The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-08-04

So saying. re sprang up the ladder, fol
lowed by Goodhouse. but scarcely had they
disappeared before loud yells proclaimed the
out OF the loft. bringing the ladder to the
ground in their fall.
There are hordes OF the creatures
cried Stelfax. They were all over u.s.
Their faces and hands were bleeding. So
they returned crestfsllen TO the kitchen.
where Mistress Tarrant dressed their
wounds. at the same time using the sage
remark that folk must learn by expert
ence."
II certainly doubted both you and your
husband" said Captain Steifax. but / have
proved the truth about the rats with a ven
eeance: give me a cup Of ale. dame, and
I'll to bed; tomorrow We shall search Ire
wool. as we have certain information OF a
secret hiding place: our birds will be SHARED
there"
In two hours time all was quiet In the
little hostel, the men bedded in the parlor.
and Captain Stelfax In the spare bedroom
Soon after midnight Joe Tarrant crept
quietly out of the back door and made his
way to the loft.
No rats opposed his entrance. but the fine
face Of Ralph Levellis looked over a barri-
cade OF hay; Joe laughed as the four men
appeared. ono by one. showing no marks OF
the struggle. and asked how they Jared.
oh the rats were the ~victors. Joe" cried
Arthur Lvellis. " acted as did the
fairies in Master shakespeare's play. pinch
him, arme back, shoulders. legs and shins.
the rats did their work well. and but for
your warning we should have been caught
like they Outlines are-in a trap. How
have our foes fared!'
"Grievously bitten laughed Joe. You
mauled them nicely: they will not venture
nIgh here again: but now get you OF quick
Iy. and remember the manor will be
eearc..ed on the morrow, the hiding-place
is known. so make for the ave on the
moor. Mr.. Ralph"
Il know" replied Ralph. you have saved
our lives, Joe. and We shall not forget
you"
fncIc. Edg no ntOfc. piANltc' SRI ! ho'
only Zone my DUTY"
Each one grssped his hand warmly as
they said farewell and descended the lad
der.
God protect ye all. sirs.' said the good
landlord. as he watched the four tall fig
ures disappear in the darkness. and re-
entered the inn. finding. to his JOY. that all
was quiet.
Are they safer asked his wife, a. he
Joined her in their room.
Aye, lass, and they be main grateful.
too"
IL I can help them in any way 1 will. or
my name IL not Bridget Tarrant." said his
wife warmly.
the moor, for the gusts Of wind and the
rain prevented any speech. and they
~traverssd tine four miles that lay between
them and the Manor as quickly as possible.
At last the great gates came in sight. and
Ralph had opened one. when a man sudden
ly appeared from a clump of trees on the
left hand. saying:
Thank the good Lord, you are here at
last; don't ye know me. Master Ralph? 1
am Diggory Manns. and have been on the
watch for ye these days past; ye must not
go to the house. for there be traitors there,
aye. and watchful ones. i have q hiding
place where 70 can lie for months II need
be. 80 come on. sir. I will see you In safety
before ] 70 home"
1t was rather hard for two Of the party
to turn back into the wind and rain. but
Ralph settled the question by going first
with Disgory. who carried a lantern under