Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-02-16
CHAPTER XIX.
Birds Of Prey.

noticed that every here and there old
fashioned, snuglooking hostelrles
exist in out-of-way places-at the cor
ncr of news, in a private street,
where they do not seem to belong;
and they are generally kept by ex-
buffers, who have taken wives, joined
their savings, and gone into business
with the brewers help.
In the parlor Of the "Four-in Hand"
Lower Maybush Street, party of gen
tlemen's servants were playing baga-
telle upon bad board in very
smoky atmosphere, while knot of
three men sat at one of the old, mar
row, battered mahogany tables in a
corner, drinking cold gin-and water
and smoking bad cigars.
One was a little sharp-eyed, round
headed man, smartly dressed, and
evidently rather proud of large gilt
pin in his figured silk tie. Another
was tall and not Unlocking; he might
have been a valet, for there was
certain imitation gentility about his
cut-a valet whose master had been
rather addicted to the turf; and this
had been reflected on his man to the
extent of trousers rather too tight,
short hair, and horseshoe pin with
pearl nails. The third was rather a
shabby-looking man of forty, un-
doubtedly gentleman's servant out
of place, carrying the sign in the
front of the reason why, in the shape
of a nose unduly ripened by being
bathed in glasses of alcoholic drink.
"Knew him how long, did you say"
said the tall man, tapping his chin
with an ivory-handled rattan cane.
Ten years, poor chap" said the ex
servant. 1T was very horrid."
Here, never mind that" said the
brisk little man. I'VE don't want
horrors. Touch the bell, Dick. Come,
old fellow, sip up your lotion, and
we'll have them filled again. That
cigar don't draw. Try one of these,
Here! three fours of gin cold" he cried
to- the landlord; and as soon as the
glasses were retlled, and cigars
lighted, the conversation went on, to
the accompaniment of rafting balls
and laughter from the bagatelle-
players.
We'll" said the tall man, in a low
voice, you can do as you like, my
lad, but | should have thought that
hard up as you are, and | should say
without much chance of getting an
other crib-say at present-you have
been glad to earn honest quid or
two"
The shabby-looking man shook his
head.
Here, you're always putting on the
pace too much, Dick" said the little
man. "A fellow wants little time.
He's on. you see IL he isn't. My re-
spects to you, Mr.. Barnes. Hal nice
favored drop of gin that"
you see, you know that house
WELL" continued the tall man. often
been there of course?"
ooh, yes; had many a glass Of wine
there, when poor Charles was alive"
Rather bit of mystery, that" said
the little man. IL put that and that
together, and l set 1t down that he
was trying the job on his own account
and muilled It."
The shabby man shuddered and
took a hearty draught of his gin-and-
water
There would be only us three In the
game" said the tall man, softly, land
would be share and share alike.
Why. If we worked it right. 1t would
set you up. Might take pub on it."
Eh?" said the shabby man.
Il say you might take a pub--and
drink yourself to death" was added,
aside
The little man winked at his tall
companion, unobserved by the other
who looked dreamy.
Bars at all the lower windows, eb ?"
Yes, yes You couldn't get in there"
was the quick reply.
More ways OF killing a cat than by
hanging it., Look here. my lads, there's
a stable to let in the news at the
back"
Tho shabby man looked up quickly.
Il had look Mt it today. Any one
could easily get to that window look
ing on the leads.
But that's the window where"
Well dead men tell no tales, and
they don't get in the way. That's the
place"
"Oh. no" said the shabby man,
Bah. you're afraid. | tell you it
would BE rs easy as easy. You can
give me a plan OF the place, and all
about 1t, and-why, it's child's play,
my lad. and won't hurt anybody. Take
everything out TO that stable. and have
4 cart In the coach-house. l say
touch tuat bell again, old man--you
are not going to lot fortune slip
through your fingers, | know"
The three occupants of the corner
soon after rose to go. hating half
way down the street, where the tall
man said
There's half SOW to keep the cold
out till then. Twelve o'clock, mind.
: punCtual
The shabby man slouchcd away.
while the little fellow rubbed his