Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1901-05-30

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 run. Just he
lore he entered the woods he looked
over his shoulder and saw the strang-
er lelsurely driving along the road be-
low.
The tramp knew that the road over
winch the stranger was driving dipped
TO the left to cross the little ravine.
and then wound around the woods to
the right in a long curve. He 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 swindIing of
which the farmer was the victim. 1t
was an easy game when played by a
clever sharper on an unsuspecting and
unsophisticated countryman. All it
required was a glib tongue a little
Halter, pretended business mission
and a substituted sheet of paper. Then
IN due time came the confederate with
his bold front and the fatal note.
The tramp was lurking by the road
side as the man in the light wagon
came up. He lounged out in the high
way.
"HullO, Bill" he said.
The driver drew UP suddenly and
stared at the figure at his horses
head
whats that?' he cried.
Its your name,' 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 l know you and
that's enough"
What do you want?'
Bill said the tramp, Il want
little assistance. You might not think
it, 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.
us this a holdup?" said the strang-
err, 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, it is in your
breast pocket. I'll trouble you for it,
Course you'll screamed the stranger,
Let go Of mer'
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 grappled the
stranger and with a remarkable show
of strength drew him from the wagon
and hurled him heavily to the ground.
| The startled horse ran a little ways
and then, turning sharply, started into
a 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. He
hastily opened the latter and 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 ava. 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 go and get your horse into the
road"
He followed close behind as the
stranger backed tie light wagon into
the highway.
IN 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 off.
Step lively, please" And he fourished
the revolver. 5 -
The stranger obeyed. He gave the
tramp a look that was meant to be
malevolent, and the tramp returned
with a smile Then he touched the
horse with the whip and drove away.
The vagabond watched until a
curve in the road hid him from sight,
and then he darted into the woods
again ana swiftly retraced his steps.
Presently he recrossed the ravine and
then he paused. He slipped the re-
volver into an inner pocket and then
took a slip of paper from the strang-
er's book A moment or two later he
knocked at the farmers door.
It WAS Onened by the farmers wife.