Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-04-19
"Tnere's some n behind that tree"

There ensued a deep silence. and
then. just as l began to find my posi-
ton intolerable and was thinking of
changing my feet, a twig cracked in
the forest, AID there came a noise as
of feet among the dry leaves.
What shall we do?" he asked.
To say the truth, had no idea, but
it was plain that If we had been seen.
concealment was Of no further use. and
ii we had not, that the spy could not
now discover Us through the under
growth. SO we resumed our path,
rather speedily, and caught up with
Sheppard. He came to meet us in a
state of excitement, laying his arms
upon u shoulders and drawing our
heads together.
Hood. as live.' he cried in a whis-
per.
Did You see him." we both spoke at
once.
Yes, he came from behind me and
crossed just in front. l had barely
time to fall. and the light just took him
in the eyes. We're safe now"
Our hearts We're full Of triumph.
and We pushed on With no more talk.
1t was possible that he had not seer
us. but doubted that. If he had, he
would throw his party forward with
greater speed. We We're now. how
ever, upon his track. and we We're sat
lsfed. and each man loosened his pis-
tol and girt himself for the eventual
encounter. That Hood would show
fight I had no doubt. and it was more
than probable that he would endeavor
to trick us. We must be on the watch
for tr%eachery. 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
in peril Of discovery. We had agreed
to postpone the attack until the party
reached its goal. Ii Hood had not seen
US (and l was now disposed TO believe
that lie had lot that goal would even
tually be the hiding place of the treas
ure. This was how we comforted our-
selves. and upon this faith our spirits
rose to a high pitch.
By this time We had lost count of
u direction i'll the ~innunerable wind
ings OF the path, but apparently we
Were now mounting a hill, and l judg-
ed that il lay somewhere to the south
OF the castle and toward the southern
threshold of the Gwent. We We're pro-
ceeding with our customary diligence
and precautions when a noise Of feet
stamping on the earth aSSaiied US. and
and fell upon Us. drew back and lift
ed my revolver. .AlroL.y 81 ~n;gon
ery's rang out on my rjgAt-and then
the light of the moon shooting through
the trees. which in those parts were
sparse. fell upon the face of Jones.
Jones" l said, in a voice in which
diSmay. fury and disappointment
blended.
The man in front of me dropped his
hand.
You. Mr.. Greatore1:" he asked
sharply. How do YOU come here:"
God knows" l replied angrily. And
what are YOU doing l stopped sud
denly, for the mex 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 OF this expedition:' asked
Jones. pulling out his execrable pocket
book.
was silent, but Sheppard broke in.
We have no objection. Mr.. Jones. to
give YOU II confidence, if YOU will be
equally liberal with US. We We're hunt
ing for Captain Sercombe."
All" says Jones. making Il note un-
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.
"Ah. 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-
ed, and If | We're you l should 60
home"
Il he>itated. | think he had had
enough of it. Wherever Sercombe was.
1t was certain to me that be 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 | viii accompany you"
Il wish for 10 better escort than so
Jealous III officer l answered.. with
some bitterness.
Jones spike a word with Hood, and.
that done. we retraced our steps
through the forest in a mutual and i'm.
Filtered silence.
l think there was little conversation
between Us on cur journey back. The
sergeant uSel Us very CURLY, as if he
would Imply that we were defendants
upon our trial. But one thing be did
say. ana ti!tt, as Sheppard remarked
aftcrwarG. M'.tllout giving us the Gus.
tomary warning.