The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-08-01
CHAPTER xx11.-fcontinued.)

CHATTER AAl1.-t COntlnueOLt
Jack ran hastily to the spot, hoping to
gain possession of the plank which had
been of such service to his opponent, and
want of which had entailed such misfor-
tunes upon him. But Walter was too
quick for him. The plank was drawn
over, and again he faced his intended vic
tim with the width of the ditch between.
He looked across at Walter with a
glance of baf1ed rage. 1t was something
new to him to be worsted by boy, and
it mortified him and angered him to such
an extent that, had he got hold of him
at that moment, murder might have been
committed.
"Put down that plank and come
across" he called out. Walter did not
reply.
the ditch without inficting much addi-
tional damage upon his already wet and
miry clothing, but he fancied that Wal
ter was in his power, and hoped he would
capitulate. To this end, he saw that it
was necessary to reassure him, and de-
ceive him as to his own intentions.
Come across, boy" he said, softening
his tone. you needn't be afraid.
didn't mean nothing. l was only tryin'
to see if could brighten you little"
I'm very well of, where l am" said
Walter. II think I'll stay where I am"
"You won't want to stay there all day."
I'D rather stay here all day than be
on the same side with you"
Come, boy, I'll make bargain with
you. You've put me to good deal of
trouble"
Il don't see that"
you locked me up In the closet, and
you've kept me all night huntin after
YOU
you were not obliged to hunt after
me, and as for locking you up in the
closet, it was the only way had of saw
ing my money"
Jack did not care to answer Walters
argument, but proceeded: Now I've got
you sure, but I'll do the fair thing. If
you'll come across and pay me ten dol
lars for my trouble, I'll let you go with
out hurtin' YOU
what is to prevent you taking all my
money, if you get me over there?"
Haven't l said l Wouldn't"
"You might forget your promise" said
Walter, whose confidence in Jacks word
was by no means great. A man who
would steal probably would not be trou-
bled by any ~scruples on the subject of
violating his word.
IF you don't come, I'll take every cent,
and give you beating beside" said Jack,
his anger gaining the ascendancy.
well, what are you goin' to do about
1T" demanded Jack, after brief pause.
III stay where 1 am
II can come over any time, and get
hold of you"
Perhaps you can," said Walter. "I'1l
take the risk"
Two hours passed, and still besieger
and besieged eyed each other from cppo-
site sides of the bank. Jack grew more
and more irritable as the cravings of his
appetite increased, and the slight hope
that Meg might appear with some break
fast was dissipated. Walter also became
more hungry, but showed no signs of inn
patience.
At this time a boy was seen coming
across the meadow. Jack espied him, and
the idea struck him that he might through
him lay in a stock of provisions.
Come here, boy" he said. Where do
you live?"
The boy pointed to a small farm house
half mile distant.
DO you want to earn some money!
Il dunno" said the boy, who had no
objections to the money, but, knowing
Jacks shady reputation, was in doubt
as to what was expected of him.
Go home, and get loaf of bread and
some cold meat, and bring me, and I'll
give you half a dollar"
Didn't you bring your luncheon?"
asked the boy.
mo. came away without it, and 1
can't spare time to go back"
1t occurred to the boy, noticing Jacks
lazy posture, that business did not appear
to be very driving with the man whose
time was so valuable.
Perhaps mother won't give me the
bread and meat" he said.
"You can give her half the money
The boy looked across to Walter, won
dering what kept him on the other side.
Our hero saw chance of obtaining help.
"Ill give you dollar" he called out,
IF you'll 60 and tell somebody that this
man is trying to rob me of all my money.
l slept In his house last night, and he
tried to rob me there. Now he will do
the same if he can get hold of me-"
IF you tell that, I'll wiring your neck"
exclaimed Jack. Its all a lie. The boz
slept at my house, as he says. and stole
some money from me. He escaped, but
I'm bound to get it back if stay here
all day."
THAT is not true" said Walter. Gar
- my message, and will give you a
dollar, and will, besides, reward the men
that come to my assistance"
The boy looked from one to the other
In doubt what to do.
IF you want your head broke you'll
do as he says" said Jack, rather uneasy.
He won't pay what he promises"
you shall certainly be paid" said Wal
ter.
You'd better shut up, or it'll be the
worse for you," growled Jack. Go and
get my breakfast quick, boy, and I'll
pay you the fifty cents"
"All right" said the boy. "I'Il CO."
Fifteen minutes later Jack rose to his
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