Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-03-21
CHAPTER XII.
A FIGHTING QUAKER.

Here was at last pinned down to close
quarters. l had hoped they would eat, then
drink themselves drunk and leave, but the
sharper's intention of remaining all night,
if necessary, together with the known hard
ness Of head Of the average trooper, made
the hope forlorn one It seemed that was
to be confined to the bench for hours unless
some chance should free me, and had re-
signed myself to this when the black came
in with food for the two, and at the same
time the door reopened, there entering a
man whom even in the dim light knew to
be of different stripe than the others.
II was Quaker, and so infrm that he
walked slowly and heavily with the aid of
staff. Giving the two at the table wide
berth, he wendell his way to the rear of the
room and, seating himself on the settle, or
dered plain meal of milk and bread and
butter.
There was nothing remarkable in the ad-
vent of tired Quaker, but his appearance
caused the sharper and his companion to
draw their chairs together and whisper,
though after a moments close talking the
former shouted across the room:
Hello, snuffyl Where be thee from?"
There came no immediate answer to this,
whereat the trooper swore roundly and re-
peated his fellows question in louder
voice.
IT travel from the Kingsbridge and be-
yond, friend" was the final answer re-.
turned in feeble treble.
To where, then, thee son o. drab?"
mimicked the gambler, as he put in his turn
at insulting the old man.
TO friend in the city-a Capt Scam
nell, of De Lancy' 8 regiment. Mayhap thee
knows him" was the innocent response.
But, innocent as it was, it had its effect
on the two, who were at once more respect
full in both tone and words.
yell not find him, then" volunteered
the trooper. He has sore head an a
broken heart-the one from scrimmage an
the other through loss O. his lady. Ha' We
seen aught o runaway beauty on yer trav-
eis-a tall young lass with a painted head"
Does thee mean young girl with hair
inclined to red?' asked the traveller, with
something of interest in his voice.
"Ay, that same" returned the trooper,
bringing his feet under him and half rising.
Yea, friend. / met with a female,
though scarce o beauty, and with hair as
thee describes. She was tired and wan as
she came from the woods near Days tav-
ern, by the Hollow Way, and asked me for
victuals. But, friend, I was unprovided, and,
indeed, in these times fear stragglers, be
they male or female"
"Was the same tall an Ane o skin. an
with dark eyes?"
Ay, think abe was Of proper Height, and
her eye was dark, If do not err"
Fore God, an believe it the lass,
Lovingly" said the trooper, starting up and
for the first time giving the card-sharper a
name. Pm off on the scent Where away
did she go, old man?''
Back to the woods, as saw her" was
the answer.
What woodss In what directions" hur-
riedly asked the redcoat.
Thee knowest the woods and orchard
where Washington worsted Howe on the
heights of Harlem? That is the spot, friend.
It strikes me she might be fair enough after
food and rest. I would not have her harmed
through me. Thee had"
Damn your thees an thous an Wash
ington an being worsted!" shouted the
trooper, excitedly. "I'm off, Lewney. Tell
the rest when they come. IT'S fair day
that bid We stop me for sup in this place.
viii requite ys yet. Give me Quaker for
truth An good luck, Allsh, ladl" AAd with