The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-08-01


Indeed, his prospects of deliverance ap-
peared brighter than ever, for he caught
sight of two men approaching across the
meadow, and he suspected that they were
sent by the boy whom he had hired. These
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 run.
CHAPTER XIII.
whats the matter2" 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 opt 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 closets" 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"
Il 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 suspected Jack was up to some
of his tricks, l came along"
Il am very much obliged to you," said
Walter, land / hope you'll let me pay
you for your trouble"
II 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, should like to have you
direct me to the nearest place where l
can get some breakfast"
"Come to my house; 1 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 NIangum
lived about here?' asked Walter, after
accepting with thanks the offer of
breakfa fast
about five years. He's been In the
county Jail twice during that time, and
there's warrant out for him now. He's
a 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 in" 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, pleasant hooking woman, was en-
gagged in cooking.
Mary" said her husband, cant you
scare up some breakfast for this young
man? He stopped at Jack Mangum's last
night, and didn't like his accommodations
well enough to stay to breakfast"
"You don't say So" repeated Mrs. Hol-
comb, her countenance expressing cdrios-
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.
at looks NICE" said Walter, 'and
don't know when have been SO hum
cry"
At that moment the farmers boy, who
had served as Walters messenger, came
into the kitchen.
.You got away" he said, smiling.
Eyes, thanks to you," said Walter.
"Here is what promised YOU"
II don't know AZ l ought to take II, !"
said the boy, hesitating, though he evil
IDENTIFY wanted it.
you will do me favor by accepting
it." said Walter. "You got me out Of a
bad scrape. Besides, you had chance
to earn some money from Jack Mangum.'
II 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 in the wood, listening with
great interest to the details.
Il wouldn't have dared to do a. you
did," he said.
Perhaps you would If ron had been
obliged to-
The farmer absolutely refused to &C
cept pay for breakfast, though Walter
urged it. 1t was contrary to his ideas
of hospitality.
I'VE don't keep tavern" he said !;
"and we never shall miss the little you
ate. Come again and see US If You come
back this way"