The Columbus journal., 1908-08-12

uUu6e M6ICueU StOluAJ &IOu&s 0o0VUB
little disposition to talk
What's that!' l exclaimed, stop
ping to listen.
What was it," asked Barkhouse,
AZ we stopped on the upper landing
and gaxed into the obscurity.
Il thought I heard . noise" said !.
Who's there!"
1T was . rat" said Porter. Tive
heard 'em out here Of nights"
We'll. just light that other gas jet.
I said. 1T win help to make things
pleasant in case Of accidents"
The doors came ont Of the darkness
- the second Jet biased up. but moth
ing else was to Be seen.
Suddenly there was scramble, and
something sprang up before my door.
Porter and I raised the revolvers that
were ready in our hands. but Bark
house spring past N. and in IN in
slant had closed with the figure and
held II In his arms. 5.
There was . volley Of curses, oaths
mingled with sounds that reminded
me Of nothing 90 much - . splitting
cat, and . familiar voice screamed In
almost inarticulate rage:
: Let me oSdamu. ye. or IN knife
ye!"
Good heavens!" / cried. Let her
30. Farmhouse. It's Mother Boston."
Mother Borton freed herself with .
vicious shake, and called down the
wrath Of. Heaven and he'll on the stall
wart guard.
you're the biack-hearted spawn OF
the sewer rats. to take . respectable
woman like . bag OF meal" cried
Mother Borton Indignantly. With .
fresh string Of oaths. IT'S IRE and
birthstone you'll be tasting yet, and
you'd q been there before now. you
miserable gutter-picker. II It wasn't
for me. And this Is the thanks I git
from ye!"
Come in." I said. unlocking the
door and lighting up my room. You
can be a. angry as You like In here,
and It won't hurt anything"
Mother Borton stormed . bit, and
then sullenly walked in and took .
chair. Silence fell ON her a. she
crossed the threshold. but she glover
cred on Us with fierce eyes.
ITS quite an agreeable surprise to
see you" ventured as cheerfully As
could, as she made no move to speak.
My followers looked awkward and un-
comfortable.
At the sound of my voice. Mother
Borton's bent brows relaxed q little.
III you'd send these fellows out, I
reckon We could talk bit better"
she said sourly.
Certainly. Just wait in the hall,
boys: and close the door,"
Porter and Barkhouse ambled out,
and Mother Borton gave her chair .
hitch that brought US face to face.
Il reckon you don't think come on
a visit of perliteness?" she said sharp
ly after a brief silence.
l murmured something about being
glad to entertain her at any time.
NONSENSE" she shifted. I'm q vile
old woman that the likes of you would
never put eyes on twice II it wasn't
for your business-none knows 1t bet
ter than me. don't know why l should
put myself out to help ye." Her tone
had a touch of pathos under its hard
ness.
Il know why" said, little touch
ed. Its because you like me-"
She turned a softened eye on me-
You're right" she said almost ten
derby, with fash of womanly feeling
on her scanned and evil face. I've took
a fancy to We and no mistake. and I'd
risk something to help ye."
Il knew you would l said heart
lily.
And that's what come to do" she
said with a sparkle of pleasure in her
eye. I've come to warn ye."
New dangers?" l inquired cheer
fully. My prudence suggested that
had better omit any mention of the
warning from Dicky Nall
The same Ones" said Mother Bort
on shortly, "only more Of EN-"
What is the latest plot?" asked
SIoSCly, % i lduClCu ludI llSuS
manner grated on my strange guest.
Il do1't know" she said slowly.
But you know something" I
argued.
Maybe you know what I know bet.
ter than knows it myself" growled |
Mother Borton with q significant |
glance.
resigned myself to await her hu-
NOR.
Not at ALL" said I carelessly. Il
only know that you've come to tell me /
and that you'll tell 1t in
your own good time"
ITS fine to see that you've learned
not to drive woman" she returned
with grim irony. Its something to
know at your age"
l smiled alphabetically upon her, |
Ind she continued:
Il might as well tell ye the whole
If it, though I reckon my threats as
ike to be slit over it as not"
iii never breathe a word of it,
'eplied fervently.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
6gs6 dAzA@s SAa@3