Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-29

yKX/4/t ENN tell into the hands OF the CatCn-
IGlySE2NS polls, and in each through
EEIGSSNW Sheer accident. The time
GEISSg&126 along of my reCklessness and
Timothy GuibbeS treaChery; and
t'other was bv main chance. turns a corner
to run into that which one hath not seen nor could
anticipate Twas of afternoon in September
of 1919 and when l drinking in tavern IN
Southwark that the traps came upon me- beng on
another GRAND. But there was one that recognized
from former hue and cry, and ere knew who
my company was in their hands. :.
IT'S a long lane, Dick Ryder says the chief
catchpoll he that had recognized me- that hath
no turning; and IN wager you've come to the
turning off at last
There were three of them, and l alone and
had chance to get at my pockets; so ScoWled
at him the while l pondered, not wasting words,
as is my custom. But the closer l looked the
blacker it seemed, and reckon that revolved the
matter deeply way across London Bridge.
But presently l had an idea, and thinks l that
will wait to see in what jug l was clapped; for |
have made my escape before now. And SO tipped
wink to the trap and talked to him friendly enough,
SO that had a bottle on the way between us.
Yet the catchpolls kept watch on themselves
and on me; for they knew they had prize of worth,
since my about the whole Kingdom.
And never lost my wits nor my heart when the
doors of the jug clamped on me- indeed, l went
whistlng in past in converse with the gov
ernor that turned and looked at me in surprise
to see me so cheerful But | have faced worse odds
than jail counter and | snap my fingers at any
jug in England the jug that holds good wine.
l lay in the dirty cell with rising gorge all that
day, and well into the next, curslng my luck and
any way out. Not but what would ha found one in
the end, if left to my devices. There is always
a way out if you have wits enough.
RUT late in the afternoon of the second day the
u door opened and into the cell,
ushered by the warder. The place darkling
towards night in that i'll lighted CELL and l could
not make out his face; but somehow there was
something familiar in his look as he stood regarding
me critically. He small of body and meager,
vet had an air of importance about him; and when
at aStSO and IN
dow flashed on him l that his face eager
and unstable and waste like sick mans.
voice. Il believe you re here for many otfenses.
Whats that to you?" said sharply The law
must demonstrate 'em; and that you should know
He laughed with a sinister sound. Maybe" he
says, and turning to the warder whispered some
words that sent him forth, so that we were alone:
That made me prick up my ears. Who IS thls!'
thinks l. mot pot bellied prison ordinary, nor
any greasy tosspot like that" And so l stared
him; and of sudden, know not how, l remem-
bered the man that had been talking with the
governor as l was admitted and l recognized him.
These offenses, when duly proved, Richard
Ryder" said he in quick, restless way, will
hang high Haman. You're a dead man
Yet maybe you may escape" He paused. See
man., he went on, Il have Job for such as
you that may spare your life. You not
afraid of chances, l take it.
" Sheath! Chances pave the way to riches,
said l.
l had begun to take my measure of him, and
though l knew not who he might be- what he
at, saw plain enough that he designed to drive
a bargain with me. That put me on my mettle, and
l eyed him as if he were my opponent in duello
You say truly" he assented, ''or to pardon, my
man He was not one to waste his time or breath
in beating about the bush. THE King hath pre-
rogative CT mercy" says he land the Kings
mercy may be extended to such serve him with
out question
1t grim voice he had and there was some
thing dry and hard in it; but l made bother
whether he was for the King or the Devil. l would