Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-16

abreast of me that the inspiratio, 1 seized me. He made as if to pass
 civilly touching his hat, but by sud
 den movement wheeled my hors,
 across the road and barred his way
 Had he been going at his previous rat, l l confess that should have though
 twice ere took this hazard; but, as i was, there was no harm done. HooG
 himself. taken by surprise, pulled bacl and jerked his left rein, sending tht
 beast toward the ditch. l cried tt
 Montgomery and, leaning over, caugh,
 at the reins.
 Its all up. Hood" I said. "You'rs a done man this time" Beg your pardon, sir" said he, star
 ing at me. But I was going to Ray
 mond."
 "Yes. and dare say you were.' said
 I. But now you're going to the cas- tle."
 At that moment Montgomery came up. leading his mare. and took in the situation. Running round, he held the other rein. Hood looked from one to the other.
 "This is highway robbery, gentle men," he said.
 "Call 1t what you will" I replied, with nonchalance. Montgomery, I'll trouble you to peep into that carriage" At the words Hoods eyes shot with a malignant light, and his nostrils curled and shivered like those of vicious horse. The next second he sprang from his seat across the horses back ard leaped at my throat with his open knife My horse plunged and took the blow upon his shoulder. which was rip ped open. in red gash. Then, without sound, Montgomery pinned the ruff fan to the earth. It was not the first time that he had felt the grip of those great arms, and he lay still, underfoot in the dust.
 We had been so engrossed with the incident that we had not noticed the sound of an approaching horseman, and now his voice broke in upon us, startling us.
 Thank you kindly. gentlemen. I am obliged to you," it said, and there was Sercombe, very red and very dusty, but with a twinkling smile struggling over a grave and anxious face. Hood got to his feet at once
 "The rascal gave me the slip" said Sercombe, but I am much in your debt for stopping him"
 "Ahr.' said I. That's the story, is itT
 It is extremely odl, and I recall the fact now with some sense of discom- iture, but this sudden appearance of Sercombe and the evidence that he had been chasing Hood completely put my reckoning out The events had turned things topsy turvy for the time, nor did I realize at once that we were still antag agonists, opposed upon the posses sion of the very treasure which, had conceived, was concealed in the car rfage. But if was late in coming to my wits, not so Hood. He might quar- rel with Sercombe privately, but as against us he was the captains part ner. and, sidiing up to him. he whis- pered a few words. Sercombe nodded, and ere had time to observe all this properly he had edged his horse be- tween the carriage and myself and pulled forth revolver. -t.
 'very sorry, Mir. Greatorex," said he. pointing it at me. Ut seems an un- grateful return, but upon my soul l can't help it. I'd deuced sight sooner offer the barrel elsewhere, but there it is-we are such creatures of fortune"
 He grinned pleasantly, and Hood whipped into his seat and turned the carriage about As for Montgomery and myself, we were entirely taken aback. They had the advantage of US, and we should have been fools to re- fuse to recognize it. So, after the first stare of consternation, made the best of it.
 Delighted to be of service to Cap tain Sercombe any time" said. And now, as presume we are all going the same way, we shall have the pleasure of your company"
 That's right" he observed. Hood, drive ahead. not too fast this time- And the innkeeper. who had now re- sumed his placid air, obeyed him. We logged along together, conversing quite atfably, but the captain kept an eye upon us. riding a little to one side and holding a hand ostentatiously in bis pocket.
 Tn this manner we rode through Llan- ellan and drew near to the Woodman. Sercombe turned to me little way of
 T reckon" be said, ''that you'll want to know where those chests areT'
 T reckon I have that chance now" said I.
 Faith. and you're right he remark ed. gnawing his mustache in some per plexity Hood never swerved in his course, and I tell you I kept a sharp watch on him. He drove up to the door of the inn and. throwing the reins on the horses back. jumped down And now the adventure began 10 prom ise greater interest even than before. racked my braIns to guess what way they would try for an exit to this blind alley. But in the midst of my speculations perceived suddenly that there was a crowd of people before the door of the woodman. and immediately upon our arrival we were hailed with excited shouts and cries. jumped of. and the others followed suit. As did SO I perceived Jones. the police ser gesnt. eIboving his way toward me through the thrOng.