Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1908-05-15
CHAPTER XIII,

ne drew across, and then, leaving it on the
bank, set out on Quick run.
CHAPTER XIII.
What's the matter?" asked one of the
two men as Walter came up,
| got lost in the woods, and passed
the night in that mans house," said our
nero. He tried to rob me, but I locked
MIN In the closet, and jumped out of the
window and escaped This morning he
got on my track, and would have caught
me If it hadn't been for that ditch"
You locked him in the closet?" repeat
ed the other. How were you able to do
that? You are only boy, while he is a
strong man"
Walter explained the matter briefly
That was pretty SMART said Peter
Holcomb, for this was the name of the
man who questioned him. You're able
to take care of yourself"
| Il don't know how it would have turn
ed out if you hadn't come up"
II happened to be at home when my
boy came and told me that Jack Man
gum had offered him fifty cents for some
breakfast He told me about you also,
and; as l suspected Jack was up to some
of his tricks, 1 came along"
Il am very much obliged to you," said
Walter, land l hope you'll let me pay
you for your trouble
Il don't want any pay, but you may
pay my boy what you promised him, if
you want to-"
II certainly will; and l never paid
away money with more pleasure. AS l
haven't had anything to eat since yester-
day afternoon, l should like to have you
direct me to the nearest place where |
can get some breakfast
Come to my house l guess my wife
can scare up some breakfast for you.
| She'll be glad to see the boy that got
the better of Jack Mangum."
"How long has this Jack DIangum
lived about here?' asked Walter, after
accepting with thanks the offer of a
breakfast
about five years. He's been in the
county Jail twice during that time, and
there's warrant out for him now. He's
confirmed thief He'd rather steal any
time than earn an honest living"
| While this conversation was going on,
they had been walking toward the farm
house in which Peter Holcomb lived. 1t
was an humble one-story building, with
An attic above. On one side of it were
broad fields, some under cultivation; and
there was an appearance of thrift and
comfort despite the smallness of the
house.
Come ill.," said Peter, leading the way.
John" he added addressing the hired
man, who had accompanied him, you
may go into the potato field and hoe. I'll
be out directly"
Walter followed him into a broad, low
room-the kitchen-in which Mrs. Hol-
comb, a pleasant looking woman. was EN-
gagged in cooking.
"Mary.'' said her husband, cant you
scare I'D some breakfast for this young
man? He stopped at Jack Mangum's last
night. and didn't like his accommodations
we'll enough to stay to breakfast"
"You don't say so" repeated Mrs. Hol-
comb. her countenance expressing curios7
itv. That's about the last place I'd
want to stop at"
She went to the pantry, and speedily
roanneared with some cold meat, loaf
of bread and some fresh butter, which
she placed on the table
at looks NICE" said Walter, 'and l
don't know when l have been so hun
cry"
Ia served AS Walters messenger, came
into the kitchen.
"You got away" he said, smiling.
ayes. thanks to you" said Walter.
"Here is what l promised you
az don't know as I ought to take 1t,
said the boy, hesitating, though he evil
| dcntIv wanted it.
"You will do me favor by accepting
it." said Walter. "You got me out OF
bad scrape. Besides, you had chance
to earn some money from Jack Mangum'
al wouldn't have done anything for
him. at any rate. He's thief.
FINALLY Peter, for he was named Tor
his father, accepted the dollar, and, sit
ting down by Walter, asked him about his
adventure in the wood, listening with
great interest to the details.
ar wouldn't have dared to do as you
did," he said.
"Perhaps you would if you had been
obliged to-"
The farmer absolutely refused to &C
cant nav for breakfast, though Walter
urged it. 1t was contrary to his ideas
of hospitality.
1--WE don't keep a tavern" he said;
send We never shall miss the little you
80 Come again and see us If you come
back this way , =,
oo,,t ronr invitation with pleasure, but
shall not feel like calling on Mr. Man
gum ~ -,
Walter thought he had seen the last OF