Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-13

/ was too much AstOundeu anu Iai
too indignant for words. thought
I'd got the hare all right he resumed
amiubly to the clergyman. LUCKY iof
you, Greatorex. as we'll as for me-
And then turning to me, "Do you know
MI Morgan, the vicar of Llanellan
My friend. Mr.. Greatorex, you know
lately succeeded to the castle yonder
A fine property. ] envy him.
His impudence was startling Hefc
was Il man who had just made bare
faced attempt upon my life Qor that
was how l conceived it,, and he was
engrossing the conversation upon
friendly terms and in the most cheer
full spirit between his intended victim
and the stranger who had all but actu'
ally witnessed his atrocious act OF
treachery. The bare audncity had lett
me gaping ut the outset of the ell
counter, but the very process or ms
easy talk served to give me my wits
again, and l was able to meet him up.
Oh his own terms, which l did, deliv-
ering long, keen glance ut him.
81 am afraid you are an Indifferent
sportsman. Captain Sercombe." said l
after had acknowledged the introduc-
ton tremendously. You do better
with the rod than with the gun. see
must take you in hand for lesson.
When YOU see me shoot | shall shoot
straight, even IL the enemy be 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 curious incident somewhat cava-
lierly.
II am pleased to have made your ac-
quaintnnce, Mr. Greatorex," said he.
and l trust we shall see more of each
other"
In my heart hoped not, but l gave
him the proper re1oindcr, and taking
off his hat, he moved away. Sercombe
and l were left upon the roadway con-
fronting each othe:'.
"And now, sir" said quietly. will
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, shouldering his
gun. Sulting his action to the invita-
ton, he marched beside me. 1T Is
very plain, Mr.. Greatorex," said he
pleasantly. ut means that you must
have lesson, but need not assure
you that bear no Ill will to you. On
the contrary, have taken great
taste for you. But 1t is obvious to you
that sentiment has no place In a mere
matter Of business"
1t Is not an uncommon practice with
me to carry pistol, and certainly, If
1t had never entered my head before.
think that the strange fortunes OF the
last week would have persuaded me to
the precaution. AS 1t was, the revolv-
er lay to my hand in my coat pocket,
and took my course forthwith. Whip
ping round the horse drew and pre-
scented the weapon at his heart
"You will do me the favor, Captain
Sercombe," said sharply, Ito hand
over your cartridges"
An indefinite expression Of surprise
passed over his face. He was evident
~ taken aback, and his high color
strengthened "Oh, come, my dear
SIR" said he. Il ask you to consider IL
1t be worth while. For my own part,
l have no desire to fire in your back,
nor dare l IL had. You see, am
plain with you"
He certainly was, and saw at once
that need fear no more for the pres
ent--at least from the captain.
VERY WE'LL" said l.
Il am glad you agree with me-" he
remarked. 1T IL saving Of dignity"
l said no more, but whipped up the
horse and left him, with hooking
bow, which he returned gravely, and
the last I saw of him was his bulky
form leaning upon the gun and assid-
uously following me with his dull and
fishy eyes.
/ put up the horse at the Swan and
hurried to the station, barely in time
to catch the London train. took my
ticket hastily and, rushing down the
platform, cast about me precipitately
for first class carriage. The guard
had retired to the back part Of the
train and stood impatiently, flag in
hand. came upon two compartments
Of the class wished and gave hur-
ried glance into each. The one appear
ed empty, but the other already COIL
tanned two or three travellers. This
latter, however, was labeled "Smok-
ing" and for a second or two waver
ed in the balance until a sharp Now,
then, sir" from the guard finally whip
ped up my decision. l opened the door
Of the smoking carriage, but as I did
so a man rudely stumbled against me,
and l fell against the next compart-
ment, the door of which had just been
opened by third person. In the furry
of the moment merely remember get
ting back my clutch upon the handle,
and the next instant was in the
smoking carriage, somewhat hot and
angry. Out of the window by which l
sat saw in the tail of my eye the two
men stepping swiftly into the next
compartment, and something vaguely
troubled my senses.
l settled into the cushions as the
train drew out Of the station and look
ed about at my companions. Then my
mind returned to the landscape, which
was now passing pretty swiftly. 1t
struck me in a flash what was exer-
cising my mind. A squint-that was