Oakes Republican., 1902-02-21
Didn't notice '1m," replied the other.

Didn't notice '1m," replied the other
'What about imp"
Its very strange" muttered Leath-
wood to himself, still looking in the di-
rection the man had taken; Every
strange. indeed. 1 know his face some
where-Ill swear know his face."
We'll, 1 wouldn't stand mumblin'
about it ere. if I was you,' retorted
Cornelius. Lets know what you're go
ing to do. and let's get it done; it's too
cold to stand about ere all night
Still, the face he mad seen in the semi
| darkness seemed to haunt the younger
man: even when he turned away, and
walked along beside Cornelius, he
| thought about it. and turned the recol-
lection over in his mind. And at last
when he had gone some little distance
from the inn, he stopped suddenly
stopped, i'll unmistal1able terror.
II know him now!"he cried. Corne-
Illus. do you remember me telling you
of man I saw at the hospital-the man
who picked up Miles Probyn in the
street.-the man who followed him to
the grave with me. when we buried him
as Gilbert Rickerby?"
Yes. 1 remember" replied Cornelius.
THE chap that gave the name of
George Reeks.''
That's the man. And that man who
ran against us just now. and who has
gone into the inn where they all. are. is
the same man." He stopped in the
street, and his face was white and
drawn as he faced the old man. I'm
Heavens name, Cornelius. what does it
all mean?" he asked. Tonight it has
almost seemed that the secret of the
CHASTITY thing we did is known
Seems like it," replied Cornelius,
coolly.
"And now there comes upon the
scene this mysterious man, who gave
what must have been a false name and
disappeared Immediately. His coming
here tonight and going to that place is
no mere matter of chance; there's some
fiendish plot working out here against
us. of which we know nothing. Corne-
Illus, I'm afraid we stand upon some
what thin crust of earth, which may
crack and let us through at any mo-
ment."
you're gettin' into bad 'abits again.
said Mr.. Viewers, slowly. "I warned
you, not long ago to get out of the way
got yourself into precious mess, Mr.
I'eathwood, and you think you're ago
in to pull me into it, too. No, thank
you; none of your thin crusts for me.
I stand on solid earth, I'd ave you
know. and my ads are clean.'
Nugent Leathwood was in no mood
for distinctions or differences at that
moment; with savage oath, he sprang
at the old man, and caught him by the
collar and shook him to and fro vigor-
ously. you old dog!" he muttered; $50
you think you'll desert me because ev-
eryone else does-do you I'll teach you
that this is a different matter. Remem-
ber, the old man who saw that business
is dead; and if swing for it, your ugly
carcass shall swing with me. You
twisted demon! so you think you'll save
your skin, do you? Your only chance to
save yourself is to save me. So, you'd
better stick to me. You've learned be-
fore this that I'm not to be played with
if I go under for this thing, Til have
company. If I ever found that you'd
sold me, I'd break the strongest gaol
ever built to get at you and tear the life
out of you" He gave him one last Wig
orous shake, and sent him staggering
against wall.
you're too 'asty-much too 'asty,"
said Cornelius, feebly, when he had got
his breath again. "You don't suppose
you couldn't think for a minute that
I'd be the sort of man to turn round on
anyone, could you?"
"Yes. I could!" snarled Leathwood.
ga fine friend you are to talk of slip
ping out when the first sign of danger
comes. Why, you'd sell your own
brother-you know you would! But
you shan't sell me-understand that!"
''I never meant to sell no one" whim-
pered Cornelius. shouldering himself
against the wall to get as far as posi-
BILE out of the way of Leathwood.
well. We'll say you didn't. Now,
the question is, what are we going to
do? For my part, intend to wait un-
til these people are in bed or, at all
events, to watch for an opportunity
when the girl is alone. Mind, it's risky
business, but that little fool. Reeks. is
far away land we ought to be able to
manage it pretty easily. Oh, it'll be a
matter of force this time; something
thrown over her head, so that we can
get her away without screams or noise.
Only don't mean to be baffled; it's the
bold man who wins in a game of this
kind, and I'll be bold enough when ne
cessary."
They agreed that it would be neces-
sary for them 10 get into the inn before
it closed; and it was arranged that
Cornelius should go on in front, to be
sure that no one was about, and should
then smuggle Leathwood into the room
he had engaged: that they should both
wait there until an opportunity pre-
sented itself for the abduction.
''And I won't take her back to Rick
erby's Folly this time' said Leathwood.
"YoI shall take her across country
somewhere, where I'll join you. after I
have secured these papers. After that
well, never mind what will happen
after that"
He had been on the point of suggest
ing to Cornelius the idea that he had