Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-04-30
CHAPTER XXII.-(Continued.

QUICK Tor MIN. he plank was uEa"h
over, and again he faced his intended vic
tim with the width of the ditch between.
He looked across at Walter with
glance of baffied 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 inficting 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. l
didn't mean nothing. | was only tryin'
to see if | could brighten you little"
I'm very we'll off where | am" said
Walter Il think III stay where | 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"
Il 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 l 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. man who
would steal probably would not be trou
bled by any scruples on the subject of
violating his word
IF you don't come, I'll take every cent,
and give you a beating beside" said Jack,
''i' 'iiiStA 6diuluS tue tSCthuduIS.
We'll, what are you goin' to do about
it?' demanded Jack, after a brief pause
IN stay where l am
Il 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 u small farm house
half a mile distant.
DO you want to earn some money!
Il dunno" said the boy, who had no
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 a dollar"
Didn't you bring your luncheon?'
asked the boy.
No, | came away without it, and
can't spare time to go back"
1t occurred to the boy, noticing Jacks
lazy 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
bread 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 a chance of obtaining help
"Fll 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
/ slept in his house last night, and he
tried to 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. It's all lie. The BOY
slept at my house. us he says. and stole
some money from me. He escaped, but
I'm bound TO get it back if | stay here
all day
THAT is not true" said Walter. Car
~ my message, and l will give you 6
dollar, and will, besides. reward the mer
that come to my assistance
The boy looked from one to the otheI
in doubt what to do.
IF you want your head broke you'll
do as he says" said Jack, rather uneasy
''He won't pay what he promises"
You shall certainly be paid" said Wal
ter.
''You'd better shut up, or it'll be tn,
worse for YOU" growled Jack. Go anc
get my breakfast quick, boy, and II
pay you the fifty cents"
''All right said the boy. IN 60"
Fifteen minutes later Jack lose to hi
feet. An idea had occurred to him. A
the distance of q furlong there was
rail fence. II occurred to him that on
of these rails would enable him to eros
the ditch and get at his victim. He wa
not afraid Walter would escape. since h
could easily turn back and capture hin
IL he ventured across.
Walter did not understand his desig,
In leaving the ditch. Was it possibl
that he meant TO raise the siege? Thi
seemed hardly probable. He watched
with some anxiety, the movements of hi
foe. fearing some surprise.
When Jack reached the fence and be
gan to pull out one of the rails he uu
derstood his object. His position wa
evidently becoming more dangerous.
Jack came back with triumphan
smile upon his face.
''Now," he said.f I've got you."
Walter watched him warily, and low
cred the plank, ready to convert it int
bridge as soon as necessary. Jack pu
down the rail. 1t was long enough to spa
the ditch, but was rather narrow so tbs
some caution was needful in crossing i
Walter had moved several rods farthe
UP, and thrown the plank across. Thong
his chances of escape from the peril tbs
menaced him seemed to have diminishe
since his enemy was also provided with
bridge. and it became now a question
superior speed Walter was not alarme'
Indeed, his prospects of deliyerance al