Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-09-18
CHAPTER XXII.-(Continued.)

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 balfled rage 1t was something |
new to him to be worsted by a 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.
Jack might have waded again across
the ditch without inAicting 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 frighten you little"
I'm very well off where l am" said
Walter. Il think I'll stay where l 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 a bargain with
you. You've put me to a good deal of
trouble"
II 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 | 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 scrupes 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
it?" demanded Jack, after a brief pause.
''I'll stay where l am"
81 can come over any time, and get
hold of you"
Perhaps you can," said Walter. "I'll
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 i'm
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"
L uuuUO, Sdlu lHe DOy, WuO uuu uO
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 dollar"
Didn't you bring your luncheon?'
asked the boy.
mo, | came away without 1t, and l
can't spare time to go back"
1t occurred to the boy, noticing Jack g
aazy 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
Dread 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.
"I'll give you a dollar" he called out
|'if you'll go 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 ito rob me there. Now he will dc
the same if he can get hold of me-"
"If you tell that, I'll wiring your neck, >
exclaimed Jack. ITS all lie. The boy
slept at my house, as he says, and stole
some money from me. He escaped, but
I'm bound to get it back if 1 stay here
all day."
"That is not true" said Walter. Gar
~ my message, and | will give you @
dollar and will, besides, reward the mer
that come to my assistance"
The boy looked from one to the Other
in doubt what to do.
'lf you want your head broke you'll
do as he says" said Jack, rather uneasy
ale won't pay what he promises"
"You shall certainly be paid" said Wal
ter.
You'd better shut up, or it'll be thu
worse for you" growled Jack. 60 ant