The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-08-10

demonstrated when the pistol cracked
twice more and q bullet grazed the hair
Of his head. He did not stop running
when he made the highway, but. turn
ing up the hill, paused neither to look
back 1Or breathe until he had covered
several hundred YARDS.
After that he still FASTENED so rapidly
that, by the time he reached the top Of
the ridge, he had to sit down for half
an hour in order to get his heart into
working order once more.
somehow his last fright seemed TO
nave exhausted his capacity for fear.
He marched boldly forward when he
could breathe naturally again. In an
hour he had covered the distance to the
outskirts of the hamlet of Corn Center.
It was not later than 10 o'clock, but
the village seemed to be sleeping peace
fully With cautious outlook for pos
sible late prOwlels, Dick walked through
the silent street
Down by the station he could see thu
dull glow of switch lamps. II the little
shanty at the foot or the wateT-tank
there was light Some one was wait
ing for late freight engine to stop
for its drink.
His chance was before him. While the
train stopped for water he could easily
secrete himself upon the trucks Of one
of the cars During the night run the
train would probably cross the boundary
Of the State At the first station he
could get of, send a collect telegram
home for money and bring his adven-
ture to an end.
He crept close to an empty freight
car that stood on the siding. STOPPING
down he studied the arrangement Of its
truck to find out how man could safe
~ ride upon it.
The lesson was an easy one Having
acquired this knowledge ne sat down on
the projecting end Of a tie and waited
for the coming Of train.
He had not waited long before he
heard The distant sound of a whistle.
Soon IL sounded again and nearer Then
came the puff Of the engine, painting up
the grade half a mile away. Down the
rails the CLEAN of the headlight shot
into view.
He struggled to his feet. It was his
plan 10 stay where he was until he
could see a car without brakeman
near IL.
Hello. boz a voice greeted so close
beside him that he .eaped from the
track in sudden terror. This here burg
don't seem to be a little paradise ior the
Sons Of Rest just at present. does ft?'
The voice assumed the further quail
tiles Of visibility in human form en-
crying from the door Of the empty car
beside which Dick had sat That young
gentleman realized that ii was up TO
him to answer.
Not exactly. guess" he faltered.
irving to control the lump that had
arisen III MS A4A4 DdL WtlNlA tAtI Il e@AtLE
had startled him. 'Er-I haven't been
about here much. Isn't il goOd?"
Good Wei I should rather reckon
mott Some bloke has just turned up
the toes of a rich guy of the next town,
and the minnit you show up without
glad rags the men. wtmmen an children
is all ready to grab you an hang you
to the nearest apple tree. I'm glad 10
be gettin' out o. here alive, / am. Where
you goin' %
But Dick did not instantly reply. BY
this time the freight train had come
to a standstiu. The tramp climbed
easily under the platform Of q lumber
car His manner OF dispOsing his person
upOn the truck showed long practice.
Take the other truck Of this here
car. bo." the tramp advised. These Ia
the easiest kind to ride on