Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1902-11-13
CHATTER III

horseback. from Dartmouth TO the home
Of his wfc's family, where he was so
Iourning prior to setting off upon long
voyage He had been to the principal inn
10 dine with some officers whose vessels
had Just touched there from Falmouth
and Humphrey, who had been present,
had felt some doubt about letting him -
home alone.
You can get good bed here, and ride
home in the morning he said. "Nod
had better stay"
Mind your own business. upstart,'
cried the captain and ordering his horse
he mounted and set off with II lurch
first on one side, and then on the other
each threatening to send him out of the
saddle.
Hell be all right, Armstrong" Snid
a jovial-looking officer, laughing.
Perhaps So" said Humphrey, aloud.
Then TO himself 81 don't half like it.
though. The roads bad. and | shouldn't
care for anything to happen TO him, even
If 1t is to make me heir to his estate.
! wish had not let him GO
He returned to the room whore the
officers were. They had no longer jour
ney before them than upstairs to their
rooms, and there were plenty OF servants
to see them safely into bed
i've done wrong" said Humphrey
Armstrong. 'Lle was not fit to 90 home
aioD-. It's long walk, but | shall not
feel comfortable unless | see whether he
has got home safely. Here goes"
lie slipped out Of the room, and, tax
ing stout stick which was the compan-
lon of his hat, he started forth into the
cool night air, and walked sturdily away
In the direction of his cousins house.
About half an hour later the drowsy
groom who was sitting up for the cap
tain's return, rose with sigh of salts
faction, for he heard the gathering OF
hoofs in the stable yard
AT last! he cried; and taking light.
ed lantern he hurried out, to stand in dis.
may staring at the cmpt. saddle, at the
trembling animal breathing hard and
shaking its head
why, she's all Of Il muck" muttered
the man; "and the captn ar'n't OH her
He be fallen off, I'd zwcar."
Ihe man stood staring for a few nin.
utes, while the horse paved impatiently,
as If asking to be admitted to its sta
Die Then he opened the door, the weary
beast went in, and the man stood star
ing with true Devon stoidity.
1t suddenly occurred to him something
ought to be done about the captain, and
he reused up the coachman to spread the
alarm in the house.
Nay, We'll only scare the poor ladies
to DEATH" said the Jchu of the estab-
hshment, gray hairs having brought him
wisdom. Lets zee Wrist, lad if there
be anything really bad"
The horses were quickly saddled, and
the two men servants trotted along the
Dartmouth road till about half way,
where, in one of the goomiest parts. their
horses began to snort and exhibit signs
of fear, and as they drew up voice
shouted:
Help! Who's thatg EIeIpw
why, it be Mr.. Humphrey" said the
old coachman; and dismountlng. he gave
his rein to his companion, and ran for
ward WHAT he wrong. zirY'
The captain. Much hurt" was the
reply
Il thought 20. cir. His horse coined
home without him. He's been throwed -
or pulled off, he added to himself.
It's something worse, I'm afraid.
Here, help me, and let's get him home"
some difficulty the captain was placed
across one of the horses, the lieutenant
mounting to hold him on and support
him, while the two servants followed
slowly behind.
Pulled OFF," whispered the groom
"Mebbe" said the old coachman; and
then to himself, Looks bad for Mr..
Humphrey; and If he died, what should
4 -. hnn I'D r .
The old man walked slowly on for
half an hour before he answered his men
tai question, and his answer was:
They'd make me dell 'em the truth,
and it might bring Mr.. Humphrey to the
gallows; and If it did, it would be all
through me-"
After leaving his companions at the inn
Captain Armstrong had descended into "a
narrow pass where the road had been
cut down in the hillside. leaving a high,
we'll CODED bank on either hand, and
here it was far more dark than out in
the open, and the mare, after walking
steadily on for some distance with her
well-shod hoofs clinking upon the loose
stones suddenly SHE'D, stopped short, and
snorted.
whats the matter with you, stupid
Can't you stand straighti" cried the cap
tain, striking the beast angrily with his
heels. eco on"
The horse, however. backed and swerv
ed from side to side making as il to turn
sharply and gallop back to Dartmouth
but just at that moment there was q
rustling sound heard overhead, where thu
rough bushes fringed the bank, aud di
rectly after a rush and the sound OF some
one leaping down into the lane between
the captain and the town.
This had the effect of startling tht
horse more and more, but instead of max
ing now for the way by which they haC
come. it willingly obeyed the touch OF tn,
riders spur. and continued its journe.
for half dozen yards. Then it stoppe,
short once again, for u dark figure leape,
down into the lane just in front, and tia
captain found himself hemmed in.
'Stand back, you scoundres!" roare,
the captain. I'm blow your brains out!
A hooking laugh was the response, an
as he dragged at the holster a smar