Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1899-07-21
CHAPTER XIV.
"IIsTESERs NEVER HEAR ANYTHING
GOOD"


Before ] had ceased chuckling over
the shcrif's indignant declaration of
the caBons Of etiquette heard Mr.. Cul-
lens voice demanding TO know what
the trouble was. Ii was quickly explain
ed TO him that had escaped. He ut
once gavcthcm permission to search his
car and went in with the sheriff and
the cowboys Apparently Madgc went
IL, too for IN moment ] heard Camp
say in a low voice:
1.-TWO of you fellows get down below
the car and crawl in under the truck
where you can't be seen. Evidently that
cusS isn't here, but he's likely to come
by and by. If 50, nab him if you can,
and if you can't fire two shots. Mosely,
are You hecled?"
do chaw terbaccy?" asked Moscly
ironically, clearly insulted at the sug-
gcstion that he would travel without Il
gun.
Then keep a sharp lookout and listen
TO everything yOu hear, especially the
spot their lay, crawl ont and get wort!
TO mo at once. Now, under you so hc-
fore they come ont. -
| heard two men drop into the gravel
close alongside Of where lay and then
crawl under the truck Of 2lS. They
weren't a moment too soon, for the next
instant l heard two or three people
jump on to the platform and Albert
Cull2n's voice druwl, "Aw. ly Jovc,
what's tho row." Camp not eulightCn-
ing them, Lord Rallies suggested that
they get on the car to find out. and the
three did so. y moment later the sheriff
came to the door and told Camp that l
was not to be found.
II told you this was the last place to
look for the cuSs. Mr.. Camp he said.
"We'vc JUS disconnected the lady for
nothin."
Then we must search elsewhere, ;"
said Camp. Come on, boys.
The sheriff turned and made another
elaborate apology for having had to
trouble the lady.
heard Madgc tell him that he hadn't
troubled her at all, and then. as the
cowboys and Camp walked off, she add
ed, And, Mr.. Gunton, want to thank
you for reproving Mr.. Camps swear
ing"
THANK you, MISS" said the sheriff
I'VE fellcrs are a little rough at times,
but we know whats due to a lady"
Papa" said Madge as soon as he
was out of hearing, "the sheriff is the
most beautiful swearer ever heard.
For awhile there was silence round
the station. l suppose the party in 2lS
werc comparing notes, while the two
cowboys and | had the best reasons for
being quiet. Presently, however, the
men came out of the car and jumped on
the platform. Madge evidently follow
ed them to the door, for she called
please let me know the moment any
thing happens or you learn something -
Better 90 to bed, Madgy," Albert
called You'll only worry, and it's
after 3"
II couldn't sleep if l tried, " she an
swered.
Their footsteps died away In mo-
ment, and I heard her close the door of
21S. In a few moments she opened it
again, and, stepping down to the sta
ton platform, began to pace up and
down it. Ii had only dared, l could
have put my finger through the crack
Of the planks and touched her foot as
she walked over my head, but / was
afraid it might startle her into shrek,
and there was no explaining to her
what 1t meant without telling the COW
boys how close they were to their quarry.
Madge hadn't walked from one end
of the platform to the other more than
three or four times when l heard some
one coming. She evidently heard it al.
50, for she said:
81 began to be afraid you hadn't un
derstood me"
II thought you told me to see first i
! were needed" said voice that ever
the distance and the 'planks did not pre-
vent me from recognizing as that O
Lord Rallies.
Yes" said She "You are sure 20,
cau be spared?"
II couldn't be Of the slightest use, ;
said Rallies, getting on to the platform
and joining Madge ITS as black a
ink everywhere, and 1 don't thinl
there's anything to be done till day
light.
Then I'm glad you came back, for
really want to say something-to as
the greatest favor of you -
You only have to tell me what
is" said his lordship
Even that is very hard, y said Madge
Gift Oh, I'm afraid I haven't tn
courage after all. "
IN be glad to do anything I can. :"
'It's-well-oh, DEAR I,can't. Let
walk little, while think how to pu
it."
They began to walk, which took
weight off my mind, as 1 had bee
forced to hear every word said thus ia
and was dreading what might follow
since l was perfectly helpless to war
them. The platform was built aroun
the station and in moment they WEI
out of hearing.
Before many seconds were over, how
ever, they had walked round the builC
ing, and I heard Lord Rallies say:
"You really don't mean that he's il
suited you?"
"That is just what do mean" erie
Madge Indignantly. cts been almo'
past endurance. l haven't dared to tie
any one, but he had the cruelty, til
meanness on Hance's trail to threate
that
At that point the walkers turned til
corner again, and could not hear IL
rest of the sentence. But had hear
more than enough to make me grow hC
with modification, even while / coul
hardly believe had understood arigh
Madgo had been so kind to me latel
that couldn' t think she had been fee