The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-05-24

room to- the lines Of sober thought. Frank
sat by the fire, idly employed in casting
sticks into the stream. His smile to Benny
had tinge of sadness.
"Good-by my plans he said
Benny stood in front of him. 'Ye should
have thought of that before. .
There was only one thing to do said
the young "But, oh, have looked
forward to meeting Dckie again And the
good old town and friends. Now we are
perhaps even going to London. May l find
the child's parents soon.
Romance retorted Benny. Think you
to find them at all? Think of the trouble
and the money
81 do not care
And the time!'' emphasized the old man.
81 know" he said and sighed.
why then did We do it? Better give her
up at once, and perhaps make money instead
of losing it,
"Benjy!'
'''Tis advice from better judge than II
said Benny. Il do but pass it on. There are
some guineas to be made. Some three or
four"
What do you mean?''~ asked the young
man sternly.
why gave you her to the lieutenant?'
broke out the older angrily. Had we no
eyes?"
I''Twas Aneebs condition. I could not
free her else.' l
: Have We freed her? Think We so? Look
here. then" His, voice and action took on
more energy. He laid the two coins on his
palm and extended the hand-all knotted
sinew, bone and callous-toward the other.
1.-Two half guineas,' said Francis 'Wellf"
Where got 1 them?" Benny cried. Where
got them? Who gave them me just now?'
The young flushed and sprang up.
He put a hand on Benjys shoulder and
searched his face with his glance. Benny
pursed his gnarled face and nodded srimly.
Frank turned away. His servant is COM
ing he said. Make sure. Benny. Draw him
out
AS Tabb approached, the woodsmen were
lolling again by their fire. He greeted
familiarity Good day to you again. Cheer
fully answered Benny: 'tAnd good day for
us ALL" Tabb squatted by the glowing Goals,
and began to push pieces Of wood into their
depths. ...
$50 you're going with us after all?"
"Ay,'' said Benny. Are you willing?'
Tabb grinned. why not? You've set fun
afoot and come in for my profit.
To conceal his vince, Frank turned his
head aside. But Benny hitched companion
ably forward. "FIey?'' he said. THE heii-
tenant pays, hey?" He stretched out {
tough forefnger and prodded Tabb in the
waist His mouth opened wide in cackle
Tabb winked and ehuckled, pays? In
deed he pays. What, have you not something
aiready?" r..
Benny opened his hand and showed the
two half -guineas. "Ay,' he said, still grin
ming broadly. "Ay."
Tabb thrust his hand in his pocket and
brought out their counterpart. BE sure he
pays. And tits evident that your friend
knew the way to his heart. There's NOR
sci therein the hut''-and he winked again
at Beniys-. ..tA>darerz than. can be found on
London streets II Warrant Tire Atom
tenant is in high good humor."
'sFor sure" agreed Benjy.
Tabb settled himself to chat twill Be
easier for us poor devils after this. His
temper has been short. And he'll think
better of his words, Ocds, but he has cursed
them! No gaming. he says. or wine, nor
women. Well, you've supplied him with this
last, and the final bottle of wine is to be
opened tonight. I've put 1t to It's neck IN
the stream below, to cool it. .
and the girl pleased the lieutenant?
s'Would she not you? Odds, man, she's
beauty Better than Spain or Portugal
could give, he says. And he's been there
'tToo young, objected Benny
may said Tabb, sagely.
s'And innocent like
"But there's the wine. He's knowing.
Wines always the best way"
Francis sat silent, but the keen old man
saw passion in the back that slightly moved.
He knew his lad. and laid hand upon his
shoulder Frank quieted. Benny Went on
with his talk to Tabb.
True cried Tabb. "An early growth
1.-The lieutenant's an old hand
Benny laughed and nodded. pushing Tahb
again in the ribs cay" he said "Ay,
ay., He ogled and laughed again, pointing
with his thumb.
Tabb grnned What is it," he asked.
"D'ye mean me?'
7
you Man and master like. That's what
I'm thinking
WELL smirked Tabb. well. I say
nothing of that The compliment tickled
him.
Then Benny sobered. But do we,'' ne
queried earnestly, 'tcome in for more. at
the end?''
sAy,'' said Tabb easily .:of course Three
guineas apiece, belize, and the lass herself.
Are We wlling?"
EYES," answered Benny. She'll be a
hindrance before long, hey? 'Tis the way.
But when. then? Montreal or Detroit?'
Even before said Tabb, cit may be.
If you leave the company before we get 70
Detroit will not that suit ye?"
"Ay," said Francis, turning. Before we
get to Detroit Twill suit WE'LL
s.Well, then said Tabb. rising. g tbs
arranged. I'll tell the lieutenant"
.'Oho!' exclaimed Benny, rising also. sou
| came for this them
Yes said Tabb. Then the girl will not
be seen at Detroit We see. And the lieu
tenant will pay we'll"
eve shall be satisfied said Francis.
| Good evening to We. then Tabb went
away.
Francis turned to the fire. and appeared to
| be studying its glow. The deep CLEAN in
his ewes seemed reflection Of the rudy
| Goals. Benny, since Frank said nothing, threw
! himself on the ground and lay quiet. long
while they stayed so. Slowly the sun sank.
casting upon little clouds far overhead bright
| reflections from the dolphin colars OF the
| dying day. They paled the sky grew cold
! blue: the night was coming, The soldiers
| we're heard at their meal: all work had ceased,
and merrment began. But while ares hlazec
| up brightly in the English camp, the fire OF
4 the woodsmen died to ashes. Darkness was
| coming.
| Then Frank arose in the dusk and begar
i to gather together the articles that lay near
/ Benny, attentive helped. They brought tht
1 canoe to the waters edge, and laid their be-
| longings within 1t. The powder keg the aSes
! and the utensils went in But the furs Frank
left lying where they were Benny whispered
ruefully: The black and silver fox skins?'
\ It was only little bale, and worth
/ woodsrnar' IS fortune But Frank thrust Ii
/ under a bush. Not extra pound. he
/ said They put into the canoe their blankets,
/ then Francis laid his rifle in Benny hesi-
\ tated to relinauish his.
NO said Frank again with decision,
/ .tonly our hangers.'' He looked to the lake
then up the little river, glinlmering in thu
| leads, Benjy?'
cay
Francis pointed to the cabin. There was
1 light Within it. Quietly now!, he whispered