Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1907-02-04
Continued


they'd probably be inclined to ask now
it happened that you haven't spoken
before They'll want to know what
was your connection with the dead
woman. and what has become of the
property which she had on her person
when she was shot; and l should
think it not unlikely that the police
would make it unpleasant for gen
tIeman Of your appearance, and with
your past history. In fact ii you ash
me nv opinion, | should say that be-
fore an hour had passed you yourself
would be charged with the murder o.
the woman of whom you know so
much. What's to prevent my telling
them what you've now said against
me? In fact, my friend, why should
not turn the tables? Now, come; you
look like a sensible man. Take the
money l have offered you to leave the
country"
Seth, with white face and flaming
eyes. gIared at him for a moment in
breathless silence. Then he said,
hoarsely:
by heaven, you are a cool hand,
Mister Bradstone, and 1 admire yer;
but it won't do. l mean to have that
thousand pounds if 1 dog yer day and
night. l don't want to blab on yer;
it nd be awkward for me to come for
ward as a public character. 1 admits
as much, so I'll come to terms with
yer. Hand up the money, and save
yer cIeverness for the time you'll
want it-and from what 1 knows OF
such men as you, that time won't be
long a-comin' -
BARLEY Bradstone buttoned his
coat.
You may do your worst" he SAID.
The hundred pounds is still yours,
if you like to take it, but not one
penny more
Seth laughed.
Will you take my offer?"
No. said Seth, with an oath.
Very WE'LL said Bradstone, AMI
he put on his nat and walked towards
the door.
Where are you a-goin'?" demanded
Seth.
BARLEY Bradstone made no reply;
he unlocked the side door and opened
it. 1t was still raining, and dark as
pitch He went down the steps, Seth
following close upon his heels, down
the drive, out of the lodge and into
the muddy lane; and, like a shadow,
Seth still followed.
From the lane BARLEY Bradstone
turned to the left, into a path that led
towards the wood. He could scarcely
have told, had he been asked his OBJ
iect in taking this path. His one idea
was to get away from The Naples,
where Seth could givethe alarm In
the confusion of his mind, in the
deadly agony of his fear, he almost
lost consciousness of the spy who still
hung on to him.
Suddenly Seth reminded him of his
presence Stepping up beside him,
he put his hand upon his arm. ERE,
guv'nor," he said, I'm sick O this.
I think I'll be able to show you that
you'd better come to terms. l was
only playing with you, up there. at the
house I've got evidence that'n put
you cut o. the way without an ounce
O trouble"
"Evidence?' said Barley Bradstone
with a sneer; evidence Of gipsy
pickpocket against the word of a Wen
known gentleman.
YAH" snarled Seth. Look &c
ere; do yer know that?" and he
flourished it in BARLEY Bradstone's
face.
Dark as it was, BARLEY Bradstone
saw the piece of paper and knew that
it was the confession which he had
dropped in the Grange avenue. With
a cry he sprang forward, but despera-
ton even could not lend him the activ-
ity which is the gipsy's birth-right.
With an answering cry of triumph
Seth whipped the letter behind him
and caught BARLEY Bradstone by the
throat For a moment or two the
men struggled in that deadly silence.
Despair and excitement lent BARLEY
Bradstone fictitious strength, and as
he locked his arms around the
gpsy's 1.-the form, he exerted every
muscle and succeeded in getting nj
down upon mis- knee; but as he did so
Seth slipped as if he had fallen, and,
turning like a greyhound, again caught
BARLEY Bradstone by the throat aud
laid him full length upon the ground.
Painting as much with rage as want
Of breath, the gypsy glowered down
upon him.
You're pretty customer to deal
with" he said. Get up. Put your
hand on me again and Tll-I'n kill
you. Now, what do you mean to do?
You amt got to deal with helpless
woman, Mr.. Bradstone. but with 9
man. VIII Yer give me, the thousand
pounds now, or shall | take this letter
70 the police?"