Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-09-06
CHAPTER XXI.

NJIl-AI ISIN NM.
| was evidently in for another day as
unpleasantly exciting as the one | had
spent before the revolution, and | reflect
ed sadly that if man once goes in for
things of that kind. il's none so easy to
pull up. Luckily, however, | had several
,hings to occupy me. and was not left to
fret the day away in idlcnrsS. First ]
turned my steps to the harbor. As |
went | examine my pockets and found a
sum total of line hundred and fifty dol
lars. This W, my all, for of late | had
deemed it Wis to carry my fortune on
my person. Well this was enough for
the present &c future must take care of
itself So | fought to myself as | went
along with light heart. my triumph in
love easily outweighing all the troubles
and dangers that beset me. Only land me
safe out of Aureataland with the Sig
norma by my side and | asked nothing
more of fortune. Let the dead bury their
dead, and the bank look after its dollars
Thus mu~ing, | came to the boat hous"
where my launch lay. She was a tidy
little boat, and had the advantage of be-
ing workable by one man without any
difficulty All | had to arrange was how
TO embark on her unperceived. sum
moncd tho boatman in charge and ques-
toned him closely about the probable state
of the weather. lie confidently assured
me il would be fine but dark
Very we'll" said !. II shall 30 fishing
start overnight and have shy at them
at sunrise.
The man was rather aStonishcd at my
unwontcd energy, but of course made no
objection.
What time do you start, sir:" he
asked
4 want her ready by two" said l.
leave her at the end of your ietty. ready
for me. She'll be all safe there, won't
sheF''
'Oh, yes, sir. Nohody'll be about. ex-
cept the sentricS, and they won't touch
her"
privately hoped that not oven the SEN
tries would be about bur | didn't say so.
"Of course, sir. l shall lock the gate.
You've got your key"
YES. all right, and here you are-and
much obliged for your trouble"
Highly astoniShed and grateful at re-
ceiying large tip for no obvious reason
(rather mistake ON my partl. the man
was profusc in promising TO make every
arrangement for my comfort Even when
| asked for few cushions he diSsem-
bled his scorn and agreed to put them in.
And mind You don't sit up" | said as
/ left him.
I'm not likely to sit up if I'm not
obliged" he answered Hope you'll have
good sport. sir,
From the harbor | made my way
straight to the Golden House. The Colo
mel was rather surprised to see me again
so soon, but when | told him | came on
business. he put his occupations on one
side and listened to me.
| began with some anxiety. for if he
sus ected my good faith all would be LOST.
However, l was always a good hand at a
lie, and the Colonel vas not the Presi-
dent
I've come about that money question. "
/ said.
We'll, have you come 10 your senses :"
he asked. with his habitual rudeneSs.
Il can't give you the money" l wen;
on.
You sit there and tell me that? DC
you know that if the soldiers don't have
money in i few hours. they'll upset me:
They re ready 10 do it any minute.
don't know now when l give an order
whether | shall be obeyed or get bullet
through my head" So
Pray be calm" said |. You dila';
let me finish -
Let You finish :" he cried. You Soe-r
to think iabber does everything. The enc
Of il all is. that either you give me the
money. or | take it-and if you Interfere
look out -
That is just what l was going 10 pro
pose, if you hadn't interrupted me. sait
quietly. but with inward exultation. for
saw he was just in the state of mind tC
walk eagerly into the trap | was prepar
ing for him.
What do you mean" he asked
| explained 10 him that it was impossi
bic for me TO give up the money. VI,
reputation was nj stake: it was my dut,
TO die in defense of that money! duty
which, | FASTENED to add. | entertained
no intention of performing
But" | went on. although l an
bound not to surrender the money. / an
not bound TO anticipate a forcible seizur,
of it. In times of disturbance parties o
ruffiGns often turn TO plumber Not ever
the most rigorous precautions can guar,
against it. Now it would be very posi-
BILE that even tonight a band of sue
marauders might make an attack on tn
bank. and carry off all the money in tn
safe"
OH said the Colonel, that's tn
game. is IT'D"
That. l replied, is the game; and