The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-04


had, been almost forgotten When he was
not occupied with his duties he was at
tending to his dogs. as lonely and silent
and reserved as ever. But Flat was
watching and waiting for all that
1t was pure chance that suggested the
final means to the fulfilling of his vow
OF vengeance to him. He was returning
homewards one day from a long stroll,
every yard OF which had been accompanied
by some thought of the deed he meant to
do, when in passing through thick grove
of trees he caught sight of a man who
was evidently sitting on the bank of a
pond or tank. The figure had its back
to him, but Flat was certain that 1t was
Hollngworth's. He crept nearer and still
nearer. and at last executed a flank move
ment through the underground, which
brought him to a spot where he could COM
mand a full view of his enemy. And as
he looked he suddenly saw how the thing
could be done.
Hollingworth was sitting on the bank Of
a square pool-a pool OF artificial con-
struction, the four sides of which rose to
a considerable altitude above the waters
edge. There were several fish lying on the
bank at the side, and he himself was
deeply absorbed in his sport, and heard
nothing 1t flashed upon Flat that here
was the very place for his revenge, and
here the very means for concealing his
guilt He could steal upon his enemy
from behind, stun him with blow, thrust
his body into the deep pool beneath. Flat
knew il was deep-deep enough. If a sense
less man were rolled into it he would
drown before consciousness came back to
him. Nothing could be easier. nothing
better He stole away again, revolving
and perfecting his plans.
The next day, Flatt strolling casually
about, saw Hollingworth set out with his
rod and vanish in the direction of the pond.
He himself lounged up and down for
long time. and when he went off at last it
was I'm the opposite direction. He had got
some little distance away when he heard
sounds OF canine entreaty in his rear, and
locking round, perceived that his own par
ticuiar pet amongst the colonels dogs,
little fox terrier, was following to his rear.
Flat uttered an exclamation OF annoy
ance; and he was not minded that even
dog should see him do what he meant to
do ere he returned. But he waited until
the animal came up and jumped at him.
"You bloomin' little noosance" said
Flatt, taking him into his arms and fond
ling him. "Whatll l do with you. now, eh?
Spose you'll have to go along o. me. Ell?
Come on, then"
He set the dog down and the two went
on together the man walking with bent
head occasionally muttering to himself.
the dog frisking about his heels. For an
hour they went straight on; and then
Flat made a wide sweep round, travelling
by ways we'll known to himself until he
came within sight of the grove wherein sat
his enemy, all unsuspicious of danger.
When they came to the edge of the grove
Flat stopped. He peered about through
the underground until he caught sight of
Hollingworth's broad back, and then he
looked at the fox terrier in some perplex-
ity.
The fox terrier looked back at Private
Flat. 1t had pair of very bright and in
curing eyes and a trick of cooking one ear
holding its head on one side as it looked at
you. That trick used to please Flat and
made him Iove the little dog almost as
much as he had loved the mongrel. But
for the first time in his period of friendship
turn the fox terriers ardent gaze. His eyes
shifted furtively.
Flat suddenly sat down at the foot of
tree and his head dropped forward towards
his chest He couldn't do it with the dog
there!-no. he must go back and follow
Hollingworth some other time, unaccom-
panied. If he did it in the dogs presence
he felt that he would never, never be able
to look it in the face again.
He jumped to his feet with low whis-
tie to the fox terrier which had strayed
some yards away when he sat down, and
made as if to turn away. But the fox ter
rier had suddenly nosed some live thing in
the underground, and with an ascending
succession of yells and yaps it dashed be-
meath the branches in the direction of the
place where Hollingworth sat dangling his
line over the duck water. Then Flat for
Got his enemy's very existence and turned
after the dog, calling, whistling, cursing.
He crashed through the grove after it . .
1t was all done so very suddenly that
Flat never knew exactly how 1t occurred.
He had confused vision of Hollngworth,
the peaceful angler, suddenly starting up,
losing his footing and tumbling over into
the deep pool below, then he himself was
on the bank, holding to the branch of
tree and looking fearfully down, wonder
ing If his enemy's head would ever bob
up again.
Hollingworth came to the top with the
force OF a projectile. He had gone a long
way down and he came up with correspond
ing speed. AS his head rose above water
he blew the water out Of his mouth and
opened his eyes, and looked full into the
eyes of Private Nathaniel Flat, whom he
had sore missused, and for the first time
in his life Hollingworths soul grew sick.
Flatt stared and stared-he had forgotten
the fox terrier entirely. He noticed the
depth of the four artificial walls of the
pool-no man could possibly climb them.
He looked about him desperately-there
was a mighty log of wood close by. If he
could get that into the pool the man might
cling to it until he got further help But
Can you swim, Hollingworth?" he
shouted.
"Only bit-just to keep afioat-that's
ALL gurgled Flats enemy. Cant hold
up long,"
Hold uphold up" screamed Flat.
There's log here'll keep you afoat.
Hold mt,