Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1902-02-20

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 III faced the old man in
Heavens name. Cornelius, what does II
all mean?" he asked. Tonight IL has
almost seemed chat 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 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. IT warned
you. not long ago TO get out of the way
OF talking about US and We You've
got yourself into a precious mess, Mr..
Lseathwood, and you think you're Ago
in to pull me into it. too. No, thank
you; none OF your thin crusts for me.
/ stand on solid earth, I'd ave YOU
know. and my ads are clean"
Nugent Leathwood was in no mood
for distinctions Dr. differences at that
moment: with a savage oath, he sprang
at the old man, and caught him by the
collar and shook him TO and fro yigor-
ously. you old dogi" he muttered; $50
you think you'll desert me because ev-
eryone else does-do you IN teach you
that this is a different matter. Remem-
Der. the old man who saw that business
is dead: and If ] swing for it, your ugly
carcass shall swing with me. You
twisted demoni so you think you'll save
your skin, do you2 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;
II 1 go under for this thing. I'll have
company. IL / eve found that you'd
sold me, I'd break the strongest gaol
ever built to get 1T o and tear the life
out OF YOU" He gave him one 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 your"
Yes. / couldi" snarIed Leathwood.
"A fine friend you are TO talk OF slip
ping out when the first sign of danger
comes. Why, you'd sell you own
brother-you know you would, But
you shan't sell me-understand hiatt"
II never meant to sell no one" within
pered Cornelius, shouldering himself
against the wall to get as far as posi-
BILE out of the way of Leathwood.
We'll, Wen say you didn't. Now,
the question is, what are we going to
do? For my part, I intend to wait un-
til these people are In bed or, al all
to watch for an opportunity
when the girl is alone. Mind. it's risky
business, but hat little fool, Reeks. is
away and we ought TO be able TO
manage Ii pretty easily. Oh, ftn be a
OF force this time; something
over her head, so that we can
get her away without screams or noise.
Only I don't mean to be baffled: It's the
bold mar who wins in a game of this
kind. and I'll be bold enough when ne
cessary."
They agreed that II would be neces-
sary for them 10 get into the inn before
Il closed; and IL was arranged that
should go OF in front, TO be
sure that no one was about. and should
smuggIe Leathwood into the room
he had engaged: that they should both
wait there until an opportunity pre-
itself for the abduction.
And i won't take her back to Rick
Folly this time" said Leathwood.
YOU shall take her across country
where I'll join you after /
nave secured these papers. After that
well, neve mind what win happen
after that"
He had been on the point OF suggest
20 Cornelius the idea that he had
had In his mind so long-that that wor-
thy should undertake h disposal OF
the body that had been placed In the
empty house. But ne decided not to
mention IL at that moment: Cornelius
had already shown signs OF rebellion.
and must. evidently, be dealt with gent
~.
They got back into the inn In a sort
Of skirmishing order. Cornelius first and
coming after him, lurking
In the shadows. There was no one
about, and they gained Mr.. Viewers
room in safety, and locked the door and
sat down to perfect their plans.
The first thing to do was 10 get a car
OF some sort; Cornelius was dis
patched TO negotiate that part OF the
bt siness. He came back within a very
little time, and declared that il was
quite impossible to get any vehicle at
all.
"Al the places are closed" ne report
ed; and the two inns who profess TO
do posting say they can't turn out any
thing till the morning. You'l ave to
give up the gel: you've got quite enough
on your 'ands without 'er."
II won't give her upi" replied Nugent,
dogsedly. II know what we can do;
our one object is TO get the girl put OF
house. and out OF the hands OF
those who are friendly disposed towards
her. i know what money win do: you
90 about these things in too n~iggardiy
a fashion"
Not when I'm spending someone
money" retorted Cornelius. You
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