Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-02
THE FIGHTING COCKEREL
Continued from page s

ing packet to hang score of fine fellows. and to
send reverend boards to the block. Weladayl
there's promotion for some one, | doubt not,
and for certain Jealous Captain, to be sure. y
Enough" he said somewhat disconnected
at this and my sarcasm. I'VE will let Sir
Charles see this and the prisoner. On the road
for Thurston Grange!"
You can conceive my feelings we rode back
along the way | had come. and how | cursed
my i'll luck and folly that had precipitated me
into this plight: Here1was |, than whom no
more loyal subject of old Rowley bestrode a
horse, accused of carrying reasonable papers.
and caught in the act too; and all along of
taking pity on tears and dlmity and pretty
cheeks! Damme! it made me wild to see
myself SO done by trick of fortune
AS we passed by the marsh in the twilight,
cast glance about for the young cockerel
that had been the source of my undoing; but
there was no sign of him or his horse. And so.
in mighty bad temper, but exercising all my
wits, logged along in their midst for Thurston
Grange, whatever that might be.
Twas full night when the posse drew rein
by big white house set on the edge of park.
and the Captain dismounted and entered. And
presently he emerged again. and gave orders
that was to be brought in | will admit that
there was no plan in my head at that moment,
nor did | see how twas possible for me to make
good an escape from all these hands. But 1
put the best face on that l might, and was
fetched between two troopers into lighted
chamber, where stern faced gray looking
man was seated in a chair. So as he saw
me, he, stared. and turned over some papers
before him
So" he said dryly. ait seems, Captain
Pearson. you have struck better than you
knew. These are the papers; but this is not
Edward Cassilis.'
Is it not?" said the soldier in surprise, and
then laughed carelessly. Well by the favor
of Heaven we have missed our quarry to ad
vantagei" he said.
The other rnused 81 could have sworn
Casss was in it," he said. There was evil
dence-" He broke off. But we need 60 no
further. We have the fox. l will alter the
warrant to fit.
He said his name was John Spencer" OBJ
Spencer will serve" says Sir Charles and
dipped his quill.
l had never word to say; for there was no
word that would save me, and I was not one
to waste my breath.
g 1t may be of some service to you, young
man." said Sir Charles. " if you will reveal the
names of those who were associated with you
in this enterprise. | mean not these-tall pop
pies" he said with sinister grin, laying his
hand on the papers. but your immediate as
sociates. We fly at all game in this business. "
81 know naught." said l, breaking silence
at last {" If there be any treachery, and the
rats names be there why, old Rowley is well
come to them. l have no taste for vermin
But as for myself
And here l came to pause for at the door
way, newly entered, my eyes lighted miss
of the inn | stared at her in amazement, and
her face was white as lily.
Father" she began, with little rush for
ward, and drew her breath in sob.
1" This is no place for you, Cicely,' said Sir
Charles sharply. This is business for men,
not women and children. Get you gone!'
She hesitated. still with her eyes wavering