The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-04-03
CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII. forts STt ndns that was sRess, subsided and remained si- dent. TfSs, then, was the final act of the dramai The letters had suggested that he would be taken by force if he dd not come willingly. and the threat had been carried out.
 Suddenly the carriage stopped and Bobs was taken from it and walked uI two flights of stairs. A door opened and he was pushed forward. The bag was taken from his head and he found him. self in the presence of three men he had never seen before.
 well Bobs, old chap. we got you didn't we?'
 Bobs looked from one to another. and his brows contracted, but he said noth- ing; syo, ought mt to ro hack on xou, old pals when they send you written invite to return said a tall man with red hair and mustache. What are you talking about?" was the reply. T have never seen any of you before. What do you want of me?' 70. come off, Bobs. Don't play the in nocent act on us. We've been watching you're too proud to chum with the old gang, so you made up your mind to droI you, dear boy"
 Either I'm crazy or you are. I've had some letters from person named Red die,'" the one in question threw back his head and laugher. and these letters spoke of the old place. but where the old place was, or is, did not and do not know"
 You mean to say that you don't know us. and that you don't know these roms?"
 q mean to say just that"
 Well. of all the cheek!'
 There's no cheek about it. I do not know either you or the rooms. I'm not in the habit of going back pack on people or back and he stood erect, looking them straight in the eyes.
 "Then what is the matter with your"
 Nothing that I know of."
 What's your nameP
 Tt is said to be Robert Morgan; l am commonly called Bobs.
 Where did you come from?"
 "I do not know; 1t is said Vermont"
 "How do you know that?'
 "A man came to the Merivelt hospital, where l was sick, and said that he was my father. He said that my name was Robert Morgan; that l came from Yer: Bobs. That is all. He never came again."
 The tall. red-haired man stepped in front of him.
 ..I And nd 70. you ... don't know me~
 My name is Reddie. Do you know itY' not kIloW yOuA hohAS'
 You lie.'
 Before the big man could ward 1t off he received a blow in the face that sent him back several steps. He sprang at the young man with a fierce oath, but the others held him back.
 ''Shat up, Reddie," said one of the oth- CTS, you only got what you deserved. |"
 "No man tells me I lie,' said Bobs. "You might as well know 1t now as any time."
 "Quite right, boy" chimed in London. who had just stepped into the room "Good for you. It was a pretty blow. Where did you learn to fight?'
 ,"I don't know, but I won't be told that lie by any man, big or small.'
 whats the matter with the kid?'' asked one of the men, Ines not sham ming a little bit."
 lies crazy" said Reddie.
 I'm not crazy" was the quick re- ply, followed by a step forward. 'I don't know what you men want, but you have made a mistake, that is all"
 Not on your life. We wanted you and we've got you. You belong to me. brought you up and spent money on you, and just because you've got into swell society you needn't think that you can drop me-"
 'i never saw you before in my life, and let me tell you that you better not fool with me or you will get into trouble"
 70, not bit, my boy. We'll take care