The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-06-26
Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)
A Dick Ryder Tale
By H. b. MARR1oTT-wATsoN

oseph B. Bowles.)
"Oh, will spare you then" says he.
doubtless you're in haste to be on"
Come said l, "off with .that.mask,"
and l knocked it clean off his face
with the pistol, just as the moon
emerged in her full whiteness.
Twas young man, well-formed,
and of handsome bearing, that stood
before me, and I saw that his feat
ures were disfigured by a cynical
smile. Yet there was in that expires.
sion, as judged, something impulsive
and full-hearted that took me. I con-
templated him.
you're no tobyman," said I. "A toby
man would think shame to- be took as
took you just now" 4
For answer he whistled, and then,
Good, my man, get forward with your
job" said he. II have cast and lost"
why, said I, lowering my barker.
II know twas along of wager this
was done, and so bungled."
He threw me glance under the
/ moon without offering to run. How
know. you?" he asked. -. =. -
l shrugged my Shoulders. rip me-"
said I, when gentleman of the road
takes. the road (saye he be. in liquor)
tbs for a serious purpose, and that's
guineas. He walks with proper gait;
he's no come-lightly. But you"
came to pause. =
You're wrong" said he, "'twas no
wager"
"Oh, WELL" said tits a pity that 50
fit a youth should go WOO the Triple
Beam, and 1 find it in my heart to
give you chance. What say you?
Your story for your life"
He thought a moment. Agreed"
said he.
Then it's sealed on that" replied.
In the moonlight the heath emerged
dimly, and deserted near patch of
bushes waiting figure.
49," said I, that is your game,
my master. You bring confederates,
and accept my terms to betray me,
but I will shoot We both where ye
stand or rum"
Now, was broke out very furious,
for 1t seemed to me I saw the whole
purpose Of this ambush very clearly,
and raised my pistol as spoke.
whats that.?" says he suddenly,
and stared at me, and then away to
where my eyes had gone. But at the
instant the waiting figure took to its
heels and ran in white light. ..,t[5
"By the Lord, Crookes!" said my
tobyman.
49," said 1, not realizing where
was, but feeling cautiously ahead.
"And who may Crookes be that 3
such a white-liver?"
"'Tis Sir Damon's servant" said
he, and added: "'Tis in the tale and
the bargain"
He shrugged his shoulders. "You
have the advantage, and twill hurt
nor harm none. Sir Damon Boil is
uncle and guardian to a young lady
who returns me my passion. But he
will none of the match, being anxious,
to dispose of her to certain lord.
"'Ye're a young gentleman of the
town. says he. ("When L. was young
he was wont to be more than that
and, young man. says he, we shall
have her If ye rob coach or carry
stand-and-deliver to chaise.'"
WELL" said I, seeing he paused.
"Well, here am" said he, and
laughed discordantly. ~ :. 49,.
Come, It's a very proper and ro-
mantle comedy" said l. And why
dye suppose he gives you this
CHANGER" ...
He shook his head. II know not. he
said.
"And why dye suppose this Crookes.
Sir Damon's man, II that be his name,
is hanging about?"
He started. II never thought Of
that" said he
WELL" said I, deliberately, 1T
means If I was you, young cockerel,
I would think twice ere put faith in
! Sir Damon Boil He hath you in a cleft
stick"
"You mean" he asked anxiously
"Why, are you not took In the act?"
I replied; took with red hand. And