Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-01-07
CHAPTER Y.
THE TRAGEDY.


The next night but one was as unlike
summer night as could he. Rain had
fallen during the day so heavily as to
clog the roads with mud, and the black
clouds which still hung i'll the sky caused
a murky darkness.
When Godfrey Tenant reached the
railway station at Wcstbury. he was
confronted by the fact that all the
vehicles had been hired except tumble
down old gig belonging to one of the
small farmers, and with seat III TINS he
had to be content
lie had telegraphed for the people at
the Priors to leave his cycle at the sta
ton inn, but Journey of that Kind was
not to be thought of in such weather.
n rare night this for July, master"
said old Farmer IIutchins. as he tried to
yet bit of speed out of his mare; the
seasons do seem topsy tIrvy like. Whoa
there. Polly-what be the matter wi ycE"
For the mare. who certainly didn't
show much inclination for skittishness,
began to prick up her ears, and acted a.
though she would like to shy into a ditch
or run away.
A dull thump thump was heard coming
from ahead Godfrey recognized it at
once
It's motor rear broken down. | eX-
peet," he said; or perhaps stuck in this
DOGGY road"
Il hope it hain't, said the farmer. ''for
my mare'll never go by enc of them fire
engine things. We'd have to drag her by
mud or not"
All! well, anything to get home" said
Geoifrev. laughing; "the mare does
seem bit afraid
As they came nearer to the painting
machine the animal began to show eyi-
lent signs of distress, and at length. when
within few yards of the cause of its
terror, it stopped short. Both Godfrey
and Iiutchins jumped out and went to the
mares head.
With a suddepness which left no chance
for defense, two tall forms masked and
IN long cloaks- sprang from the shadow
of clump of trees, and rushed ulom
Them
The old farmer was felled TO the earth
with ore blow. Geodrey struggled dos
perately against his foes; but he had
been taken at such a disadvantage that
1t was useless
4 rope had been thrown over his head
and frightened round his arms. rendering
HIM powcrless to hit ont. and a second
turn of the rope secured his legs. so that
he could not disable either of his assail-
ants
4 gag was thrust into his mouth, and
he was borne away to the motor car.
HIRE he was lifted into the baci, scat aud
secured, while one of the masked men
took his place beside the chauffeur.
Ia oil ,ft l. I,,t-
tine stood clear, and the machine started
Away it went. soon getting up It's
speed, in spite Of the darkness and the
deep mud. whirlng past Western Priors
at terrific pace, for here the roads were
wider and better There was a gentle
rise Tor Some distance and the water had
run down The cutters into the highway
hclew.
GeoiTrey was uniniured and perfectly
conscious The only Inconvenience lie
1elt was his cramped position. coupled
with the tightness of his bonds. This
was due to Ralph Tilling If Jack lem
PIE had not given way on the point of
Treatment, he would have had to carry
"0' ms cowardly plan himself As to
me secret murder which was to form the
last scene in the tragedy. the poacher
VAS absolutely innocent of all iuten-
iional completely.
lie had been in 50 many tight places
himself that he felt come sympathy with
The prisoner. but he went very cautiously
TO- work.
Mister" he said. leaning over towards
Godfrey. while he held on like grim
''ath, do You think that if / took the
Sds out OF your mouth, and gave YOU 1t
rink ont of my flask. you could promise
~, @' TO cry out for help along the road?
here you're going you'll only be pat 10
u" inconvenience II staying i few DAYS
AGAINST your win Thcre1l be no real
i"'in done. Ill remove the gag and you
'H answer nc We can say whatever
we plfase The driver j, a German. and
knows two 81 three words Of Eng-
Hing gave the sign to the chauffeur
y e'@eken speed, and Their removed the