The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-05-02


the sight of revolver. made hial think
again. Monty was not a coward; nel-
ther was he fool He was quick TO
see that struggle would be madness.
What do you want?" he demanded
as coolly as his nerves would permit.
put up your hands, quick"' And
he hastily obeyed the injunction.
''Not a sound out of you or you get
it good and proper. You know what
we want. Get to work, Bill. III
watch his hands,
Help yourselves, boys. I'm not fool
enough to scrap about it. Don't hit
me OF shoot. that's ALL Be quick about
it, because Tll.take cold if my overcoat
is. open long. How's business been to-
night?" Brewster was to all intents
and purposes the calmest man in New
York.
"Fierce!" said the one who was doing
the searching. You're the first guy
we've seen in a week that looks good. !"
81 hope you won't be disappointed" :"
said Monty genially. eff I'd expected
this I might have brought more mon
ey."
81 guess we'n be satisfied chuckled
the man with the revolver. you're
awful nice and kind, mister, and may
be you wouldn't Object to tellin' us
when you'll be up dis way ag'in.
"It's a pleasure to do business with
you, pardner," said the other, dropping
Monty's $500 watch in his pocket.
well leave car fare for you for your
honesty His hands were running
through Brevster's pockets with the
ouickness of a machine. 'You don't
go much on jewelry, 1 guess. Are
desc shoit buttons de real ting"
They're pearls" said Monty cheer
fully.
"a1y favorite jool," said the man
with the revolver. "Clip 'en out, Bill"
Don't cut the shirt" urged Monty.
.sI'm going to a little supper, and
don't like the idea Of a punctured
shirt front"
"I'll be careful as I kin, mister.
There. I guess dat's all. Shall I call a
cab for you, sir?'
..No, thank you think I'll walk"
e.Well, just walk south a hundred
steps without lookin' round er yellin'
and you kin save your skin. l guess
YOU know what I mean, pardner.'
.rm sure do. Good night"
"Good night" came in chuckles from
the two holdup men. But Brewster
hesitated, sharp thought penetrating
his mind.
"BV gad,'' he exclaimed, 'you chaps
are very careless. Do you know you've
missed a roll Of $500 in this overcoat
pocket?" The men gasped, and the
spasmodic oaths that came from them
were born of incredulity. 1t was plain
that they doubted their ears.
"Say it ag'in,'' muttered Bill IN be-
wildered tones.
"He's stringin' us, Bill" said the
other.
"Sure.'' growled Bill. cts nice
vav to treat US. mister. Move along
now and don't turn round
.'Well,, you're couple of nice nigh
waymen," cried Monty in disgust.
.'Sh! Not so loud"
.That is no way to attend to busi-
ness. Do you expect me to go down
into my pocket and hand you the goods
on a silver tray?'
"Keep your hands up! You don't
woik dat game on me. You got a gun
there"
.sNo, I haven't. This is on the level.
You overlooked a roll Of bills in your
haste. and I'm not the sort Of fellow to
see an earnest endeavorer get the
worst Of it. My hands are up. See
for yourself if I'm not telling you the
truth"
..What kind Of game is dis"
growled Bill, dazed and bewildered.
"I'm bowed if I know wat to t'ink o
you." cried he in honest amazement.
.sYou don't act drunk. and you amt
crazy, but there's somethin' wrong wild
you. Are you givin' it to US straight
about de wad?"
.You can find out easily
'Well, hate to do it, boss, but
guess We'll just take de overcoat and
all 1t looks like trick. and we take
no chances. Off wild de coat
Monty's coat came Off in a jiffy, and
he stood shivering before the dunn
founded robbers.
We'll leave &c coat at de next cor
ner. parGner. It's cold. and YOU need
it more'n we do. You're dc limit, you
are. SO long. Walk right straight
ahead and don't yell.
Brewster found his coat few min
utes later and he went whistling away
into the night. The roll Of bills was
gone.
CHAPTER MI.
HRENSTER made good story OF