The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1901-07-20

VERY We'll" said the stranger. wv
are disposed to Ec as lcnicnt as posi-
bic. See your lawyer. and If YOU ar,
not willing to pay up promptly wher
l come for satisfaction day after to
morrow. at this hour. why. we will
have to commence suit. Good day."
The tramp heard the door open. and
pccrfng through the vines saw tn,
stranger walking leisurely down til,
pathway. Then he turned and raped
ut the door. There We're tears In hcJ
eyes as the farmers wife opened it.
Madam said the tramp, Il have
rcconsidered my willingness to spade
up your flower bed. There's you,
spade"
And before She could reply he had
turned and was walking quickly along
the lane that led to the woods. As
soon as he was out of sight Of the
house he broke into a run. Just be.
fore he entered the woods he looked
over his shoulder and saw the strang-
cr lcisurely driving along the road be.
low.
The tramp knew that the road over
which the stranger was driving dipped
TO the left to cross the little ravine
and then wound around the woods to
the right in Il long curve. lie knew he
had plenty Of time to cut across and
reach the road before the stranger and
his deliberate horse arrived.
The tramp familiar with human de-
ceptiOn in many forms. knew all about
the particular system of swindling Of
which the farmer was the victim. 1t
was an easy game when played by n
| clever sharper Oh an unsuspecting and
unsophisticated cOuntryman. All it
required was glib tongue, little
fiatter, pretended business mission
and Il substituted sheet of paper. Then
IN due time came the confederate with
his bold front and the fatal note.
The tramp >-ns lurking by the road
side as the man in the light wagon
c2me up. He 1ounged out in the high
way
"Hullo. BILL" he said.
The driver drew up suddenly and
head.
What's that!" he cried.
Its your namc." laughed the tramp.
bill Bill Sutherland. sometimes
called the Gopher. How are you. Bill:'
What do you mean?" he snarled.
Il don't know YOU"
"Glad of that, Bill" said the vaga-
bond. Three years of tramping does
change a man. But know you and
that's enough"
"What do you want?"
"Bill,' said the tramp. Il want a
little assistance. You might not think
1t, but I'm hard up"
He had come to the side of the
wagon as he spoke and stood with one
hand on the dashboard.
lis this holdup?" said the strang-
er, and shifting his whip to his left
hand slipped the right behind him.
Steady, Bill" cried the tramp. as
he reached forward and caught the
strangers arm. "None of that. Your
pocketbook isn't there, 1t is in your
breast pocket. I'll trouble you for it"
Course you!' screamed the stranger.
Let go of me!'
And he struck the tramp with all his
force across the head with the whip.
The vagabond shrieked with pain and
the next instant had grapplcd the
stranger and with n remarkable show
of strength drew him from the wagon
and hurled him heavily to the ground.
The startled horse ran little ways
and then, turning sharply, started into
n fence corner and stood there tremb-
ling.
The tramp knelt by the PROSTATE
and unconscious man and drew from
his pockets, first the loaded revolver
and then the long pocketbook. lie
hastily opened the latter md assured
himself that what he wanted was
there. Then ne thrust the book into
his own ragged breast pocket and
drew himself up. The stranger was
rousing from his swOon.
Presently he sat up and looked
around with a confused air. The tramp
a few feet awa.. was quietly regard
ing him, revolver in hand. The
stranger put his hand to his breast
pocket.
Curse you," he growled, "this is
highway robbery"
"YOu ought to KNOW" said the
tramp quietly. It's one of your lead
Ing accomplishments. Get up"
The stranger arose.
"Pick up your hat" said the tramp.
Now 20 and get your horse into the
road"
He followed close behind as the
stranger backed the light wagon into
the highway.
"I'll kill you for this" the despoiled
one snarled.
Don't trouble YOURSELF said the
tramp. Just climb into the wagon
and start your horse. I'll see you of.
Step lively, please" And he flourished
the revolver.
The stranger obcyed. He gave the
tramp a look that was meant to be
and the tramp returned
with a smile. Then he touched the
horse with the whip and drove away.
The vagabond watched until
49,