The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1908-09-24
CHAPTER XXI

out injury. Before Following him In BIZ
Eight, we viii pause to inquire how th'
robber. UNEXPECTEDLY taken captive, Jared
Nothing could have surprised Jack
more than this sudden turning Of the TIA
bles. But a minute since Walter was
completely in his power. Now, through
the boys GOODNESS and nerve, his thievish
intentions were bsfled, and he was plac-
ed in the humiliating position Of a pris-
nef in his own house.
Open the door, or I'll murder you. y
he roared, kicking it violently.
There was no reply, for Walter was
already half way out Of the window, and
did not think il best to answer. Walter
had proceeded half a mile when he stop
Fed to rest. Two or three times he had
tripped over projecting roots which the
darkness prevented his seeing in time to
avoid.
"I1l rest a few minutes, and then push
on" he thought.
1t was late, but the excitement of his
sleepy. He wished to get out of the
woods into some road or open field. where
he would be in less danger of encounter
ing Jack, and where perhaps he might
find assistance against him.
He vas leaning against an immense
tree, one of the largest and oldest in the
forest. Walter began to examine it, He.
discovered, by feeling, that 1t was hollow
inside. He ascertained that the interior
was eaten out by gradual decay, making
a large hollow space inside.
81 shouldn't wonder if l could get in"
ne. said to himself.
He made the attempt, and found that
ne was correct in his supposition- He
could easily stand erect inside.
THAT is curious" thought Walter.
The tree must be very old"
He emerged from the trunk, and once
more threw himself down beside it. Five
minutes later and his attention was
drawn by a sound of approaching foot
steps. Jack had tripped over a root, and
was picking himself up in no very good
humor. The enemy, it appeared, was
close upon him.
Walter started to his feet in dismay.
His first thought was immediate fight,
but if he were heard by Jack, the latter
would no doubt be able to run him down.
What shall l DOR thought Walter,
In alarm.
Quickly the hollow trunk occurred to
him. With as little delay as possible he
concealed himself In the interior. He
was just in time, for Jack was by this
time only a few rods distant Walter
upon his passing on; but on
reaching the old tree Jack paused, and
said aloud, Where can the young rascal
be? l wonder if l have passed him? I'll
rest here FIVE minutes. He may struggle
With these words he sank upon the
in the very same place where
Walter had been reclining two. minutes
,efore. He was so near that our hero
,ould have put out bis hand and touched
lin.
1t was certainly a very uncomfortable
.ituation for Walter. He hardly dared TO
or to stir lest his enemy should
ear him.
Hes led me a pretty tramp" NUT
cred Jack, but I'm bound to get hold
f him tonight. If l do, III half kill
+,
Then l hope you won't get hold of
Walter calculated, inwardly.
He began to wish he had run on in
tead of seeking this concealment. In the
rst case, the darkness of the night would
favored him, and even if Jack had
card him it was by no means certain :
nat he would have caught him. Now an
movement or a cough would be- !
his hiding place, and there would
E no chance of escape. He began to feel :
is constrained position irksome, but did /,
OF dare 20 see relief by change of pos .
Ire. :
4 wish he'd go" thought our hero. +
But Jack was in no hurry. He APP
cared to wish to waylay Walter, and
constantly listening to catch the
,und Of his approach. AT length Wal :,
T was relieved to hear him say, well, /
shan't catch him by stopping here, :
ats sure" =
Then he started, and Walter. listening d
heard the sound OF his reeeding
cps. When sufficient time had elapsed. a
ventured out from his concealment, d
ID stopped TO consider the situation. b
What should be do? 1t was hardly n
udent to go OF, for il would only bring Il
m nearer the enemy. If he ventured 81
HI MNuAI be away IEOm the ] st
ge of the woods, and might encounter 10
eg, who might also be In pursuit. He
] not feel in danger Of capture from C.
is quarter, but the woman might find il
sans of communicating with her hus- 81
nd. On the whole, it seemed safest. for .
E present, at least, TO stick to the friend
tree which had proved so good a pro yc
tor. He stood beside it, watching of
intending, whenever peril en-
-eatened, to take instant refuge inside.
is was not particularly satisfactory, a
t be hoped Jack would soon tire of tic
pursuit, and retrace his steps to- pa
I'd the cabin. If be should do that. so
would then be safe in continuing his ce
hit. no
lack pushed on, believing that our hero isl
5 in advance. 1t had been a fatiguing an
and this made his present midnight
mp more disagreeable. His hopes of yo
Walter became fainter and
nter, and nature began to assert her hu
hts, A drowsiness which he found it for
d to combat assailed him, and. he
w he must yield to 1t for a time at ter
st. list
i wish / was at home, and in bed"
muttered. I'm lie down and take a sal
TT nap, and then start again"