Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1907-09-27

that only madr matters worse, since
what was a scandal in Itself was i'm
. mcasurably more scandalous as part
and parcel of Il system.
Evening came AMI Mr.. Ma still lay
snoring. with his swollen lips wide
apart Tom had not left him yet, be-
Ing partly occupied with his own
thoughts and partly taken up with the
various sounds of the inn. Some Of
these sounds We're sinister, as when
Stealthy steps came along the passage
and an unseen hand tried the bedroom
door, which Tom had locked. lie did
not care to leave the room, not know
ing what the other might have i'll his
pockets. but Mt last he did SO after
turning the key behind him and put
ting 1t in his pocket.
He went first to the stables. where he
was surprised to find the horses sad
died and bridled in their stalls. He
had unsaddlcd them himself after en-
gaging the room for MIR. Nat. There
was nobody about however. to afford
IN explanation. and it occurred to Tom
better So he left the horses as they
We're. but looked into the taproom on
his way upstairs, when all he heard
and saw confirmed his impression not
only of that particular inn, but of the
widespread corruption of the convict
! town. y cattle Stea!er was drinking
with Il constable and openly boasting
before the latter of his exploits. As
Tom listened. however. he heard some
thing else that Interested him more. 1t
was the sound of huofS In the yard
behind the inn. He dartcd out and
met Il man riding his masters horse
and coolly leading the other two.
"What are you doing with those
horscs:"
What's that to you: Hands off or
I'll brain ye"'
They're my masters. Come out of
that saddle. All. You would. would
youT'
And Tom. receiving the loaded whip
on hi; forearm. spranG ut the riders
neck and brought him heavily to
earth among dozen hoofs. Then he
caught and tethcrcd all three animal.
and returned to his man rs the latter
was sitting up and rubbing his eyes
In the moonlight lie was little
horsy bowlegs. and Tom dragged him
all tina way into the taproom in the
sitting posture, only relinquishing him
at the constable's feet.
Heres something for you!" he cried.
Caught him In the act Of riding OF
With my masters horses!'
why. It's my 'ostler" roared tho
landlord.
Il was only fetching Of 'em round to
the door, COS l thought they was
eoin" whined bowlegs
Its you that I'll get run In, I'm
thinking" remarked the constable Sc
verely TO Tom.
Fetching them round!' cried the lat
ter. Then why didn't you say SO,
and what made you strike Mt me when
l said they were my masters horses2
Oh. l see the kind Of place I'm in!"
And he rushed upstairs to the room
and nearly trod on something crouch
Ing at the door that fed with flutter,
| VII IL litllc tu6
keyhole and rang upon the floor Tom
picked 1t up. unlocked the door and
strobe In.
Mr.. Nat took some waking, but start
ell up at length with clinched fists and
an oath.
We're In den of thievesw whis-
pcrcd Tom. Don't you remember me?
Your new groom! We must get out Of
this as quick rs we cam"
why. where are weT
AT an inn, the Bull and Tumble
down."
Mr.. Nat whiStlad and flung his legs
| over the side of the bed.
| "One of the worst houses in Sydney"
said he. Ring the bell, IL there IL
one"
| There was one. and woman servant
answered its summons.
send up the landlord" said Sullivan,
land tell him to bring plenty Of change.