Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-01-02

m man, Sne StOOd on the cODDIeu IOOt-
- way In the winking starlight. With
the old hunting-crop in one hand. and the
other upon Toms withers, she gazed through
the soft night gloom to the ground it was
a moment of hesitation. Then Tom flung
up his head and neighed his plant against
the fortune which had thrust him from his
warm stable in midnight hours to the labors
of the saddle The sound filled her with
swift alarms, and the hesitation fed in
trice she had lightly leaped to the saddle,
and Tom sped through the darkened village
behind which the good folk snored the sleep
of the weary. But Toms feet made ter
rible clatter on the road, and she was glad
enough when they came to the miry high
way beyond. where his hoof-beats became
rhythmic thuds. Onward for three miles
without pause, then suddenly Tom was bid
den be wary and guided to the grass at
the side of the track He stepped daintily
now, being an animal of intelligence and
knowing the hand upon the rein perfectly.
Afar on the air came the beat Of other
hoofs.
Tom came to a standstill obediently and
stood with never so much as a paving of
the ground. The hoof-beats drew nearer
and nearer; then dimly 2 figure doomed
the rein quivered one brief instant ere Tom
felt himself hurled forward, to intercept the
progress Of the approaching cavalier.
The newly arrived horse SHE'D. and would
have skirted about Toms nose and escaped;
but the road was not too wide, and Tom
ing its effect.
Deliver! !"
Tom shifted the air: his mistress voice
in those threatening tones rather puzzled
him.
Deliver your bag" she demanded next.
/ Having steadied his horse somewhat, the
new newcomer ,a;sra spoke for the first time What
Ellis iordships private letter-bag"
! what lordshp?" the next question.
Don't handy words. my fine fellow.
Pardon me. have no bag" was the re-
Instantly the others arm was raised. and
toll. This will bring you to your Senses,
quoth she. Now then, my man, the bag,
at your quickest -
man, friend. am but belated traveller.
and one but poorly equipped for gentlemen
OF your profession to attack. / haven't the
price OF nights lodging upon noh me; Tor.
ready, and but escaped with my life and my
horse. Your confreres have been before
you"
'Bah! pretty tale, but one you'll not
persuade me into believing. Out with the
bag from under yon cloak 7!
'How shall give up what DO not pos
sess?
"Give up what you are carrying you are
but servant. and need fear nothing II you
do my bidding"
The other did not answer at once then
Il Judge by your voice that you are but
slim slip of boy to be engaged In this
'"Tis your hasty judgment that calls it
unworthy" was the retort. Look you now.
Ill be honest with you. l have no desire
to hurt you, and IL you give up what l am
seeking you may go on your way unframed /;
Otherwise" and the arm went up again
with the cooked pistol in the hand.
Well, having admitted that ! am un I;
said the other. "But l repeat. have moth
ing to give up. 4 'twere King George him
self asking me-"
Il do not want to confscate the bag, but
only to extract from 1t q, certain document
ii contains. ! will then destroy the same,
and my business will be concluded"
Again the stranger hesitated ere speak
II get the idea that you are not we'll
seasoned rogue yet" he said your meth
DDS are-well. scarce peremptory enough
"Oh, ! can be peremptory enough, ! warn
YOU" was the quick response. II but give
you the chance of settling my demand with
out unnecessary dispute"
.And II / can't, or won't?"
II have already shown you that am
aHml And you want certain bag. and
out Of that bag certain document"
..But how can we sort papers to discover
the particular one you seek in the dark
s.No trouble about that" came the swift
reply. Il have a lantern and finder box
II see you are prepared for all contin-
gencies. Very well; then. win you make
No sooner suggested that she dismounted
and began to unfasten the lantern from the
saddle.
Judging by the airiness OF your flight from
your seat. I'll dismount likewise"