Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-06

btuHu! Ucsdu SldlDorue uuSihy' ahu as was riding along the road about two miles from here l ran into three men on horseback. When l stopped to barley with them and find out what they were doing they crept up on me and grabbed my horse and put that sack over my head. They had mistak- en me for you, and they brought me here, into your house, and pulled the sack of and were decidedly disagreea- ble at finding they had made mis- take. One of them had gone in to ran sack your effects, and when they pull ed or the bag and disclosed the wrong hare he dropped his loot on the floor. and then told them to go to the devil, and hope they've done 1t. When you came In l was picking up your traps, and l submit that the sword is handsome enough to challenge any body's eye. And there's all there is of the story, and don't care whether you believe 1t or not"
 Their eyes were fixed upon each oth- CT in gaze of anger and resentment. Suddenly Armitage's tense figure re- faxed. the fierce light In his eyes gave way to gleam of humor, and he laughed long and loud.
 Your face-your face, Claiborne. It's funny. It's too funny for any use. When your teeth show. it's something ghastly. For Gods sake, go fin there and wash your face"
 He made a light in his own room and piled Claiborne with towels, while he continued to break forth occasionally fin fresh bursts of laughter. When they went into the hall both men were grave.
 "Claiborne"-
 Armitage put out his hand. and Clai- borne took it in vigorous clasp.
 You don't know who am or what I am. and I haven't got time to tell you now. It's long story, and l have much to do, but swear to you. Clai- borne, that my hands are clean; that the game l am playing is no affair of my own, but big thing that have pledged myself to carry through. I want you to ride down there in the valley and keep Marhof quiet for a few hours. Tell him I know more of what's going on in Vienna than he does and that if he will only sit in a rock ing chair and tell you fairy stories till morning we can all be happy. Is it bargain-or-must I still hang your head down the we'll till get through?"
 "Marhof may go to the devil! He's lot more mysterious than even you. Armitage. These fellows that brought me up here to kill me in the belief that I was you cannot be friends of Mar hors cause"
 'They are not I assure you they are not. They are blackguards of the black est dye.'
 T believe you, Armitage."
 Thank you. Now your horse is at the door. Run along like a good fel- low"
 Armitage dived into his room, caught up a cartridge belt and reappeared bucklng it on.
 oscar" he yelled. ''bring in that coffee, with cups for two"
 He kicked off his boots and drew on light shoes and leggings.
 "Light marching orders for the rough places. Confound that buckle."'
 He rose and stamped his feet to set tie the shoes.
 Your horse is at the door. That ras- cal Oscar will take off the blanket for you. There's bottle of fair whisky in the cupboard, if you'd like nip before starting. Bless me, forgot the coffee! There on the table. Oscar. and never mind the chairs" he added as Oscar came in with a tin pot and the cups on a piece of plank.
 I'm taking the rife. Oscar, and be sure those revolvers are loaded with the real goods"