Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1899-12-28
JACOB COPIES
49, NEW FRIEND

The old Kensington railway station
was wrapped in gloom. 1t was mid
night, and the occasional gas Jets sim
ply seemed to bewilder the few passen-
gers who were unfortunate enough to
reach Philadelphia by this late train.
The public carriages rolled sleepily
away, and the street cars had not yet
closely approached the building.
Great brick boiler works darkened
the narrow streets down which sturdy
foot traveller made rapid progress on his
homeward way.
He was well in the shadow and sup
posed himself to be alone in the square,
when he caught the sound of stealthy
steps close in his rear. He paid but lit
tie attention until quite convinced that
the person intended following him, and
before coming to decision he tried va
rious devices. He paused at corner
where lamp-post stood, and the mys-
FERROUS walker paused also, at precisely
the distance to avoid being seen. He
walked fast; the steps grew quick. He
crossed the street, and presently waa
aware that the footballs were on the
same side. Finally accepting the sit
uation, the gentleman stopped in the
shadow and awaited his pursuer.
For moment no one appeared; then
a figure crept cautiously onward, and
was arrested by the voice of the person
just in advance. It was gentle voice
and belonged to the outline of tall
mail, somewhat beyond middle life. He
wore a broad brimmed hat of gray
beaver and carried stout cane with ar
ivory top. These, details came slowly tc
the knowledge of the stealthy follower
as his eye grew accustomed to the din
.light. ~
Il 1"Would thee like to join me?" r" =
:, Had bullet passed beside his cheel
the queer fellow could not have beer
more astonished. He, too, wore ode
garments, but they were of another
class, and at this calm question he stag
gered and withdrew little.
q do not fear" the speaker contin
ued; 81 have no intent to harm thee
and should thy way lie in the same di
rection as mine own, it might be VIZ
should both be more comfortable to joir
our steps, ..,...-. .E.t .....
There was no answer, but jacob
Cope's strong eyes detected the marks
of the prisoner. He turned back pace
or two. ga ,a .. sar
II assure thee shall do thee o harm
It is very chill; I wish thee would come
on directly"
There was slight sound as Of an I'M
certain motion; then, as the Friend
turned to meet his pursuer, sudden
determination seemed to overcome al
scruples and the man walked on. His
posture was always STOPPING, his eye:
strained, as though by much intent
watching, and, as they neared eact
other, Jacob saw that one hand was
closed over rough stone.
"Thee is thinly clad for this weather.
He got no reply, but, keeping steI
with his companion, together they
went on.
One square, two, were early passed
and they seemed to have reached thu
full limit of civilized darkness whe1
the Friend felt stealthy hand sliI
within his outer coat. There was {
pocket there, and small sum of mon
ey.
Suddenly he stopped walking, lifted
his strong arm, and held, as in wise
the thin, trembling fingers which wer'
already clasping the purse.
? Thee must not do me a wrong" b,
said, quite sternly; then gentler ton,
softened the rebuke. eff thee is in want
simply tell me thy needs, and, in so fal
as | can, will l relieve them; but can
not possibly allow thee to add one NOR,
crime to thy record"
The prisoner was virtually bound; h,
felt that tremendous power was pres
ent in that stalwart right arm, and hi
face, even in that dimness, shivered anC
trembled.
"You won't-wou't send me back
will you?" he gasped.
Send thee-where?
MY time was almost up-it was
truly, but"
Had thee any good reason to fee
that the state would not release thee
when thy time of service had expired .
A turn in the street brought a new
CLEAN of light, and Jacob Cope saw hi
companion more clearly. There was ;
positive glow of horror on the pale face
He opened and shut his eyes severa
times. and his words came so quickl.
that they seemed to choke him.
"The day after tomorrow my tim
would he out-out-yes-they said
would oe free. Yes, but-but-I swor
once that New Years day I'd be goot
man aryway-a good man. Yes, saic
10 her-a good man then, if never wa
10 other time-andT