The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1908-06-03

Mr.. Denis O'Halloran clasped hi
long horseman's cloak about him. H,
was a man below the middle heigh
and Of spare and active figure. Hi:
expression was resolute and his eye:
of a merry audacity.
He-rode swiftly through the village
street, easing his mount as he me. the
shoulder of the hill. it was an, age
when the wayfarer had still to rel,
upon' his own weapon for safety, ant
he knew that after nightfall sucf
waste places must have their perils
He reached the crown of the hill and
pushed forward at a livelier gait.
For man Denis O'Halloran had little
fear. He had already acquired some
reputation in campaigns under an
alien flag. But 1t was superstitious
age and he came of a superstitioue
people. Therefore, when pushing
warily forward he rounded the spur OF
the hill into the full light of the moon
the spectacle which met his gaze
shook his heart into his mouth and
his hand to the pistol in his holster.
On little plateau some so PAGES
from the road and circled by a rising
slope, stood a. gallows whereon hung
the body of man. The sight was
familiar; by such means were the
highways rightfully protected. But
the corpse did not swing unattended.
A few PAGES from the foot of the glib
bet were two figures, the one erect,
wrapped in a trailing cloak, the other
crouching to some labor.
The crouching figure moved; the
light cleaned on pick as it rose, and
the clicking sound came again to his
ears. 1t was digging grave pain
full and slowly. Presently it stopped,
dropping the tool, and as it did so the
other struck it SO that it raised a
loud wall of pain. A woman's voice,
thought the traveller, and his blood
stirred within him. With an oath he
set spurs to his horse and galloped
headlong toward them.
The man never moved from where
he stood, but the woman ran toward
him, crying, with outstretched arms.
Tie traveller was out of the saddle in
flash and slipped an arm about her,
for she seemed near to falling.
Save me-" she said, for the love
of heaven"
Faith, madam, an l will be blithe
to do so,' said Mr.. O'Halloran. He
looked down at her with satisfaction.
She was indeed fine woman, though
not in her first youth.
The man advanced froyn beneath
the shadow of the corpss, dropping
his cloak MS he did So. The moon
showed him tall and lean. with a long
face and a stern and melancholy ex-
preston. He carried himself with an
air of dignity. Plainly lie was of gen
tie breeding.
1T would be well, sir, If you do not
interfere In that which nowise con-
Germs you," he said sternly.
by the blessed saints. but did We
ever hear the like!" cried Mr.. O'Hal.
loran.
II perceive you are an Irishman,"
sneered the tall man.
An perceive that We ARE an I'M
pertinent scoundrel," returned Mr..
O'Halloran.
Il do not desire to brawl with you.
my good fellow. Let it suffice you
that l have an explanation for what
am about"
An explanation, have ye?" cried
Mr.. O'HallOran in vast INDIGNATION.
Then let me tell We that amongst
Irish gentlemen the striking iv a lady
admits no explanation. Sor, We lack
gentility. If I had the time l would
tache ye manners with cane" -.
What arc you?" said the tall man.
"Jacobite fugitive, cutthroat, or an
Irish bogtrotter on journey? Pray
give me SO much of your confidence"
Il hold captains commission re.
piled Mr.. O'Halloran with becoming
dignity, though in what ARMY it is
not precisely convanient f'r me to
mention. Does that content ye?"
Il am at your SERVICE" said the
May heaven aid you," murmured
the lady.
Mr.. O'Halloran slipped off his cloak,
drew his sword and stepped forward
with lean activity.
The tall man was no match for
O'Halloran and before long a prick in
The shoulder made him drop his sword
with an oath.
Again, again!" screamed the
MIR. O'Halloran paid her no atten.
lion, but stepped back, lowering his
point.
Madam" said he, Il have found
his gentleman very brave and ill.,
CANT fighter. To be thruthful with We.
would know more iv this business"
Then | will bid yon goodnight,
SIR" she said coldly. Il can find my
way to the coach"
Il must ask We, with due submis-
sion, to remain where We ARE" re-
piled Mr.. O'Halloran. AT least until
such time as l have inquired further
v this gentleman"
The tall man was seated on the
!, l..