Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-04-23
CHAPTER xxi.

Walter followed Meg through the
woods. He felt sure that he would not
have far to go to reach the open fields
lie had been delayed heretofore not by
the distance, but by not knowing in what
direction to go.
Few words were spoken between him
and Meg. Remembering what had hap
pened at the cabi, and that even now
he was fleeing from her husband, he did
not feel inclined to be sociable. and her
thoughts were divided between the money
she was to be paid as the price for her
services, and her husband. for whose pro-
longed absence she could not account.
After walking for fifteen minutes, they
came to the edge of the forest Skirting
it was a meadow, wet in parts, for the
surface was low.
'Where is the road?"
You'll have to cross this meadow, and
you'll come OF it. 1t isn't morn quarter
of a mile. You'll find your way we'll
enough without me-
Walter felt relieved at the prospect of
a speedy return to the region of civiliza-
ton. 1t seemed 10 him as if he had
passed the previous night for away in
some wild frontier cabin, instead of in the
center of populous and thriving neigh
hood. within a few miles of several -four
ishng villages. He drew out d dollar bill
and offered it to Meg
This is the money l agreed to pay
you" he said. Thank you, besides
Il hear my husbands steps," she said,
hurriedly. Fly or it will be the worse
for you
Think you for the caution" said Wal
ter, rousing to the necessity for immed-
late action.
Don't stop to thank me, Col" she
said stamping her foot impatiently.
He obeyed at once, and started on a
run across the meadow. A minute later,
Jack came in sight.
why Meg, are you here?" he said,
in surprise. Have you seen the boy?"
He did not wait for an answer, for,
looking across the meadow, he saw the
flying figure of our hero.
There he is, now" he exclaimed, in a
tone of fierce satisfaction.
Let him go, Jack" pleaded Meg, who,
in spite of herself, felt a sympathy for
the boy who, like herself had been I'M
fortunate.
placed upon his arm, and dashed off in
pursuit of Walter.
Walter had the start, and had already
succeeded in placing two hundred yards
between himself and his pursuer But
Jack was strong and athletic, and could
run faster than a boy of fifteen, and the
distance between the two constantly di-
unfinished. Walter looked back over his
shoulder, as he ran. and, brave as he was.
there came a sickening sensation of fear
as he met the fierce, triumphant glance
of his enemy.
stop" called out Jack. hoarSely.
Walter did not answer, neither did he
obey. Only a few rods in advance was
over which single plank was thrown as
bridge for foot passengers Walter
sped like a deer forward and over the
bridge, when, STOPPING down, he hastily
pulled it over after him, thus cutting off
his enemy's advance.
Put back that plank" roared Jack.
II would rather not" said Walter
You'll be sorry for it, then" said
Jack iercely.
He had walked back about fifty feet,
and then faced round. His intention was
clear enough. He meant to jump over
the ditch. Our hero took the plank and
put it over his shoulder, moving with it
| farther down the edge. An idea had oc-
Cured to him. which had not yet sug
gested itself to Jack. or the latter might
have been less confident of success.
Jack stood still for a moment, and
then, gathering up his strength, dashed
| forward. Arrived at the brink, he made
a spring. but the soft bank yielded him
no support He fell short of the opposite
bank by at least two feet, and, TO his an
ger and disgust, landed in the water and
slime at the bottom of the ditch. He
scrambled out, landing at last, but with
| the loss of one boot, which had been
drawn off by the clinging mud in which
| it had become firmly planted. Still he
was on the same side with Walter, and
the latter was now in his power. This
was what he thought; but an instant
later he saw his mistake Walter had
stretched the plank over the ditch a few
rods further up, and was passing over it
| in safety.
| (To be continued.)
|