The Ordway new era., 1909-02-12
CHAPTER V.


small lake
CHAPTER v
| sent him OF to bed. SAYING should
keep the dogs with me all night. and
when he was gone. | took a good long
draught OF ale. Just TO sham" the
devil" as Pierpont said. and lighted
a cigar. Then thought Of Barrls 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. ! shiyered in
sympathy.
I'll tell Barris and Pierpont the
whole story and take them 10 see the
carved stone and the fountain"
thought to myself; what marvellous
dream It was-Ysonde-If ii 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 sat listlessly eyeing my coffee cup
which Hewlett was filling. Gamin and
Mioche set up a howl. and in mo-
ment more / heard Barris step on the
porch.
Hello. Roy" said Pierpont stamp
ing into the dining-room. Il want my
breakfast by jinEo' Where's Hewlett
none OF your cafe au lait for mel
want chop and some eggs. Look at
that dog. he'll waE the hinge off his
tail in a moment"
"Pierpont," said |, this loGuaCity 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 time
he'll tell you about it"
BILLY, Billy" | said, in pleased
amazement. you are learning to talk,
Dear me, You load your own shells
and you carry your own gun and Au
fire it yourself-hello. here's Barris.
all over mud. You fellows really ought
to change your rig-whew. what a
frightful odor,"
It's probably this" said Barris,
tossing something onto the hearth.
where it shuddered for a moment and
then began to writhe; 81 found it in
the woods by the lake. Do you know
what it can be, Roy"
To my disgust / saw 1t was another
OF those spidery, wormy. crablike
creatures that Godfrey had in Tiff
fanys.
Il thought l recognized that acrid
odor," I said; "for the love of the
saints, take it away from the break
fast" I 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 Barris and Pierpont went
to change their dew-soaked clothes for
dryer raiment. David came to take
the dogs for an airing and in a few
minutes Barris reappeared and sat
down in his place at the head of the
table.
Well" said I, "is there a story to
tell?"
Yes. not much. They are near the
lake on the other side of the woods
/ mean these gold-makers. I shall
collar one of them this evening 1
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
ly, and, what do you think, Roy?
He wants to join the secret servicet"
Little Willy"
Exactly Oh, I'll dissuade him.
What sort of a reptile was that 1
brought in! Did Rowlett sweep it
away?"
He can sweep it back again for all
care" said indifferently. I've
finished my breakfast"
NO." said Barris, hastily. swallow
ing his coffee, Its Of no Importance;
you can tell me about the beast"