The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-07-13
SURPRISED THEM.

"That must be the place 1t answers
the description they gave me. If he
doesn't read me at the first opening, then
I'll feel pretty safe despite the old gentle
mans crusty temper"
Tho traveller rode up to the farmhouse
his eyes fixed upon man who stood in
the doorway.
Good morning, SIR" called out the
young man as the other made no move
mcnt. 81 presume this is where Mr.. Mer-
| rill livcsY'
"Ho does on Sunday. Rest of the week
| Uncle Lie runs the place. EFF you want
to see me, you'd better light out an hitch.
Suppcr's jest ready, an l don't wait for no
man." And so speaking the farmer turned
his broad back and disappeared within the
house.
| The subducd chatter Of knives and forks
met the travellers ear, and through the
| long hall there came an appetizing odor of
hot food.
His hesitation was brief. A long ride
had made him hungry, and literally fol-
! lowing his nose he stalked into the dining
room.
"Sit down an. cat" mumbled Uncle
Lie, his mouth full. 1--WE was spectin you"
There must be some mistake, Mr. -
''Ef they is, l hain't made it. Eff you're
hungry, Cat eff not, sit by ontel l amt"
growled the farmer.
The farmers wife, two sons and a
daughter were present, but only one of
these won much attention from the trav-
eler, and before that silent meal was end
cd he caught himself acknowledging that
| hn loH I,l,
! graceful girl than rosy checked, bright
eyed, curly headed Maria Merrill
Jim" said Uncle Lie, at length arts
ing, you go put up the strangers boss,
Mari, you go fetch the doin's in th'other
room, an you, stranger, come along o.
me "
The young man obCyed
In few moments Maria followed them,
! bearing pipes, homemade tobacco, glasses
and II bottle of whisky.
Placing these upon the table, she quick
| ~ vanished.
stop thar" exclaimed Uncle Life in
/ his deep, cchoing voice us the stranger was
about to speak, ard pouring out glass of
whisky he pushed it forward. Drink
that; then take a smoke. Well lock to
business a'terward"
"Ill smoke with pleasure, but seldom
lrink"-
81 reckon you'd better drink, stranger"
and Uncle Lie slowly arose from his
chair-''ef l ak it as u favor"
THAT'S another thing" hastily replied
the traveller, swallowing the liquor, though
it brought tears to his eyes.
Good enough. Now set down an have
a smoke. l won't have one word ontel
you've did as l say" With a faint smile
the traveller obeyod the peremptory COM
mand of his eccentric host, and the twain
sat blowing cloud in perfect silence.
! Quietly Mrs. Merrill and her three children
entered the room and took seats. Then
emptyng the ashes from bis exhausted
| pipe Uncle Lie spoke: "Now, stranger,
we kin talk business. Who air you, an what
you want O. me or mine?''
I'm n drOyer looking for cattle.
heard you had some to dispose of and
came here to see if we could make u bar
gain" was the prompt reply.
Eyes, l hearn you was likely to come
this way, an so, as mobile you noticed
we was sortcr on the lookout fer you. I've
got the cattle, an I'm always ready fer a
trade eff the farms suit. But fust-you
had n good supper-all you wanted to eat?'
Certainly, and / am ready to-
Il don't doubt it mite, stranger, but
| Jesu hoi up u Dit. lnaG was SOOu WHISKY
an pretty far tobacco, scein l raised it,
eh? An we've treated you like gentle
man, hain't we? jest so. WAL, that was
all fer the fellow you said you was, AN
here's for the pizen critter you be-"
As he spoke Uncle Lie Strengthened out
| his arm, with a huge fist at the end Of it,
and the droN er lay quivering in the oppo-
site corner Oh the room, knocked senseless,
and in minute or two more he was bound
hand and foot.
AS he tried to remember what had hap
pened he heard the sharp explosion of a
rifle, followed by another and another,
mingled with wild cries and yclls of pain.
This lasted several minutes, after which
came silence.
The door opened and bright light
! flashed in upon the prisoner as Uncle Lie
entered, accompanied by Maria, bearing a
candle
you've woke up, hey?" he said, with
harsh laugh, bending over the young man.
I'm right glad o. that, fer it'll save me
trouble. Now your legs is free. Git up
an travel
"Not unless you tell me what you
mean
Jest as you say" And he tossed the
prisoner upon his shoulder and passed
| eiihobeah viz upOh lIt pluZZt.
Now, then stan thar" he added, lower
ing the young man to his feet. Don't
try none O. your tricks, or you'll fare the
| wuss."
Two men lay dead across the doorstep
| Two others, their garments torn and blood
stained, were lying upon the ground bound
and helpless, while little Tom, the youn-
gest son, crouched between them, cooked
| revolver in his hand.
You don't pear to like the way your
speculation's turned out, +" laughed Uncle
Life. ''Nevcr mind Thar's two on 'em
wonderful be able to keep you company in
pulling hemp soon as the neighbors git
here"
GOOD heavens! You don't think was
in league with those menf' cried the
young man as a sudden light burst upon
his head. And that's why-Uncle Lie,
I'm Will Cook, your nephew, son of Aunt
Nancy's brother Feel in my breast pocket
I've got letters for you, only l thought l