The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-03-12
CHAPTER TX.

tnred into Potter's Court did not betray
h. any change of feature his sense of the
danger which seemed hanging over him.
1, was not an enviable position. but his
..ooIpess did not desert him. Had it not
been for the changing OF bolts below ana
for the careful, locking up of the house
hc would have been disposed to regard
the arrival Of Thomas Eastbel and his
companion In friendly spirit. despite the
scowls with which they favored Hun and
the anxious faces of the women.
Hanged IL didn't think so"' exclaim-
ed Thomas EastbeIi, alias Vizzobini. TO
the crowned-hea patronage department:
SO this is why you have been creeping
about the Saxe.Gotla. Is it? Well. what
have done, that you come into my crib
in this wayi What have you got to
saw he roared forth in a louder key.
Tint you keep too big fire for the
time of the year. and that II isn't good
for your hcaIths,' said Reuben, in quiet
tone Of voice. 81 have come to see your
sister"
We'll, that's uncommon kind of yon."
TON" said Sarah at this junctnrc.
this il Mr.. Culwick-young Mr.. Cui-
wick-our second cousin. You have
heard me speak of him. You must not
attempt In any way to interfere with
him."
What business has he with you? why
can't he mind his own business and let
you alone ?" cried Tom. What's this
second-cousin clap to rs? What good is
he? What notice has he ever taken of
us till now? Hang me, ! don't belicV"
he's II cousin at all. but policeman try
Ing to work up ease against people more
honest than hisself.
II came to help your sister"
oh. that's il! En-"
The interrogativc was addressed to the
man looking over his shoulder. who had
touched his arm aud whispered in his
ear. keeping his eyes fixed upon Reuben
meanwhile.
My friend remarks" said Mr.. East
tcli, with a grim smile. that if you have
come to help the family, perhaps you will
be kind enough to prove your words by
doing the handsome to us people out of
luck"
You mean give you money! Then.
gentlemen. | am sorry that | can't help
you"
But you must" growled forth the
mau in the background who had recent
iy whispered to Tom Eastbell you've
walked in without leave after the gal. and
you'll pay your footing before you "a"
II think not" sad Reuben Culwck.
Then you'll have to stop" cred the
man. 1.-The house y locked MP for the
night. and we can't afford to part with
you; can we. matcT'
Am | 10 understand that I'm Il pris-
oner?" inquired Reuben. sternly.
There's men down stairs who say
you're spy on them" said Tom, in fur
Their explanation, "and they're Irish a,id
soon riled."
Il am not afraid Of them"
Ask my sister; p'raps you'll take Ter
word. Sally" he said, will the Peter
sons stand as much of this man rs
hoveT"
They will not come up here" cried
Sarah.
They're sitting on the stairs waiting.
said Tom. land they will know all about
this fellow. They are ~ sure NJ | am
that he is detective. What now" ~
cold air rushed in. and Mrs. Easthell he
gan to cough herself to pieces.
There's miscIief meant" cried Sarah; ;
Il shan't leave this window while Mr..
Cutwick remains. and | will scrcam my
heart out il you touch him. This is Al
dreadful house. sir" shr said to Rruhen.
with dreadful men III it. Be on your
guard"
Come back FROM that window" roar,d
Tom.
II will do nothing of the kind" cried
Sarah, standing there erect and dciinnt
It'll Mr.. Culwick il allowed to quit this
place I'll not move away"
Don't yea ace how you're making your
sister-in-law cough. you brute" said
Thomas Easthcil. "If we were the Forty
Thieves you c"uidu't make more fuss
Why"
He was siding step 10y step toward his
sister as he spoke. when Reuben Cuhyick
crossed the room in one stride. and thrust
him forcihly away before his panther like.
spring could fasteu on her. 1t was a bold
move. assuming the offensive in this fash
Ion. but Reuben had grown angry ar re-
straint, and il was the time to act or
never. Reuben'S thrust sent him stag
geriug with violence against his frirnd
who. taken off his guard. received Tom :
bullet-head between his eyes. and fell
backward into the passage. With Tom on
the top of him. The clear doorway SI!g-
gested n temporary eNpcdicnt and Rcu-
ben closed the door quickly. locked il
with the key aud set his foot against the
lower portion of the woodwork
Therell be murder done now" said
Mrs. Eastbell, wriuging her hands: "oh.
you fool 10 come to this place. Call out
you'll give EN- money or they can have
your watch--say something. They re
cotuing up the stairs"
Who are theyY' asked Reuben. stern
~ now.
"Coiners!'
Tie could hear the trampling rush of
heavy feet I'D the stairs and tl,en tha