat parson the less I felt inclined to laugh about that or anything else. I got angry about noth. ing. It may seem queer, but I was angry with the parson for having stood out there in the dark, close against me, and given me my chance. called him all the names l could lay my tongue to for his foolishness. Twas just as angry with myself, though, for no sensible reason. Then I began to get nervous and took fancies, thought I heard steps coming after me, and imagined there was policeman waiting to catch me behind every big tree I passed. Ididn't enjoy that walk. I wished to heaven that parson had taken me out by the scruff of my neck and handed me over to the police when he first caught me, though I don't know why I wished it. "Who wants this blooming ticker?" I said out loud, pulling it out of my pock- ct. "Strike me if I don't pitch it over the hedge and be done with it!"
 But I didn't. I pulled myself to- gether, and argued with myself. eff you can afford to throw money away" I said to myself, that's the first I've heard of it. You just plug on until you get to Enton station, and don't give way to such silliness." It's easier to argue with yourself than it is 10 make youself see the force of it. went on, but couldn't stop thinking. wished I had never comsnear the vicarage. wished I had got my shooter out and finished the parson on sight. Iwishcd l had never been born, 1 wished I was dead. The farther I went the more down-hearted I got. I had never felt anything like it before.
 At last had done my nine miles and stood outside Enton station. I stood there for about minute, and then made up my mind. "I chuck this," I said, "and take that forsalsen ticker back to the parson again."
 was as tired as dog when I got to the station; but as soon as had made up my mind that seemed to pass off. l made my way back good deal quicker than had come. The sun shone and the birds sang, and you could see we were in for rare fine day. I met some workingmen on the road, and passed good morning to them. I could have said good morning to the very policemen that had lodged few hours before. and not been afraid of him. I felt afraid of nothing, and up to fighting any man of my own weight.
 As drew near the vicarage didn't feel quite so chirpy. had nasty job before me, but made up my mind to go through with it. They told me the vicar had breakfasted early and was in his study, and would see me there.
 The vicar wos stapdinp nm ,ybon |