The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1902-01-17


roadside tavern not far from Scarbor-
ough.
The meeting was more or less ncci-
dental. The horses Of the two men
were in the stable when Jack went TO
put up his own mare for the night.
He thought he recognized one of them,
for Parker had ridden superb animal
into Kirkstall, which Jack had seen
him mount more than once at the
Star and Garter. He went into the
common room of the small inn. and
there sat the two highwavmen at sup
per. Parker in an evidently gloomy and
discontinued frame Of mind
Good evening, gentlemen" said
Jack.
1.-THE same to you, friend" said 'os-
ter, cheerfully.
Parker looked up and could not dis
guise his surprise, not to say fear, at
sight of his rival, the man whose
hopes in life he had blasted.
Il was seeking YOU" said Jack.
Seeking us" exclaimed Foster,
starting to his feet.
mot you," said Jack, "this gentle
mani"
"Oh," said Foster, with sigh Of
relief, for at the moment it occurred
to him that Jack might be the spokes-
man of others stationed without and
bent on their capture.
Your time will come, no doubt,
said Jack; but l am not the man that
will bring you to the gallows."
Foster stood in an attitude of self
defense Dick calmly awaited Jacks
further disclosures.
What do you mean?" asked Foster,
his hand upon his pistol I'VE are at
home here, the landlord is in our ser
vice. You are one of us, is that what
you wish to say?"
mo, am not one of you; If | had
not sworn to help you-not you!'
turning to Foster, II would hand you
over to justice now, in spite Of your
landlord and your pistols, you damna-
BILE ruffiansl There, make the most of
that and take you hand from your
pistol, or I'll scatter your Trains on
the wall"
Jack as he spoke leveled a formida-
BILE weapon at Foster, leaving Parker
to do what he pleased.
Foster showed his hands straight,
and turned deadly pale.
THAT is well, you coward" said
Jack; 81 am not here to arrest you,
l am the messenger Of heart-broken
girl, to save you, Richard Parker, the
nobleman with a sneer), and, out OF
my love for her, l extend the reprievo
to your companion"
Foster eyed Jack suspiciously.
81 am that fool, doting lover y
went on Jack, who thought kindness
and devotion would count something
to a woman-good conduct. and an
honest name. 1t was for you to come
to Kirkstall and show me what fool
| was; you, highwayman, thief, a
murderer"
Parker sat like a statue staring at
his rival while Jack flung these de-
mandatory sentences at him.
Foster moved uneasily, seeking an
opportunity to attack the passionate
countryman, who turned toward him
to say, eff you make move, so much
as handstir, I'll shoot you! Why lay
another deed Of blood on your soul? /
tell you am not here to harm you, but
to warn you, because l have sworn to
save the rufian who has stolen my
place and robbed me of my life, and
because | am a fool"
Swear you do not mean to modest
us, or to obstruct our escape" said
Foster in a whisper, land don't speak
so loud"
81 will swear nothing to such as
you; if you doubt me, leave the room
and take your chance; this man, your
friend, knows l speak the truth; his
black heart has white enough in it
to tell him So"
"You have said it," Parker replied.
Ito be continued.)