Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1909-08-26
Ghe
BLACK
BAG
By Louis Joseph Vance
c.sv,;sht. 1898. by the Bobbs- Merrill Co.
Continued from page p
By Louis Joseph Vance


CHAPTER XVII.
UMFOUNDED with dismay
seeing in fash how all his
plans might be set at naught
II by DorOthy's unforeseen in
subordination, KirkwOod took a step or
tvo after her, but she was fleet Of foot,
and remembering Hobbs, he halted.
Nv this time the mate, too, was run
ming, Kirkwood could hear the heavy
rounding of his clumsy feet. Already
Dorothy had almost gained the farther
corner. As she whisked round it with
futter Of skirts Kirkwood lodged
hastily behind a gatepost. A thought
| later Hobbs appeared, head down,
chest out, eyes straining for sight of
bis quarry, pelting along for dear life.
As, rounding the corner. he stretch
ed out in swifter stride Kirkwood was
inspired to put a spoke in his wheel,
and a foot thrust suddenly out from
behind the gatepost accomplished his
purpose with more success than lie
had dared anticipate. Stumbling, the
mate plunged headlong. arms and legs
a.sprawl and the momentum Of his
pace, though checked, carried him
along the sidewalk. face downward, a
full yard ere he could stay himself.
Kirkwood stepped out Of the gate
way and sheered off as Hobbs picked
himself up, something which he did
rather slowly, as If In a daze, without
comprehension Of the cause Of his
misfortune. And for q moment he
stood pulling his wits together, and
swaying as though on the point OF re-
suming his rudely interrupted chase.
when the noise Of Kirkwood's heels
brought him about face.
low, it's you, chi" he snarled in a |
temper as vicious as his countenance.
Myself" admitted Kirkwood fairly.
and then, in CLEAN of humor
weren't you looking for me?"
His rage seemed to take the little
cockney and shake him by the throat.
He trembled from head to foot, his
face shockingly congested, and spat
out dust and fragments Of lurid bias
phemy like an Infatuated cat.
Or sudden "W'ere's the gel ?" he
thickly as his quick shifting
eyes for the first time noted Dorothy's
Miss Calendar has other business
none with you. I've taken the liberty
Of stopping you because l have a word
or two
NV, you ave, ave your. I've a
word for you too! And over that bag
and look nippy or I'll myke YOU pye
TOT wat you've done to me. III myke
you pye" he iterated hoarsely. edging
loser. "'And it over orr
You've got another guess Kirk.
Vood began. but saved his breath in
'eterence to an imperative demand on
Inn Tor instant defensive action. for a
X inch blade Of furnished steel was J.
Vinging toward Kirkwood's throat with
be speed Of light.
.nstinctiveiy he stepped back, as In.
'incuvely he guarded with his right ;
0learm' lifting the hand that held the !
a'cneL The knife, catching in his :
'eeve, scratched the arm beneath
amfully and simultaneously was
',sted from the mates grasp, while n
MS surprise Kirkwood's grip on the :,
~ handle relaxed. 1t was torn forci- n
y from his fingers Just as he re. r
'lved a heavy blow on his chest from
= mates fist. He staggered back. =,
ny the time he had recovered from =
e shock Hobbs was a score OF feet y
way, the satchel tucked under his m
w. MS body bent almost double, run. v,
ne IKE jack rabbit. Ere Kirkwood n
u'u get under way in pursuit the II
ate mad lodged out Of sight round al
corner When the American caught
81. OF MIN again he was far down r.
: o'qck and lettering his pace with b,
cry Jump. to