Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-05-04
THIS SIDE Of
THE GAP
By ELLIOT WALKER
Copyright, 1903. bp r. G. Mcclure
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Rose Copley's clinging fingers held
/ her husband fast. "KilIian will do
/ YOU nothing but harm, Bud. Why do
you go with himT' The moonlight
glinting through the poplar leaves
spar<led on gathering tears
"Pshaw, Rosie, Tins all right.
We've long worked on the section to-
gether. | must see him tonight and
find out II Maxey will take us ON
again That's his whistle now"
He shook her Off impatlently aud
strobe Off, turning his head to call: go
In and tend to baby. I'll soon be
back"
The woman sighed, wiped her eyes
and stepped up the path to the small
brown cottage. She glanced at the
child slumberiug peacefully in his crib.
moved about uneasily and again stood
at the door. her black eyes straining
into the darkness.
81 cannot settle down." she unused.
poor old Budl He never touched the
tools, and it's two weeks since they
laid him Off. Dear me, | wish | could
forget that dream. Two nights run
ming I've dreamed it. The roar and
tremble and crash and screams.
can't remember the place and faces.
but they were familiar mt the time
Pshawl I'm upset and nervous about
things, and the Ii o'clock tearing
through was the cause. I guess"
With her easy, good natured husband
and the baby, Rose thought herself
Dad haH
been irritable at times. The mystery
of the missing tools was yet to be
cleared up. A wrench had been found
in Killian's room. and Bud was with
him at the tool house the night before.
"Tve no business to bother him." she
thought repentantly.
Nervously she waited while the min
utes crept along, then with sudden
decision picked up her gray shawl and
stepped to the crib In the corner Baby
will sleep. I've simply got to get him
home" she whispered. Its nearly
half past 10. What does all me to feel
So? There's his revolver on the man
tel. Yes; III take 1t just for company"
She locked the door and glided down
the road.
"Huilo, Budg'
"Hullo. Tim! Who are your friendsT
"a couple OF new men. Mr.. Lutz-
Mr.. Copley. Mr.. Copley-Mr. Grayle.
My pal, boys"
The men shook hands in the shade of
the great elm.
section work. Intercepted Bud.
Yes. Maxey's put us on. Tim, here,
l knowed well In the Albany yards.
COME on. Mike. l guess we can find
from the moonlight
whats up?" asked Copley.
Killian answered him: Rail spread
this side of the gap. Let's so down
and show them. We've nothing ON
hand, and it's dark spot for green
men. The boss said he's sent the tools
on hand car, and they're in the
ditch. It's only a few minutes job.
Come" He put his hand on Buds arm.
Upon the track Killian dropped be-
hind with Copley.
Bud" he growled. we're dished"
"Whatw The other halted.
Fact I've got my notice. Your
turn tomorrow"
Its an Internal outrage" cursed
Copley angrily. I'm all the years I've
worked they never had a complaint
What IL l do? I'm married and settled
here. can't move"
Killain began to swear. 1.-The ID
corporation. I'd like to see 'em In
trouble"
by Jove, I would" Copley STUN
bled along despairingly.
The moon in sudden brilliance gilt
tered upon the shining rails. curving
into the ravine beyond. Ahead and
seventy feet below the river brawled
against the abutments of the bridge.
''Goodw muttered Kilhan. well get
even, eh?''
Bud did not reply. His brain was
whirling. "Rose-the baby-the happy
little home" He staggered ON.
The track curved sharply Just this
side of the gap. There wait6 their
companions.
THE crowbar. Mike, Grayle, you
help him." Copley. examining the
nearby rails. did not heed Killian's
voice so full of import. On his knees,
he looked up. Nothing spread here.
boys, that see.'
The Others came close with hard
faces. There will be-" spoke Killian
griinly. You're in on this, Bud. No
foOling Wen get even ard more
pickings than would come to us in
years of Shaving. No one will suspect
you. We chaps will be miles away by
morning. You can take your time.
Anyway, you're in on it."
But the other was regarding him in
horror "iror Gods sake Timp he
gasped. You're fooling! No? You
dirty devil. let me up! Help! Help!
A-a-h"-
''Hit him again. Grayle! There, that
settles the fool. | thought he had
more sand. Why did / bring him7
Thought he might take hold and 7