Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1897-01-28

scOwl at the approaching soldier.
That other piece" he demanded,
fiercely, "or I'll split on you, by heay-
en-
Private Smith saw his face clearly
for the first time; and at the sight his
heart stood still for an instant and
then commenced beating at a madly fu-
rious and painful speed. A flash OF IN
tenSeSt hatred ran through his blood,
for 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 the
power of Louis Vaudois.
His first belief was that, having rec
ognized him, Louis VaudOis had done
this thing with the mere desire to 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
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. II 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 accede
to the ruffian's demands. He had ar
rived at this conclusion. and with saw
age reluctance was preparing to SUBJ
NIT to the inevitable when thought
flashed through his mind and set his
pulses leaping with sudden hope Of
retaliation. Would Louis yaudois be
fool enough to fall into the trap? That
was the only question.
Swiftly he made his preparations, and
then strobe tirmly-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 a 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
ana, emerging therefrom moment
later, with a 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
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 Naudois, speechless with amaze
ment and white with apprehension,
obeyed
The commotion that ensued was as.
toniShing. \ warder came rushing for.
ward, and number of blue jackets and
marines hurried from the Rayager. In
an instant the warder had Vaudols
handcuffed, and then demanded an ey-
PLANTATION. Private Smith lowered his
rifle and went forward to where tbe
Others We're standing.
well, what's the matter?" demand
ed the warder, sharply.
Il saw that fellow coming out of nv
box. that's ALL" Private Smith an
swered "My greatcoat is there"
And in the pockets"
Two pieces of tobacco and half
crown"
Naud"is. after darting glance Of
ncrce rage upon the soldier, with imprr.
cations rpon his tongue. was taken,
struggling. 10 the guard-room, and. be-
ing searched, the articles named were,
surely enough, discovered upon his
person. As Private Smith had hoped,
the temptation to take the silver piece
had been irresistible.
The soldier fellow gave them to me-"
he cried, sullenly.
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 sly glance and
gave dry little chuckle just after the
manner of Vaudois' own chuckling
laughter--which he had Initiated
thousand times in the days long past