Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-01-09
CHAPTER TX.

AS Squire Bellingham turned the
bend o. the road where 1t narrowed
beneath the trees. his horse stumbled,
recovered itself with an effort. and
then went headlong upon the road,
throwing its rider heavily.
Almost at the same moment Foster
sprung forward from his hiding place
on the right, while Parker stepped into
the road from the left. Before Foster
had seized the fallen horseman, the
Squire was on his legs. The first
stumble of his horse had prepared him
for fall. which he bad managed with
much dexterity. though he was by no
means unhurt.
As he scrambled to his feet the
horse tried to rise. but in vain.
'Stand!" exclaimed Foster. Selling
the Squire who now faced him.
"The very thing am trying to do.
by your leave" the Squire replied,
clutching his pistol.
Hand over the bag that is fastened
to your belt" said Foster. snatching
!. at the leather wallet.
"Never, you rufiian,"- exclaimed the
Squire, "take that first" He snapped
his empty pistol and closed with his
assailant.
Parker looked on, the fitful moon
light falling upon the combatants.
"Dick, he's knitting mel suddenly
exclaimed Foster, 'elose with him,
curse you, close with him"
The Squire was too busy to say any
thing except to gasp 'ruffian!"
BEAST" "mnrderer" and other exple-
tives which seemed to give him
strength.
He had seized Foster round the
waist with his left hand. and was
trying to strange him with his right.
Suddenly. by a great effort, Foster
dragged himself and his adversary to
their feet, but only to be thrown in the
most scientific fashion.
Before the Squire could follow up
his advantage Dick Parker had him In
his vise-like clutch.
"Hello!" gasped Bellirgham. whats
this? Another"
\. "Resistance Is useless said Parker,
deity cutting belt and wallet with his
knife and allowing them to drop to
the ground.
You cursed ruffian!" exclaimed the
Squire. II know you. and I'll bring
you to the gallows."
Don't be rash," exclaimed Dick,
releasing his hold upon him in order
to pick up the money.
"And you. tool" exclaimed the
brave but rash Yorkshire Squire, you
are Foster, who supped in the same
room with me at York. I'll hang you
both!" With marvellous dexterity the
Squire leaped upon his horse, which
started OF at a gallop; but he was
hardly in his seat than bang. bang.
went Fosters pistols, and he fell in a
heap upon the road. the horse bound
ing OF at furious rate homewards,
the clank Of its hoofs through the
darkness sounding the death-knell of
its master.
by heavens, you've killed him!" ex-
claimed Parker. leaning over the pros
trate body. and then starting back as
he felt the hot blood of the murdered
man upon his hands.
Damn him." I'm glad Of it," ex-
claimed Foster In a thick hoarse
voice. HE has half killed mean
other minute of this Internal grip and
I should have been choked."
This Is the worst nights work we
have ever DONE" said Parker.
"The best IL you have the money"
Foster replied.
Curse the money" Dick answered
ut will be no good to us; we shall
never get free of this foul business"
where's the bag?" was all Foster
said In reply.
"Here!" said Parker.
Foster clutched 1t, felt 1t, opened
It, uttered an exclamation of delight
followed up with a quick series of ju-
bilant remarks.
mot get free?" he said. there Is
enough here to free us forever. Not
get free-weTl be on the sea tomorrow
night unless you have other engage
ments. Everything Is settled. Once
at Whitby. We can put the sea between
us and Yorkshire. and. what is more
between us and London. Are you
game?"
when we have disposed Of this. =