Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1902-10-16
CHAPTER XvI.-CContinucd.J

ShC reached the tlOStl III llIlt W cHNcl
and close the door, though, in her haste,
she made no attempt to fnstcn IT, nor dld
She observe that Persian scarf thrown
carclcSsly over her shoulders had fallen
to the floor at the moment Of her en-
trance II was of n light though rich
fabric, with deep embroidery of gold,
the sight Of which was so tempting in the
eyes OF her pursucr. that he stopped and
picked it up. This delay, triiling as it
was, saved her.
Hold, on your perilv' exclaimed Har-
leigh, springing forward as the man was
in the act uf opening the door.
The Inferior Of the closet, however, pre-
scented precisely the same appearance as
dt had the preceding evening. The look
Of blank establishment depicted on the
countcnance of each Of the rufilans might
on different occasion excite mirth; now,
the predominating emotion in the mind Of
Harlcigh, as well as OF the Jew, who
had described to him the retreat Of Abb,
now shared by Alice. though he had not
mentioned the name OF the latter, was one
of devout thankfulncss.
III should almost believe that my eyes
had played me false, il it weren't for
this" said Mat, holditg up the scarf.
Meanwhile Skellum was eagerly exam
lining the closet, TO ascertain by what
mems she had made her escape.
LET him satisfy himself" said the
jew, seeing that Harlcigti and the stran-
ger regarded him with looks Of impa-
tience. "There Is no danger Of his dis
covering the manner OF her egress."
IF hadn't tried the thickness Of these
walls last night" said Skellum, who soon
gave up his search AS hopeless, Il would
try what few well-aimed blows would
do"
AS the trial seems to have been sat
isfactory," said Harleigh, you may as
well go now"
"And leave that scarf behind YOU" said
the stranger, addressing Mat, who was
about to tie 1t round his waist.
eve shall do neither the one nor the
ether, unless we please" said Skelum.
answering both for himself and comrade.
That's what we won't" said Mat.
The strangers only answer to this was
taking possession Of the scarf, which he
did with perfect ease, feat that evident
Nv raised him in the estimation of all
three of the wretches, who had been in
slined to believe that the conciliatory
manner he had previously adopted to-
ward them was the result Of tmidity.
you prefer To remain here a while
longer?" said Harieigh, again addressing
Skeuum.
YES" he replied, ssllexAly, and you
needn't trouble yourself about it if we
d."
VERY WELL" said Harleigh. we will.
Ia the meantime. see what can be done to
procure an escort for yos."
"He means the police" whispered Maj.
Corkle then turaed to HaIeigh aud the
stranger and said:
'"There's no use in t.iing to brighten
ss-that is no easy matter; but il the
gentleman will be 80 sbligiug W to let Ny
try how we shall feed with few Of those
gold pieces he showed NJ in our pockets.
i will 60 away quietly myself, and use
my influence to persuade the others 10
follow my example"
1T is too late now" said the stranger
I'm no longer in the vein. When | Of
fered you gold, didn't take you for the
miscreants you have proved yourselves TO
be. You have already annoyed these in
offensive people with your presence. mHell
too long-longer than this gentleman Nd
myself would have permitted, had it not
been that we felt indisposed to engage
in brawl with such fellows as you, es-
pecially beneath pcaceable aud rcspec
table roof"
After having waited minute or two
finding that they seemed disposed t.
maintain their ground, he made a sign
to Mizar. The boy understood it. anC
at once prepared to obey. The rutiians
however, appeared to think it best t,
make good their retreat, which they did
with muttered threats, among which tn,
words, 1--WE shall yet have our revenge
the old jew doesn't know what there Il
In store for him." could be distinguished
After leaving the ship, as they passet
a little dark court, of which the hous'
and an outbuilding belonging to the Jew
formed two of the sides, Corkle said In
whisper: 1.-THE dumb witness that lie
there will make it go hard with the oil,
Jew"