The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-08-31

nAAiS anu the W&ggonette nome, ana
the opportunity was a good one. I
henry that 1 should walk over in time
for dinner. Then 1 followed Frank
land into his dining-room.
IT Is a great day for me, sir-one
OF the redletter days of my life," he
cried. with many chuclles. ''I have
brought off a double event. I mean to
teach them in these parts that law is
law, and that there is a man here who
does not fear to invoke it. 1 have es-
tablished right of way through the
center of old Middletons park, slap
across it, sir, within a hundred yards
OF his own front door. What do you
think of that? Wen teach these mag
mates that they cannot ride rough shod
over the rights of the commoners, con-
found them! And I've closed the wood
where the Fernworthy folk used to
picnic. These Internal people seem to
think that there are no rights of prop
erty, and that they can swarm where
they like with their papers and their
bottles. Both cases decided, DIR. Wat
son, and both in my favour. 1 haven't
had such a day since 1 had Sir John
Morland for trespass. because he shot
In his own warren"
How on earth did you do that?"
LOOK 1t up in the books, sir. 1t will
repay reading V. Nor
land, Court of Queens Bench 1t cost
me 1900 but I got my verdict
Did it do you any good?"
None, sir, none l am proud to say
that L had no interest in the matter.
l act entirely from a sense of public
duty l have no doubt, for example,
that the Fernworthy peSple will burn
me in eftigy tonight. I told the police
Ia St Tina - IA
stop these disgraceful exhibitions. The
County Constabulary is in a scandal
Gus state. sir, and it has not afforded
me the protectio on to which / am en-
titled. The case of FARMLAND v
Regina will bring the matter before
the attention of the public l told
them that they would have occasion
to regret their treatment of me, and
already my words have come true"
How SOP" I asked
The old man put on very knowing
expression.
Because I could tell them what they
are dying to know; but nothing would
induce me to help the rascaIs in any
way"
1 had been casting round for some
excuse by which / could get away
from his gossip, but now 1 began to
wish to hear more of it. I had seen
enough of the contrary nature of the
old sinner to understand that any
strong sign of interest would be the
surest way to stop his condolences.
Some poaching case, no doubt?"
said l, with an Indifferent manner.
Ha, ha, my boy, very much more
important matter than that! What
about the convict on the moore"
L started. you don't mean that
you know where he is?" said I.
Il may not know exactly where he
is, but l am quite sure that 1 could
help the police to lay their hands on
him. Has it never struck you that
the way to catch that man was to find
out where he got his food, and SO
trace it to him?"
He certainly seemed to be getting
uncomfortably near the truth. mo
doubt" said I, but how do you know
that he is anywhere upon the moore"
Il know it because I have seen with
my own eyes the messenger who takes
him his food"
My heart sank for Barrymore. 1t
was a serious thing to be in the power
of this spiteful old busy-body. But
his next remark took a weight from
my mind.
You'll be surprised to hear that his
food is taken to him by a child. / see
him every day through my telescope
upon the roof. He passes along the
same path at the same hour, and to
whom should he be going except to
the convict?"
Here was luck indeed! And yet I
suppressed all appearance of interest.
A child! Barrymore had said that our
unknown was supplied by a boy. 1t
was on his track, and not upon the
convict's, that FARMLAND had stumbled.
If could get his knowledge it might
co Z
incredulity and Indifference were evil
IDENTIFY my strongest cards.
Il should say that it was much more
likely that 1T was the son of one of
the moorland shepherds taking out his
fathers dinner
The least appearance of opposition
struck fire out of the old autocrat.
His eyes looked Indignantly at me,
and his grey whiskers, bristled like
those of an angry cat.
Indeed, sir" said he, pointing out
over the understanding moor. do
you see that Black Tor over yonder?
Well, do you see the low hill beyond
with the thornbrush upon it? 1t is
the stonieSt part of the whole moor
Is that a place where a shepherd
would be likely to take his station!
Your suggestion, sir, is a most absurd
one"
l.
without knowing all the facts. My
submission pleased him and led him to
further condolences.
'You may be sure, sir, that I have
very good grounds before | come to
an opinion. / have seen the boy again
and again with his bundle. Every day,
and sometimes twice a day, l have
been able-but wait a moment. DIR.
Watson. Do my eyes deceive me, or
is there at the present moment some
thing moving upon that hill-side?"
1t was several miles off, but could
distinctly see a small dark dot against
the dull green and grey.
Come, sir, comet" cried Farmland
rushing upstairs. you will see with
your own eyes and judge for yourself"
The telescope, formidable instru-
ment mounted upon a tripod, stood
upon the fiat leads of the house
FARMLAND clapped his eye to 1t and
gave cry of satisfaction.
"Quick, DR.. Watson. quick, before
he passes over the hill"
There he was, sure enough, a small
urchin with a little bundle upon his
shoulder toiling slowly up the hill.
When he reached the crest 1 saw the
ragged uncouth figure outlined for an
instant against the cold blue sky. He
looked round him, with a furtive and
stealthy air, as one who breads pur-
suit. Then he vanished over the hill.
well! Am I right ?"
Certainly, there is boy who seems
to have some secret Grand"
And what the errand is even
county constable could guess. But not
one word shall they have from me,
and I binA you to secrecy also, DR..
Watson. Not a word! You under