The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-06-26
leave. was shortened Of my nap this

afternoon"
Now this was plain hint, as you
see, for me to hold my tongue. but
took no offence, for there was no
occasion. Sir" said I, Il am mum. l
do not overstay my welcome" and I
too, lay back.
For some time we proceeded in
silence; but presently. the chaise
jogging more than usual, he sat up.
1T seems to me-" said he, that
we are upon wild-goose chase, we
shall not catch him in this wilder.
ness"
oh" said l, "he cannot be SO far
| in advance-not he with my nags,
I'll warrant"
He looked at me doubtfully in the
small light. Very we'll" he said at
last, shortly, I'VE will try little
longer" and he peered out upon the
night if so be he might determine
where We were.
looked out also, and now we
were passing through Carshalton.
where l had bid the doves assemble
for to meet me. But, d, my bust
ness was not yet done, and the coach
rolls creaking out of Carshalton and
on the road to Epson. This seemed to
stir the old gentleman again to per-
plexity, for again he directed look
out of the window, and then another
at ME. l felt his gaze wander over
me from top to boot as II he meas
ured me.
you have fought abroad" says he
ut last
mot l." says and added to that,
There's too many that babble about
these foreign wars. Deliver US, good
English war is better to my taste.
and better fighting too" says I.
"Ah!" says he, still coolly inspect
ing me, as II he cared not whether
I saw him or not, then you will have
fought in his Majesty's intestine
wars?" said he.
whats that?" said I. turning ON
him.
mo doubt" said he, suavely, you
have fought, sir, for his majesty,
King James, against the unfortunate
| luke Oh monmouth.
who gave you leave to suppose I
had fought at all?" said l, sharply,
being irked by his persistence. Il am
no fighting man, but one of peace"
"Oh," says he. but took you for
soldier and a captain-at-arms at
least And indeed I believe you would
have furnished material for a good
soldier" He surveyed me meditative-
ly, Eyes, III promise that; good mate
rial, sir, sound fighting stock, and no
splitting straws or scruples."
o." said l, bluntly what dye
mean?"
He sank back in his seat II meant
no offence" said he, but think as
tits shrewd tonight I will cen turn
about for home"
Nay" said I, masterfully. you
must not do that since we are come
so far. Let US finish the adventure,
sir, and not leave hold of 1t. 'Twould
never do. We will be catching of 'em
by the heels presently"
He pursed his lips together, as II
he whistled under his breath and
there was a pause, while the noise
of the chaise drowned all sound about
US. But my senses are not sharp for
nothing, and next l was aware of q
CLINT of light upon steel, for the moon
as we rocked swayed in at the win.
dow, and I guessed that he was
bringing his pistol from under his
cloak.
pulled forth mine abruptly. Yes"
says l, Its as we'll to be prepared,
sir. am glad you are SO forward. We
may have fall-to when we en-
counter, but III warrant ye're as good
with your barker as l with mine"
Il hope so" said he. without be-
traying any feeling. II do earnestly
hope so; even, sir, to be little bet
ter would be to my taste. AS you say,
we may come to an encounter soon.
and tits as we'll to be prepared"
Now the old buck puzzled me. and
perpended. II he had any suspicion
that this was not genuine pursuit,
and was other than had feigned
to be, why sat he there silent and
cool? But II he had no scent of dan
ger what was the significance Of his
words, which did smell to me of the
ironic? 1t angered me to be SO baf-
fed by him and his quiet features;
but did not we'll see what might
do or say just then, and 30 kept
silence like himself And indeed twas
he broke it.
I'VE must be drawing nigh Ewell.
SO far as l may guess" he said.
Would you be good enough to tell
me what course you propose when
we reach Ewell? II might without
improperly make humble sugges-
ton, would advise that we ate some
supper and lay there comfortably for
the night, to resume this interesting
journey doubtless on the morrow, or
perhaps the next day."
With that l saw at once how it was,
and gave vent to little laugh.
why, you shall do as you please
Sir" said I, land that plan will serve