Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1897-02-10

scoWi ut the approaching soldier.
That other piece" he demanded
fiercely, "or I'll split on you, by heay-
en-"
Private Smith saw his face clearly
Tor the first time; and ut the sight his
heart stood still for an instant and
then commenced beating at madly fu
rlous and painful speed. A flash of in
tensest hatred ran through his blood,
Tor there was no longer any mystery
about the mans identity; and as he
moved out of hearing of that now well.
remembered voice he cursed himself
with the most savage fury for the folly
which had once more placed him in Inc
power of Louis Naudois.
His first belief was that, having rec
ognized him, Louis Naudois had done
this thing with the mere desire 20 bring
misfortune down upon him. When.
however, he presently recalled how al
tered IN personal appearance he had
become since that day when last he had
seen Louis Vaudois, this fear cleared
away, leaving only black hate within
his soul. SO. he decided. the giving of
the second piece would satisfy his once
friend and enemy. He had nothing to
fear or to lose beyond that. But he
was reluctant to do this; it maddened
him to think Vaudois, under even such
conditions, was able to overreach and
compel him to an act he would of his
own will leave undone.
And yet there was apparently no
other course before him than to aeeede
to the ruftian's demands. He had ar
rived at this conclusion, and with a saw
age reluctance was preparing to sub
NIT to the inevitable when thought
flashed through his mind and set his
pulses leaping with sudden hope Of
retaliation. Would Louis Vaudois be
fool enough to fall into the trap? That
was the only question.
Swiftly he made his preparations, and
then strobe firmly-yet with pulses
beating with an excitement stronger
than before-once again toward the con.
vict. As he advanced Vaudois' face
was turned toward him with fero-
ciously threatening expression.
"Box-great coat-get the lot
smart!' Private Smith jerked out
hoarsely as he passed
He marched to the end of his pa
rade, and there stood with his body
only half-turned toward the sentry
box. But out of the tail of his eye he
saw Vaudois creep stealthily in the
other direction. Almost shivering in
his excitement and eagerness. he
watched his enemy slip into the box
and, emerging therefrom moment
later, with swift movement make for
the place where he had been working.
Now was the time for Private Smith
to act. Turning to resume his march,
he made pretense of observing Vau-
dois' doings for the first time, and with
a roar of rage called upon the convict
to halt. He covered the man with his
rifle.
Halt, there.' he shouted. Hands
up, or I'll fire."
And Yaudois, speechless with amaze
ment and white with apprehension,
obeyed.
The commotion that ensued was as.
tonishing. A warder came rushing for.
ward, and number of blue jackets and
marines hurried from the Ravager In
an instant the warder had Vaudols
handcuffed, and then demanded an ex-
PLANTATION. Private Smith lowered his
rifle and went forward to where the
others were standing.
well, what's the matter?" demand
ed the warder, sharply.
Il saw that fellow coming out of my
box, that's ALL" Private Smith an
swered. My greatcoat is there
"And in the pockets
Two pieces of tobacco and half
crown"
Vaudois, after darting a glance Of
rierce rage upon the soldier, with impre-
cations upon his tongue, was takea,
struggling, to the guard-room, and, be-
ing searched, the articles named were,
surely enough, discovered upon his
person. AS Private Smith had hoped,
tne lenlpld llpl 10 take lHe SILVER piece
had been irresistible.
The soldier fellow gave them to me, y
he cried. snllenly.
But Private Smith only smiled. "Now
why should | give a convict half a.
crown?" he demanded, with quiet pro
test.
That was sufficient. The soldier
turned to depart; and as he did SO, he
bent upon the convict a sly glance and
gave dry little chuckle just after the
manner of Vaudois' own chuckling
laughter which he had initiated a
thousand times in the days long past
Vaudois started and stared. by
heavens, you are
But door closed between them, and
the soldier heard no more.
Vaudois was punished. He was
drafted to the heavy labor gangs; and
the much-desired ticket-of-leave had to
be worked for over again.
And l fear Private Smith felt more
delight at having overreached his old
enemy than compunction for the rather
tricky way h. had managed iti-Cham