Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-06-01


most in evidence. The ripcned ears
OF corn had been picked clean by crows
and squirrels, bean pods lay rotting
on the ground, and tangle of weeds
covered the plot.
There's one thing we kin do, any
how" said old Cy, when the examina-
ton was ended, 1--WE kin lay low round
here N watch them ossifers git
fooled"
It is needless to say that his bub-
bling sense of humor was consoling
to Martin just now, and the two re-
turned to the landing, where a con-
sultation was held 1t ended in deci-
sion to cross the lake, ascend tribu-
tary stream, and, hiding the canoes,
return through the woods, and, as old
Cy said, Lay low" This was carried
out, and, an hour later, Levi stationed
at the landing as an outer guard. while
the rest found good hiding-places.
They had another hours wait, and
then Levi Joined them with the infor-
nation that the expected visitors were
just crossing the lake
1t was not really courteous conduct
on Martins part to thus play the spy,
but somehow he felt unkindly toward
these minions of the law who doubted
his word, and when they approached
the cabin, was willing to listen.
Guess the bird has flown" said the
leader, as lie halted before the hut and
glanced at the little bank of leaves.
Then, pushing the door in, he looked
long, turned about, and added, Il won
der where these fellows are who gave
us the slip?"
1--WE notion we may have passed
'em below here" responded his COM
panion, land they'll show up later"
Then they ransacked the garden, re-
turned and entered the cabin, and
made a more complete examination
He's been hiding here a good long
time" asserted the leader, appearing
again and glancing atsthe vines almost
covering the hut. This shack's been
built all Of ten years or more"
Well, did you EYER" he exclaimed
in establishment, as squirrel suddenly
up to him, halted, and the next instant
was on his shoulder. Here, you var
mint, git off. he added, striking at the
pretty creature, who leaped to the
ground chattering.
Then the two men looked at one an
other, for that frisking squirrels con-
duct was a revelation.
I'm not just sure it's McGuire's hid
ing-post after all, asserted one.
Nor either" responded the other.
"This hut's been built twice ten years,
or I'm no guesser; and Mcclure want
the chap to tame squirrels that way"
Then he glanced at the sun, now we'll
down, and added, "We might as we'll
camp here tonight and save trouble,
besides there's taters and onions in the
| garden"
When the two had returned to their
canoe, Martin softly whistled to his
companions, and they also vanished
into the woods to hold a consultation
when secure from discovery.
WAL" said old Cy. chuckling,
they've skinned us out O. a good
/ camping spot n now what's to be
done?''
1t was poser, and Martin, seating
himself on a fallen tree trunk, strolSed
his chin and reflected.
They'll light out in the morning"
he said at last, land until then are
welcome to the hut. I've no use for
them Think Of brute in the shape
OF man who would knock harmless
/ squirrel off his shoulder!"
The fact was that Martin had con-
ceived sudden and really causeless
dislike for these two men who were
only doing their duty.
It'll be dark fore we know it." as
serted old Cy, glancing into the shad-
owy forest, m it's a good spell back
to the canoes. Mebbe we better push
on
And push on they aid, back to the
concealed canoes, and a camp for the
night. And later around the camp
! fire q consultation was held in earnest
1--WE are here to find that hermit, as
serted Martin, after all surmises as to
his whereabouts had been exhausted
''and hunt for him we will until snow
flies.''
sAmzi used to have the same trick
O. wanderin' off fer days" responded
old Cy, unpointedly, en- he'll be back
here bime by"
Martin smiled the first time in hours.
You seem sure it's AMI" he said,
| grateful for the assurance.
a"Sartin do, n more'n that, he amt
dead ez callate your thinkin'; I'd feel
1t If he was"
/ The campfire conference terminated
early, for the loss of sleep was felt by
i all, and when, late the next morning,
Martin crept out of the tent, Levi and
one canoe were missing while Jean
was busy cooking breakfast
It was eaten, and Martin was getting
uneasy at Lewis prolonged absence
when he appeared.
They've gone, bag and baggage I
he asserted with elation, II watched
till I see EN- shove off n leave the
Lake."
But this did not solve the problem
| of where the hermit was, and Martin
was as nonplused as ever. Immediate
danger to him was removed for the
present but where was the hermit?