The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-04-07

greater speed. We We're now, how
ever, upon his track, and we We're sat
isfied, and each man lOosened his pis-
tol and girt himself for the eventual
encounter. That Hood would show
fight had no doubt, and it was more
than probable that he would endeavor
to trick Us. We must be on the watch
for treachery. We wound along the
track for the better part of an hour.
now getting news of the enemy and
again leaving space for them to get
away when our neighborhood seemed
III peril of discovery. We had agreed
TO postpone the attack until the party
reached its goal. If Hood had not seen
Us (anJ was now disposed to believe
that he had not that ga! We f. even
rually be the hiding place of the treas.
ure. This was how we comfprted or
selves. and upon this faith our spirirs
rose to Il high pitch.
By this time we had lost count Oh
our direction i'll the innumerable winu.
Ings of the path, but apparently we
We're now mounting Il hill. and | judy
Ell that it lay somewhere to the south
OF the castle and toward the southern
threshold of the Gwent. We were pro
ceeding with our customary diligence
and precautions when noise of feet
stamping ON the earth aSSailed us. and
round corner came Il posse of men
and fell upon us. drew back and lift
ed NY revolver. Already Montgom>
ery's rang out OH my right-;nd then
tie light of the moon shooting through
the trees, which in those parts were
sparse, fell upon the face of Jones'
Jones' | said, in a voice in which
dlsmay, fury and disappointment
blended.
The man in front of me dropped his
hand.
You, Mr.. GreatoreX?' he asked
sharply. How do You come here
God knows" replied angrily. And
what are you doing l stopped sud.
denly. for the next face that came into
my line of vision was the black. i'm
passive face of Hood.
May | ask, sir, what brings you out
tonight on this eXpciition:" asked
Jones, pulling out his eXecrable pocket
book.
l was silent, but Sheppard broke III.
We have no objection. Mr.. Jones, to
give You our confidence, if You will be
equally liberal with us. We We're hunt.
ing for Captain Sercom5e.'
An says Jones. making note IN
der the stars. Then it is lucky l met
you, gentlemen, for l am doing the
same"
| began to see
Mr. Hood said Sheppard, with a
polite gesture OF his hand, was guild
ing YOU
Mr.. Hood had an idea" responded
Jones sourly.
All. Mr.. Hoods ideas are very valu-
able said Sheppard quickly. Pray
treasure them"
Il think, Mr.. Sergeant l interrupt
ed. being at length come to myself,
that we have been both badly deceiv-
ell. and if l were you should 60
home
j .a"% heSitated. | think he had had
enough Of Il. Wherever Sercombe was,
it Wds certain TO me that he was very
far from the place into which Hood
had decoyed the police.
Il give you the same advice. sir" re
piled Jones, "and with your permits
sion | will accompany YOU
Il wish for no better escort than so
Jealous an officer" | answered. with
some bitterness.
Jones spoke word with Hood, and,
that done, we retraced our steps
through the forest in mutual and i'm
Uttered silence.
| think there was little conversation
between lis on our journey back. The
sergeant used us very CURLY, as if he
would imply that we We're defendants
say. and that, as Sheppard remarked
afterward, without giving us the Gus
tomary warming
Il should like to ask you, Mr.. Great
orex." he said what you want with
Captain SercombeT'
Il want good DEAL" | answered
bluntly. Il want to warn him that he
is wanted on fatuous charge by
very obstinate and blind eyed officer"
Il don't think he needs that warning,
SIR" said Jones after pause and
somewhat dryly.
Besides, you forget, Ned" put in
Sheppard, that he owes Inc ego"
ALI said the sergeant in a tone
which implied that he was not to be
startled by anything that Sercombe
owed.
And now" l said, in my turn. you