The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-04-29
spare animal with your"

NO. 4udI WOulQ De dOVeTtISlu8 SAS
importance of my journey. II l can
get through at all. it must be by dawn
ering along as a cannie drover body
anxious to buy up cattle and turn an
honest penny by selling them to those
who want them worse than do, per-
fectly legitimate trade even during
these exciting times. They all know
the desire Of a humble Scotsman to
make little money, though the heav-
ems and kings be falling"
That's an admirable idea, and you
know the country well?"
mo one better. Indeed I'll trade my
way to the very gates of Oxford If
time is not too great an object with
you"
Time is an object, Armstrong, but
you will have to do the best you can,
and we shall await your return with
what patience we may. You will tao
kle the job them"
"It's just the kind Of job like. Can
you allow me three weeks or month ?"
"If you're back inside Of month.
Will, you'll have done what 1 believe
no other man in all Scotland could do.
Well, that's settled, then"
The earl was interrupted by roar
from the sentinel outside, which caused
every man in the room to start to his
feet, but before they could move An
gus came bursting in.
Somebody dropped from the hole on
the loft above the stables an wuz aft
ia tn wood afore could stop him."
ITO horsev' cried Traquair. Mount
instantly and let's after him.
"It's useless, my lord" said Arm
strong quietly, the only unexcited man
In the group. Eye might as well look
for some particular flea in all the HE
lan's. He'll have horse tied to tree.
and thousand cavalry couldn't catch
him If he knows the wilds hereabout."
where's the landlOrd?' Traquair
asked. angus, bring him in here"
The sentinel left the room and speed
lily reappeared with-a covering man,
evidently as panic stricken as any of
his guests.
"Have there been some stragglers
about today?' demanded Traquair.
"Not soul, my lord, on my oath, not
SOUL"
els there connection between the
room above and the loft over the
stable?"
mo possibility Of it, my lord
what did I tell your? said Hender-
son, plucking up courage again. 'This
turmoil is utterly without foundation"
"Dash itv' cried Armstrong, with a
gesture of Impotence. "Will you take
mans word for thing you can prove
in a moment? Get a ladder, Angus,
| and speel up through the hole the spy
came out at. Take a torch, an if We
drop lowe in the straw you'll no. be
blamed for it by me. See if you can
win your way through from the stables
to the house."
go at once, Angus" commanded
Traquair; then to the landlord, who
showed signs Of wishing to be else
where, "No; you stay here"
Pm feared tn man wull set fire ia
the place." whfned the landlord
"Better be feared O. the rope that
will be, round your neck if you have
lied to u.s." said the earl grimly, and
as he spoke they heard the tramp Of
the sentinel's feet overhead
"Is that you, August" asked Traquair
in an ordinary tone of voice. Can
you hear what I say2'
sSDorfoofIv
cunnin' trap tween tn stable loft an
this, that one would ma hev foun' in a
hurry, but the thief left 1t open in his
sudden flight"
The lips Of the landlord turned white,
but he remained motionless, painting
like a trapped animal, for the giant
form of Armstrong stood with his back
against the door, the only exit
Every well. Come down." said Ira
QUAR- quietly.
When the sentinel returned, Traquair
babe him get rope and tie the inn
keeper hand and foot, while the prison
er groveled for his life, his supplica-
tons meeting with no response.
"Now take him outside, Angus, and
If there is any attempt on his part to
move, or if there is an alarm of rescue
run him through with your pike and
retreat on us. AS for you, you false
knave, your life will depend on your
lying quiet for the moment and on
what you tell us hereafter
cam 1 ia be ta'en AVA, your merci-
full lordship? sobbed the man, who,
now that his life seemed in no immedi-
ate danger, turned his anxiety toward
his property. "Whatn become O. tn
inn, for there's name here to tax care
o'tY
well take care OF, never fear" re-
piled Traquair grimly
The stalwart Angus dragged the man
out, and the door was once more closed.
II think we may venture to seat our
selves again." said Traquair, suiting
the action to the word. There's moth
ing more to be done, and pursuit is
hopeless"
All sat down with the exception of
Armstrong, who remained standing with
his back to the door, gazing somewhat
scornfully on the conclave.
tGVou will nardon ma Trio oua}e no