The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1903-11-20

Tiff | can serve you, and permit me
to go BACK TO my paper
A light-an ugly, crooked light
leaped all at once into the strangers
eyes; he stood MP holding on TO the
hat-raelf TO steady himself.
You can serve me-" he said, in a
low, vibrating voice. How clever Of
you to think of it! l want your
clothes.' r
Sit, gasped the amazed divine,
likewise standing up, you must be-"
Mad. 1 knew you'd say SO. You're
wrong, as it Happens. However, that's
quite beside the point. z All You have
to do is to undress."
DR.. Bigworth's cheeks went first
grey and then purple. He was not
used TO any tone of authority except
his own. Let this fellow be mad or
sane, he must be taught his place.
He swelled himself out to the full ex-
tent OF his pompous size. Are you
aware who l ann" he demanded, in a
voice that had been won't to make
over-officious curates shake in their
shoes.
i have formed" coolly rejoined the
man with the beard, mo theories
whatever about you. Your dress will
be useful to me, and that's all | care
about" AS he spoke he felt leisurely
in his coat pocket; and then-as if
there was nothing outrageous in the
~actiOn--he produced q revolver and
held it UP to the window, pointing it
and closing one eye as if to try it's &C
curacy.
The bishop gave a smothered excla-
nation, and fell back Imply in his
corner Of the carriage.
This will tell you that I'm in ear
nest" said the stranger. Now, when
are you going to begin?"
"B7b-begin what?" a
"To undress."
"M-m-my dear sir" demonstrated
the unhappy prelate, abruptly dropping
his dictatorial tone for one of extreme
humility, "this-this must be some ri
diculous ~j-jest."
BY way of reply the stranger gently
moved the weapon round till it's muz-
Zle was on a level with the episcopal
brow. "Undress!" he repeated, in ex-
actly the same tone.
With a groan of impotent terror the
bishop took off his silk-lined overcoat
and laid it IN the seat beside him.
will that satisfy you?" he asked,
n%ervously.
Satisfy me? Mo-" roared his COM
panion. Il want every stitch you have
on--every stitch, Now, no more shilly-
s~hallying; off with those gaiters!"
He advanced the weapon another
hairs breadth nearer and fingered the
trigger SUCCESSFULLY. With a spas
modic jerk his. lordship bobbed down
and hastily unbuttoned the insignia of
his Office.
But you're not going to leave me
without = without e-clothes?" he
moaned. 1t was not yet eight o'clock,
and the morning was chilly and raw.
The man with the beard did not re-
ply in words, but with his disengaged
hand he drew towards him a large
travelling bag, dexterously nndid it
without moving his weapon, and
Whisked out in brisk succession a dirty
flannel shirt, a pair of v~illainous plaid
trousers, a pea-jacket, a scarlet hand
kerchief, and a rakish-looking billy
cock hat.
With a meaning gesture he pointed
towards them.
DR.. Bigworth paused in his disrob-
ing to look with horror-struck eyes at
the obnoxious garments, and then en-
treatingly at his tormentor; but the
man simply tapped his revolver inpa-
tient1y and signified that he was in a
hurry. With shaking fingers the
bishop reluctantly took off his remain
ing clothes, and then very gingerly he
picked up the loathsome things that
the man had thrown down and pro-
ceeded to put them on. When he was
dressed his companion surveyed him
critically. Then he burst into a short,
sinister laugh. Capital" he said.
Again he plunged his d~isengaged hand
into the bag. and brought out this
time a small black leather case. Your
obedience deserves some reward" he
observed, and opening the case he dis
played to the blinking gaze of the
h~alf-stupefed bishop a pile of costly
gems-mostly diamonds-that lay glis-
tening inside.
Now" he remarked. calmly, you'll
perceive why ] am not anxious to be
myself. Ten minutes more and I've
done with you" He shut the case
with " 8 snap and pushed IT down TO the
bottom of the bag.
.For Heavens sake, what next?" de-
manded DR.. Bigwofth, in a terror
stricken tone.
I'm going to shave YOU"
For a few moments there was a
%duivering silence, then the bishop gave
a cry OF absolute agony. He fell down
on his knees and squirmed at the mans
feet. Not my beard" he begged;
'TorTpity $ sake, 6 M sesrd!n
Nonsense snapped the stranger,
as with a quick movement he restored
the revolver to his pocket and brought
out a razor. you've got your lucky
stars to thank that hold strangely
superstitious views about murder orI
shouldn't have taken all this trouble
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