The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1908-02-27

lie hesitated a moment, but l set
a crown ON his palm and his scruples
vanished. He limped into the dark
ness.
Twas no more than two minutes
later that l heard voices in the door
way, and next came Timothy Grubbe
into the night, in talk with some one.
At which it took me about 80 Sec
onds to whip me into the seat and pull
the coachman's cloak about me, so
that sat stark and black in the star
light. Grubbe left the man he talked
with and came forward.
You shall drink when We reach
Gotham, Crossway," says he, look
ing up at me, "and mind your ways,
d-n ye."
And at that he made no more ado,
but humming an air he lurched into
the carriage. | pulled out the nags,
and turned their heads so that they
were set for the north. And then [
whistled low and short-a whistle I
knew that the mare would heed and I
trusted she would bring her compan-
ion with her. Then the wheels roll
ed out upon the road and Timothy
Grubbe and l were bound for London
all alone.
AS | turned up the London road that
swept steeply up the downs | looked
back. and behind the moon shone
family on Calypso, and behind her
came on the dead man wagging awk-
wardly in his stirrups.
pushed the horses up the sleeps
of the London road as fast as might
be. but the ruts were still deep in
mud and the carriage jolted and rock
ed and swayed as we Went The wind
came now with little moaning sound
from the bottom of the valley, and the
naked branches creaked above my
head, for that way was sunken and
tangled with the thickets of nut and
yew. And presently l was forced to
go at foot pace, SO abrupt was the
height, the moon struck through the
trees, and peered on us, and Grubbe
put his head forth of the window.
why go you no faster, d-n ye?"
says he, being much in liquor
"'Tis the hill, your honor" said I.
He glanced up and down.
What is't comes up behind?" says
he shouting. There is noise Of
horses that pounds upon the road
"Tis the wind" says I, that comes
off the valley, and makes play among
the branches.
He sank back in his seat, and We
went forward slowly. But he was
presently cut again, screaming on
the night:
There is horseman behind" says
he. What does he there?"
TITS traveller, your honor" says
|, that goes no doubt by our road,
and is bound for London"
He shall be bound for HI" says
he, and falls back again.
The horses wound up foot by foot
and emerged now upon a space of bet
ter light. | looked round, and there
was Grubbe, with his head through
the window and his eyes cast back
ward.
What fool is this says he, that
rides so awkwardly and drives a
spare horse? If he ride no better |
will ask him to keep me company, if
he be a gentleman. Many gentlemen
have rode along of me, and have rode
to the gallows tree and he chuckled
harshly.
Maybe he will ride with you to the
Gallows Gate, sir" says |.
why, Crossway," says he, laughing
aloud, you have turned wit" says
he; and once more withdrew his
head
By now we were right to the top of
the down, and | could see the faint
shadow of the TriHo Beam. With
that l knew my journey was done,
and that my work must be accomplish
ed. pulled to the horses on the rise,
and got down from my seat. why
dye stop, rascal?' called Grubbe in a
fury, but | was by the door now and
had it open.
Timothy Grubbe," said I, 'ye're a
d-n rogue that the devil your master
wants and he shall have ye."
He stared at me in a maze, his nos,
trils working, and then says he in a
| low voice:
$50, It's you?"
Your time has come, Timothy,
said |, flinging off my cloak and took
my sword. Out with you, worm!"
He said never a word, but stepped
forth and looked about him. He was
sobered now, as l could see from his
face, which had strange look on it
"Ye're two rascals to one, Dick,
says he slowly, looking ON the dead
man and his horse which had come
to stop in the shadows.
NO." says l. This gentleman will
see fair play for u.s."
Grubbe took step backward. "Sir,
says he, addressing the dead man, but
at that moment Calypso and her com
panion started and came into the open
and the moon shone on the face of the
/ IITIIIII.II.|