Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1908-12-18
OHAPTER XXI.

hang from the window sill and jump with
out injury. Before following him in his
fight, We will pause to inquire how the
robbcr, unexpectedly taken captive, Jared
Nothing could have surprised Jack
more than this sudden turning Of the ia
biex But a minute since Walter was
completely In his power. Now, through
the boys GOODNESS and nerve, his thievish
intentions were baffied. and be was plac-
ed in the humiliating position Of a pris-
oner In his own house.
open the door, or I'll murder you y
be roared, kicking it violently.
There was no reply, for Walter was
already half way out of the window, and
did not think 1t best to answer. Walter
had proceeded half n mile when he stop
Ped to rest. Two or three times he had
trippcd over projecting roots which the
darkness prevented his seeing In time to
avoid.
"I'n rest few minutes, and then push
on" he thought
II was late, but the excitement of his
position prevented him from feeling
sleepy. He wished to get out of the
woods into some road or open field, where
be would be in less danger Of encounter
Ing Jack, and where perhaps he might
and assistance against him.
he was 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
q large hollow space inside.
"I shouldn't wonder IL could get in,"
he said to himself
He made the attempt, and found that
he was correct In his superstition. 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 1t. Five
minutes later and his attention was
drawn by a sound of approaching foot
steps. Jack had tripped over 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 II he were heard by Jack, the latter
would no doubt be able to run him down.
"What shall do7' 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
counted upon his passing on; but on
reaching the old tree Jack paused, and
said aloud, Where can the young rascal
BET wonder If have passed him7 I'll
rest here Ave minutes- He may struggle
along
With these words he sank upon the
ground, In the very same place where
Walter had been reclining two minutes
before. He was SO near that our hero
could have put out his hand and touched
hin.
1t was certainly a very uncomfortable
situation for Walter. He hardly dared to
breathe or to stir lest his enemy should
hear him.
"He's led me n pretty tramp" NUT
tered Jack. but I'm bound to get hold
of him tonight II / do, I'll half kill
hiEr
Then l hope you won't get held Of
him." Walter calculated, inwardly.
He began to wish he had run on in
STEAD Of seeking this concealment- In the
6rs< case, the darkness Of the night would
u
heard him It was by no means certain
that he would have caught him. Now an
unlucky movement or 4 cough would be-
tray his hiding place, and there would
be no chance OF escape. He began to feel
his constrained position irksore, but did
not dare to see relief by change of pos
ture.
IL wish he'd CO." thought our hero.
But Jack was in no hurry. He APP
peared to wish to waylay Walter, and
was constantly listening to catch the
sound of his approach. At length Wal
ter was relieved to hear him say, "Well
shan't catch him by stopping here,
that's sure"
Then he started, and Waiter, listening
intently, heard the sound of his recedina
steps When sufficient time had elapsed
he ventured out from his concealment
and stopped to consider the situation.
What should he dot 1t was hardly
prudent to 10 on, for 1t would only bring
him nearer the enemy. IL he ventured
back. he would be farther away from the
edge of the woods, and might encounter
Meg, who might also be In pursuit. He
did not feel in danger of capture from
this quarter. but the woman might find
means Of communicating with her hus
band. On the whole. 1t seemed safest, fol
the present, at least. TO stick to the friend.
ly tree which had proved so good a pro
tector. He stood beside 1t, watching
carefully, intending. whenever peri