Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1902-02-20

4AoS . lAC 1udu. <A1lO SssdI uldIl VIII
ran against us just now, and who has
gone into the inn where they all are, Is
the same man." He stopped in the
street, and his face was white and
drawn as. he faced the old man. I'm
Heavens name, Cornelius, what does it
all mean?" he asked. Tonight it has
almost seemed that the secret Of the
CHASTITY thing we did is known"
Seems like it," replied Cornelius.
coolly.
land now there comes upon the
scene this mysterious man. who gave
what must have been false name and
disappeared Immediately. His coming
here tonight and going to that place is
no mere matter of chance; there's some
fiendish plot working out here against
us. of which we know nothing. Corne-
Illus, I'm afraid we stand upon some
what thin crust of earth, which may
crack and let us through at any mo-
ment."
You're gettin' into bad abits again.
said Mr.. Viewers. slowly. II warned
you, not long ago to get out of the way
of talking about US and We You've
got yourself into a precious mess, Mr..
I.eathwood, and you think you're Ago
in to pull me into it. too. No. thank
you; none of your thin crusts for me.
I stand on solid earth, I'd ave you
know. and my ads are clean"
Nugent Leathwood was in no mood
for distinctions or differences at that
moment: with savage oath. he sprang
at the old man. and caught him by the
collar and shook him to and fro vigor-
ously. You old dog!" he muttered: $50
you think you'll desert ire because ev-
eryone else does-do you I'll teach you
that this is different matter. Remem-
Der. the old man who saw that business
is dead: and if swing for it, your ugly
carcass shall swing with me. You
twisted demon! so you think you'll save
your skin. do you? Your only chance to
save yourself is to save me. So, you'd
better stick to me. You've learned be-
fore this that I'm not to be played with;
if l go under for this thing, I'll have
company. If I ever found that you'd
sold me. I'd break the strongest gaol
ever built to get At you and tear the life
out of you" He gave him one last, Wig
orous shake, and sent him staggering
against a wall.
You're too 'asty-much too 'asty,"
Sd1N wi 4lclluS, 1ccU4y, NuC11 4lO 1loo Sol
hi; breath again. You don't suppose
you couldn't think for minute that
I'd be the sort of man to turn round on
anyone, could you?"
Yes. I COULD" snarled Leathwood.
"a fine friend you are to talk of Slip
ping out when the first sign of danger
comes. Why, you'd sell your own
brother-you know you would! But
you shan't sell me-understand that"
II never meant to sell no one," whim-
pered Cornelius, shouldering himself
against the wall to get as far as possi-
BILE out of the way of Leathwood.
well, We'll say you didn't. Now,
the question is, what are we going to
do? For my part, intend to wait I'M
til these people are in bed or, at all
events. to watch for an opportunity
when the girl is alone. Mind, it's risky
business, but that little fool, Reeks. is
far away and we ought to be able to
manage it pretty easily. Oh, it'll be
matter of force this time; something
thrown over her head, so that we can
get her away without screams or noise.
Only don't mean to be baff1ed; it's the
bold man who wins in a game of this
kind, and I'll be bold enough when ne
cessary."
They agreed that it would be neces-
sary for them TO get into the inn before
it closed; and it was arranged that
Cornelius should go on in front, to be
sure that no one was about, and should
then smuggle Leathwood into the room
he had engaged; that they should both
wait there until an opportunity pre-
scented itself for the abduction.
"And I won't take her back to Rick
erby's Folly this time" said Leathwood.
"You shall take her across country
somewhere, where Til join you, after
have secured these papers. After that
well, never mind what will happen
after that"
He had been on the point Of suggest
ing to Cornelius the idea that he had
had in his mind so long-that that wor-
thy should undertake the disposal of
the body that mad been placed in the
empty house. But he decided not to
mention it at that moment; Cornelius
had already shown signs of rebellion,
and must, evidently, be dealt with gent
ly.
They got back into the inn in a sort
of skirmishing order Cornelius first and
Leathwood coming after him, lurking
in the shadows. There was no one
about, and they gained Mr.. Viewers
room in safety. and locked the door and
sat down to perfect their plans.
The first thing to do was to get car
riage of some sort; Cornelius was dis
patched to negotiate that part of the
bl siness. He came back within very
little time, and declared that it was
quite impossible to get any vehicle at
all.
Cali the places are closed he report
ed; land the two inns who profess to
do posting say they can't turn out any
thing till the morning. You'll ave to
give up the gel; you've got quite enough
on your 'ands without 'er."
II won't give her up" replied Nugent,
doggedly. Il know what we can do;
our one object is to get the girl out of
this house. and out of the hands Of
those who are friendly disposed towards
her I know what money will do: you
go about these things in too niggardiy
a fashion"
mot when I'm spending someone
else's money" retorted Cornelius. You
don't know these ERE places: I offered