The Glenwood post., 1909-02-13
CHAPTER V.


keep the dogs with me all night; and
draught of ale, Just to shame the
devil as Pierpont said, and lighted
n cigar. Then l thought of Barris and
Pierpont, and their cold bed, for |
knew they would not dare build a fire,
and. in spite of the hot chimney corner
and the cracking blaze, | shivered in
sympathy.
I'll tell Barris and Pierpont the
whole story and take them to see the
carved stone and the fountain"
thought to myself; what marvellous
dream 1t was-Ysonde-if it was a
dream.
Then | went to the mirror and ex-
amined the faint white mark above
my eyebrow.
About eight o'clock next morning
as l sat listlessly eyeing my coffee cup
which Hewlett was filling, Gamin and
Mioche set up howl, and in a mo-
ment more heard Barris step on the
porch.
Hello, Roy" said Pierpont, stamp
ing into the dining-room, Il want my
breakfast, by jingo! Where's Hewlett
none of your cafe au lait for mel
want a chop and some eggs. Look at
that dog, he'll wag the hinge off his
tail in a moment"
''Pierpont," said |, this loquacity is
astonishing but welcome. Where's
Barris? You are soaked from neck
to ankle"
Pierpont sat down and tore off his
stiff, muddy leggings
'Barris is telephoning to Cardinal
Springs believe he wants some of
his men-down, Gamin, you idiot,
Hewlett, three eggs poached and more
toast-what was | saying? Oh about
Barris: he's struck something or other
which he hopes will locate these gold
making fellows. had jolly tine
he'll tell you about it."
BILLY, Billy" l said, in pleased
amazement, you are learning to talk.
Dear me! You load your own shells
and you carry your own gun and YOU
fire 1t yourself-hello! here's Barris,
all over mud. You fellows really ought
to change your rig-whew, what a
frightful odor!"
II lLls, Sdlu bdTllS,
tossing something onto the hearth.
where it shuddered for moment and
then began to writhe; Il found 1t in
the woods by the lake. Do you know
what it can be, Roy?"
To my disgust | saw it was another
OF those spidery, wormy, crablike
creatures that Godfrey had in Tiff
fany's.
Il thought l recognized that acrid
odor," l said; "for the love of the
saints, take it away from the break
fast l replied, firmly. Hewlett, get
broom and sweep that thing into the
road. What are you laughing at, Pier
pont?"
Hewlett swept the repulsive crea-
ture out and Barrs and Pierpont went
to change their dew soaked clothes for
dryer raiment. David came to take
the dogs for an airing and in few
minutes Barris reappeared and sat
down in his place at the head of the
table.
Well" said l, sis there story to
tell?"
Yes, not much. They are near the
lake on the other side of the woods
] mean these gold-makers. l shall
collar one of them this evening.
haven't located the main gang with
any certairty-shove the toast rack
this way, will you, Roy-no. I am not
at all certain, but I've nailed one. any
way Pierpont was great help, real
Iy, and. what do you think, Roy?
He wants to join the secret service!"
Little Willy"
Exactly. oh, I'll dissuade him.
What sort of reptile was that
brought in? Did Rowlett sweep 1t
away"
He can sweep it back again for all
i care" / said indifferently. I've
finished my breakfast"
NO" said Barris. hastily, swallow
Ing his coffee. cts of no Importance; ;
you can tell me about the beast"