The Bowbells tribune., 1904-11-18

Pnll naQ WatCle0 the Well.knOWu
figure as it had disappeared on the
Chidley road, and he was just making
his way toward the cottage-had, in
fact, got as far as the garden gate
when the sound of approaching foot
steps alarmed him. He had just time
it was Weasel John who had returned.
Trembling in every limb, for it SEEM
ed to him that his enemy must have
seen and returned to deal with him,
the lad crouched down on the shingle
He heard the door opened and a mo-
ment later closed again, while the
sound of footsteps on the path told
him that the enemy was coming out
once more.
He ventured to raise his head and
just caught sight Of the Weasel dis
appearing in the darkness. But now
he burst not try the door for fear OF
another disturbance. 1t seemed safer
to follow the bad man, at least for
some distance, and then, perhaps, run
back and make his search. Barefoot
edit was always matter Of diff
Guilty to persuade him into shoe leath-
er-he ran behind the hedges, his
steps noiseless as a birds, and quickly
caught up his quarry. The little man
was hurrying along, evidently in high
spirits, for his chucllles were quite
audible in the prevailing silence.
Every now and again he cut caper
and flung his cap high in the air, and
several times he drew a flask from his
pocket and set it to his lips. AS the
boy watched him the thought of re-
venge rose in his mind. He slipped
his hand into his pocket and pulled
out sling which he had made for
himself and with which he had be-
come a very fair marksman. 1t was
characteristic of him that he never
used it to kill or MAIN any living crea-
ture. This was the first time it was to
be employed for such a purpose.
Still running noiselessly, he drew
out from another pocket rounded
stone, and was adjusting it in the loop
Of the sling. But, though all was ready,
he hesitated. He was not sure
enough of his aim while the Weasel
was moving so fast. The risk of fail
ure was too great. He would wait
little longer.
He saw Weasel John turn in at the
vicarage gate and-more cautiously
than ever-he followed, in the shade
of the trees that bordered the path.
He saw him stand at the door and
heard the parley with Nell. 1t was a
splendid opportunity for him, but the
thought that he might possibly injure
the girl restrained him. 1t was not
merely that he worshipped her beau
ty, but in some way that he could not
her with his idoliZed lizard. So he
waited until the door was shut. Then
he followed the little man down the
drive and into the road, taking cover
once more behind the hedge. 1t was
hard work keeping UP with him, for
the Weasel was running and leaping
and chuckling, just as he had done be-
fore.
At last Ire came to a full stop and
Phil erouched down parallel with him.
A better chance he could never have.
IT waB the thought OF the lizard, with
his; coat OF green and gold, and his
little cleaning eyes, that was predonl-
inant in his mind as he swung the
stone into the sling.
Weasel John was humming to him.
self his favorite stave.
All: at once the song ended abruptly.
for; the flint pebble from Phirs sling
took, the minstrel just behind the right
ear with such force that he dropped in
to- the ground and lay
there. as one dead