Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-12-26


men had not yet attracted the attention
OF Jack, whose back was turned towards
them He crossed the rail, and. at the
same time, Walter cross the plank This
he drew across. and then. leaving 1t on the
bank, set out on a quick rum
CHAPTER XIII.
What's the matter7' asked one Of the
two men as Walter came up.
IL got lost in the woods, and passed
the night In that mans house." said our
hero. He tried to rob me, but | locked
him In the closet, and jumped out of the
window and escaped. This morning be
got on my track, and would have caught
me IL 1t hadn't been for that ditch"
you locked him In the cioset?' repeat
ed the other How were you able to do
thati You are only boy, while he Is
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"
81 don't know how il would have turn
ed out if you hadn't come up"
81 happened to be at home when my
|
gum had offered him fifty cents for come
breakfast. He told me about you also,
and, as | suspected Jack was up 10 some
of his tricks, | came along"
Il am very much obliged to you" said
Walter, "and | hope you'll let 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-"
81 certainly will; and never paid
away money with more pleasure. As l
haven't had anything to eat since yester-
day afternoon. | should like to have you
direct to the nearest place where l
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 AIangum
lived about here2" asked Walter, after
accepting with thanks the offer of
breakfast
About Eve years. He's been In the
county Jail twice during that time. and
there's a 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 ene-stery building with
an attic above. On enc side of ii were
br cad fields, some under cultivation and
there was an appearance Of thrift and
comfort despite the smallness Of the
house.
Come In" said Peter, leading the way
"John," he added. addressing the hired
man. who had accompanied him, you
may 10 into the potato field and hoe. I'll
be out directly"
Walter followed him into broad. lew
room--the kitchen--ip which Mrs Hol-
comb. a pleasant looking woman. was en-
gagged in cooking.
MARY" said her husband, cant you
scare up some breakfast for this young
mani He stopped at Jack Mangum's last
night, and didn't like his accommodations
wen enough to stay 10 breakfast"
"You don't say So" repeated Mrs Hol-
comb, her countenance expressing curios-
ity. That's about the last place I'd
want to stop at"
She went to the pantry. and speedily
reappeared with some cold meat, loaf
Of bread, and some fresh butter, which
she placed on the table.
1T looks NICE" said Walter, "and /
don't know when l have been SO hun
cry"
AT that moment the farmers boy. who
had served as Walters messenger, came
into the kitchen.
"You got away" he said, smiling.
Yes, thanks to you" said Walter.
Here Is what l promised you"
81 don't know as ought to take IL"
said the boy, hesltsting, though he evil
IDENTIFY wanted IL.
You will do me a favsr by accepting
It." said Walter. ''You got me out Of a
bad scrape- Besides. you had chance
to earn some money from Jack Mangum-"
81 Wouldn't have done anything for
him. at any rate. He's thief"
Finally Peter. for he was named for
his father, accepted the dollar. and sit
ting down by Walter. asked him about his
adventure Ia the wood. listening with
great interest to the details
II wouldn't have dared to do a. you
did" be said.
Perhaps you would II you had been
/ obliged to-"
/ The farmer absolutely refused to ac-
} cept pay for breakfast though Walter
! urged it. 1t was contrary to his ideas
Of hospitality.
I'VE don't keep a tavern" he said
4 "and we never shall miss the little you
ate. Come again and see us II you come
, back this way"
E Thank you" said Walter II win &C
; cept your invitation with pleasure, bat
/. shall not feel like calling on Mr.. Man
s gum"