Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-04

friendly terms ana Tn t0e most cneer- ful spirit between his intended victim and the stranger who had all but actu. ally witnessed his atrocious act of treachery. The bare audacity had left me gaping at the outset of the en- counter, but the very process of his easy talk served to give me my wits again, and I was able to meet him up on his own terms, which I did, deliv- ering long. keen glance at him.
 T am afraid you are an indifferent sportsman. Captain Sercombe." said I after had acknowledged the inuoduc- tion ceremoniously. You do better with the rod than with the gun. see l must take you in hand for lesson. When you see me shoot I shall shoot straight, even if the enemy be a hare"
 Sercombe laughed and patted my horses flank. The vicar looked from one to the other in some bewilderment, as we'll he might, for we had disposed of a curious incident somewhat cava- lierly
 T am pleased to have made your ac- quaintance, Mr. Greatore1," said he. And I trust we shall see more of each other"
 In my heart I hoped not, but I gave him the proper rejoinder, and, taking of his hat, he moved away. Sercombe and were left upon the roadway con- fronting each other.
 And now. sir said I quietly, twill you be good enough to tell me what this means. and why you shoot at hares with bullets:"
 Let me walk with you little way" responded the captain, shoGldering his gun. Suiting his action to the invita- tion, he marched beside me. Tt is very plain, MT. GreatoreI," said he pleasantly. Tt means that you must have a lesson, but I need not assure you that I bear no i'll will to you. On the contrary. have taken a great taste for you. But it is obvious to you that sentiment has no place in a mere matter of business"
 IL is not an uncommon practice with me 10 carry a pistol. and certainly, if it had never entered my head before. l think that the strange fortunes Of the last week would have persuaded me to the precaution. AS it was, the reyoly- CT lay to my hand in my coat pocket, and took my course forthwith. Whip ping round the horse. I drew and pre- sented the weapon at his heart
 You will do me the favor. Captain Sercombe," said I sharply, ito hand over your cartridges"
 An indefinite expression of surprise passed over his face. He was evident ly taken aback. and his high color strengthened. "Oh, come. my dear sir" said he T ask you to consider if it be worth while. For my own part. I have no desire to fire in your back nor dare I if I had. You see. T. ar plain with you"
 He certainly was, and I saw at once that l need fear no more for the pres ent-at least from the captain.
 Very we'll" said I.
 T am glad you agree with me-" he remarked. Tt is a saving of dignity"
 said no more, but whipped up the horse and left him, with a mocking bow, which he returned gravely. and de last saw of him was his bulky form leaning upon the gun and assid- uOusly following me with his dull and fshy eyes.
 l put up the horse at the Swan and hurried to the station, barely in time to catch the London train. I took my ticket hastily and, rushing down the platform, cast about ne precipitately for first class carriage The guard had retired to the back part of the train and stood impatiently, flag in hand. l came upon two compartments of the class l wished and gave a hur- ried glance into each. The one appear ed empty. but the other already con tained two or three travellers. This latter. however. was labeled ''Smok- ing" and for q second or two I wayer- cd in the balance until sharp Now. then. sir" from the guard finally whip ped up my decision. opened the door of the smoking carriage. but as I did 50 man rude!y stumbled against ne, and I fell against the next coInpart- nent. the door of which had just been opened by a third person. In the furry of the moment merely remember get ting back my clutch upon the handle. and the next instant I was in the smoking carriage. somewhat hot and angry. Out of the window by which I sat saw in the tail Of my ere the two men stepping swiftly into the next compartment. and something vaguely troubled my senses.
 settled into the cushions as the train dsew out of the station and look ei about q my companions Then ny mind returned to the landscape. which vas now passing pretty swiftly. IL struck ne in a fe -a what was exer- cising ny miad- 1 sQuiut-that was it. Mrs. Main had described the in- -ruieT If the morning as a man with 6 ~siu5at-fu81y-llke- A1d the man who had got into the next carriage vss man with a sqai1t- The c5inci- ta1ce Tas only remarkable because I was la a ve-itzbls net Of suspicion. And when I examined the particulars it r-ss his e0mpsal9l wbB had j1rstled ua-I might to be tl9-ggzhIy ssspi- cious. zsT shoved ne Whv had I beea sb0vedE Perhaps it was an seei- dent and tie tE8 men had 10 relztiga to eaeh 0-he-. Eg- rho s@-0zd man with ths sgEfnt to Nrz- Mains frield Bgt. 0a tbe g-aer hand that sh0ve cane Fear se1Iz-E ne tErg-zh rhe 1111