The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1908-12-24
CHAPTER XVI.

The big fellow strained and struggled
vainly. Then he bent his head, mastif-
like Believing with wrath, he sank his
teeth into one imprisoning hand. They
almost met. In frenzy at the pain, Hope
released his other hand The fellow seized
It with both of his own. holding on still
with his teeth Hope was queerly baffled
as TO the exercise of any free strength
This was the opportunity of the man in
among the trees-he came flying from his
covert.
A blunt-edged piece of iron was his
weapon. He had full scope-Hope was
not only hanpe-ed, but had not even seen
him approach.
One, two, three-the blows came in
rapid succession. The skull bones seemed
to crack. At each blow Hope staggered,
sank, his head plunging forward-then he
Was on his knees, and, dragging his first
Isssailant along with him, he struck the
ground a huddled, senseless heap.
The big fellow tore himself loose, arose
erect, ground his teeth at the PROSTATE
Hope and kicked him with his foot.
NO need of that, partner ~ glibly pro-
claimed his confrere. II guess I've done
more than bargained.'
killed." exclaimed the other, with a
stsrt.
He looks it." was eoolly retorted. Then
the speaker stopped and examined the gap
ing wounds in the back of Hopes head.
'sNo," he announced. hes got it good and
strong. but he's breathing all right. Keep
watch"
He began to ransack Hopes pockets,
while the other ran his eyes constantly
up and down the lane.
Suddenly he uttered an exclamation of
decided emphasis and disappointment.
MOI he said, with fierce fury, arising
20 his feet.
HE hasn't got the stuff
mo cut-in-two bank bills, as said"
by Kane,'
No names ~
"Where are they, then?'
"Maybe at his home-hey?''
That's got to be found out, you
know
1T has, surely"
'You see to it,
Eyes"
"And be quick"
"As lightning"
They dragged Hope in among the trees,
half burying him in a hollow blown full
of dead leaves. The giant stood watching
him and the road, while his companion
disappeared.
He was gone full hour. The big fel.
low was uneasy enough before he re-
turned.
"Well?" he challenged, eagerly. the mo-
ment his comrade came within hailing dis
fance.
NO good ~ g-owled the other. Sowing
ly.
you searched@"
Everywhere"
And found?,
Not a trace"
'sTben the stuf's plantede'
"Of course"
What we going to do!'
''You tell ~
The big fellow stood stupidity rubbing
bis chin. His associate pulled away the
leaves and examined Hope once more
Finally he came up closer 20 his compan.
ion:
''See here" he said, you listen to me.
''I'm listening
There's no use dallying over this
Kane told us what to do"
''Yes-get those cut-in-two bills"
that's it. Now then. this man is lait
up, and maybe for a SPELL"
''What then?"
''We must get him to some place doubly
secure"
What do you mean by thatT'
where We can mend him up"
"Ah,"
"And hold him till he tells where he'
planted that stuff"
''Ayw
Il know such a place." the speaker
chuckled elfshly. "You get a cab, ant
drive It yourself. and hurry back here
and We'll soon have this gentleman wher:
we can learn his secret at leisure"
eff he tells it,"
"He WILL" confidently proclaimed TIL
other. "He will, or he'll never see sun
light again :"