The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-03-14

{ THE MAN IN BLACK
a DICK RYDER TALE
by II. p. MARRIOTT.WATSoN
Copyright. by Joseph b. Bowloa.)
a DICM RYDER TALE
By II. b. M,RRIoTT.w WATSON

sss- ~.
wheels sending miss into my arms
and the old lady uron the thin black
fellow.
Miss got herself back with my as.
sistance, blushing ripe and rcd, and the
old lady cries
Godfrey, my smcllng.salts! Har.
ringay, tuck my skirts down" At
which the popinjay began fumbling In
his pockets and with sulky air
stopped to do as he was bid. T'other
man feiGaoI to so on reading, but IT
was too Ga-% now to see print.
II have no taste for these common
stages says lIarrngay presently, In
4 riuting voice of affectation. "If hat
my way, would travel by private
coach"
Maybe said |, you cannot stride
horse"
Indeed" said he, loftily, Il am
quite accustomed to It,"
"'Tis the only way Of progression,
I said. "A stout nag and pair of
barkers."
"Ah," said the old man admiringly,
you soldiers see strange things"
I'll warrant yes" said |. II could
tell you that which would make your
hair stand"
Miss was gaping at me- and so was
the whole family, but young Harringay
crossed his legs and says he, indiffer.
emily:
"Tis said soldiers have long
tongues"
why they have long swords" said
], peremptorily, for was annoyed by
his airs and graces.
He gave a little laugh. as II he were
amused with something all to himself
and | was aware at the same time that
the man in black was eyeing me stead
lily. He had the look of lawyers
clerk, or something of the sort, so
returned him his stare with nonchal.
ance. This made him give way, and
he turned his attention to the party
opposite, for there could be no pre-
tense of reading page.
"You go armed always, sir?" In.
qulred the old gentleman.
"One never knows whom one may
meet" said |, with yawn.
you signify highwaymen he said
in lower voice.
"Why, I'm told there is danger from
these gentry" said ].
Harringay laughed lightly.
"Poof!" he says, They are main
towards, and would not attack any
man with boldness and pistol"
The man in black looked at him with
interest.
you carry pistol, sir?' asked
politely of the popiniay.
He tapped his pocket significantly
"There is none would dare assall
me" he boasted and miss cast him a
glance of admiration.
1--WE put ourselves in Mr. Harrin.
gays hands" explained the old gentle
man cheerlly. He is our escort"
thought saw a smile on the face
of the man in black, and | could not
help meeting il; but his suddenly
faded away, and he looked out at the
moor, on which the snow and the
wind were thrcshing. The old coach
was lurching on, as If she had been a
packet in storm.
81 shall he sick. My stomach
heaves!" cried the fat woman, and ap.
piled her smclling-salts; whereat she
was attended by her husband and her
daughter, and, lying back, seemed to
pass off into sleep.
"'Tis a wild night" says the old
man. II misdoubt we shall fetch Pc.
tcrsneld."
why, that we shall" said cheer
fully. unless these same gentlemen
you speak of play us a trick"
DO you think It likely" inquired
voice IL my ear; and there was the
man in black, broken out of silence
for the first time,
Maybe" said indlfferently, "and
maybe not"
"Why" he says In raucous voice,
there is nothing here TO tenipt any
such What IS there among us all?"
Speak for yourself" said l. Il have