The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1902-02-22

'That's the man. And Eat ma who
ran against us Just now. and who has
gone into the inn where they all are. II
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 IL known"
Seems like It," replied Cornelius.
coolly.
"And now there comes upon the
scene this mysterious man, who gave
what must have been q false name and
disappeared Immediately. His coming
here tonight and going to that place is
no mere matter Of chance; there's some
fendish plot working out here against
us, Of which we know nothing. Corne-
Illus, I'm afraid we stand upon a 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. 81 warned
you, not long ago to get outs of the way
Of talking about 'rs' and 'we.' You've
got yourself into a precious mess, Mr..
I4eathwood, and you think you're ago
in to pull me into 1t, 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 a savage oath. he sprang
at the old man, and caught him by the
4o11o~ o~1 ohno1p h{vHN kN on6 fro vyipNY.
ously. you old dog!" he muttered; $50
you think you'll desert ne because ev-
eryone else does-do you Ill teach you
that this is a different matter. Remem-
Der, the old man who saw that business
is dead; and If I swing for 1t, 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, I'll have
company. II I ever found that you'd
sold me. I'd break the strongest gaol
ever built to get ut you and tear the life
out Of YOU" He gave him n last, Wig
orous shake, and sent him staggering
against a 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?"
Eyes. 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, I intend to walt IN
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 way without screams or noise.
Only I don't mean to be baffled; It's the
bold man who wins in a game OF this
kind, and Til be bold enough when ne
cessary." ~ =, as :: ~
They agreed that it would be neces-
sary for them 10 get into h inn before
it closed; and it was arranged that
Cornelius should go on in front, to be
sure that no one was about, and hould
then smuggle Leathwood into the room
he had engaged; that they should bosh
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.
'You shall take her across country
somewhere, where I'll join you. after I
have secured these papers. After That
well, v mind what will happen
after that"
He had been on the point Of suggest
ing to Cornelius the idea that he q
had in his mind so long-that that wor-
thy should undertake the disposal OF
the body that had been placed In the
empty house. But he decided n o to
mention it at that moment; Cornelius
had already shown signs Of rebellion,
and must, evidently, be dealt with gen
ly.
They got back into the inn in a sort
Of skirmishing order, Cornelius first and
Leathwood coming after him, lurking
in the shadows. There was no n
about, and they gained Mr.. Viewers
o in safety, and locked the door and
sat down to perfect their plans.
The first thing to do was to get q car"
rage OF some sort; Cornelius was dis
patched to negotiate that part Of the
b. seiness. He came back within g very
little time, and declared that It was
quite impossible to get any vehicle at
all.
".All the places are closed" h report
ed; .'and the two inns who profess TO
do posting say they can't turn outsany-
thing till the morning. You'll 9 to
give up the gel: you've got quite enough
on your 'ands without FER"
.Iswon'tE give her up!" replied Nugent,
doggedly.. IT know what we can do;
our one object Is to get the girl out Of
this house, and out of the hands OF
those who are friendly disposed towards
her. I know what. money will do;hsyou.
60 about these things IN too Fniggardls
a fashion" 81
"Not when Tim spending someone
else's money! retorted Cornelius. You
don't know these ERE places; I offered
'em any money they liked-anI' they
laughed at me. Can't you see what g
hole you're In. without. runnin' Into