Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-09-11
CHAPTER XXI.

robber, unexpectedly taken captive, Jared.
Nothing could have surprised Jack
more than this sudden turning of the ia
bles. But a minute since Walter was
completely in his power Now, through
the boys coolness and nerve, his thievish
intentions were baffied, and he was plac-
ed in the humiliating position of pris-
oner in his own house.
open the door, or I'll murder you! !"
he roared, kicking it violently.
There was no reply. for Walter was
already half way out of the window, and
did not think it best to answer. Walter
had proceeded half a mile when he stop
red to rest. Two or three times he had
tripped over projecting roots which the
darkness prevented his seeing in time to
avoid.
I'll rest a few minutes, and then push
on" he thought
1t 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
he would be in less danger of encounter
ing Jack, and where perhaps he might
find assistance against him.
lie 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 it was hollow
inside. He ascertained that the interior
was eaten out by gradual decay, making
large hollow space inside.
II shouldn't wonder if could get in,"
he said to himself.
He made the attempt, and found that
he was correct in his supposition.. 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 it. 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 if he were heard by Jack, the latter
would no doubt be able to run him down.
What shall doy 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
be? | wonder If | have passed him? I'll
rest here five minutes. He may straggle
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
him.
1t was certainly a very uncomfortable
situation for Walter. He hardly dared to
breathe or to stir lest his enemy should
hear him.
Hes led me pretty tramp" NUT
tered Jack, but I'm bound to get hold
of him tonight. If | do I'll half kill
him."
AThen hope you won't get hold of
him." Walter calculated, inwardly.
He began to wish he had run on in
stead of seeking this conccament. In the
first case, the darkness of the night would
have favored him, and even if Jack had
heard him it was by no means certain
that he would have caught him. Now an
unlucky movement or a cough would be-
tray his hiding place, and there would
be no chance of escape. He began to feel
his constrained position rksome, but did
not dare to see relief by change of pos
'ure.
II wish he'd 60" thought our hero.
But Jack was in no hurry He ap-
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,
! shant catch him by stopping here,
that's sure"
Then he started, and Walter listening
fntcntly, heard the sound of his receding
steps. When sufficient time had elapsed,
he ventured out from his concealmcnt,
and stopped TO consider the situation.
What should he do? 1t was hardly
prudent to go on, for it would only bring
him nearer the enemy. If he ventuted
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, it seemed safest for
the present, at least, to stick to the friend
ly tree which had proved so good pro-
tector. He stood beside it, watching
carefully, intending. whenever peril
threate-ed, TO take instant refuge inside.
This was not particularly satisfactory,
but he Hoped Jack would soon tire Of
the pursuit, and retrace his steps to-
ward the cabin. If he should do that
he would then be safe in continuing his
eight.
Jack pushed on, believing that our hero