The Elbert County tribune., 1910-07-15
CHAPTER xIll.-contInued.

Little gal, I'm an ole man, and /
hain't never done y'u no harm. Your
haouse is only leetle way up thar,
and CANT be no more use to y'u.
want t go home, and II y'u1l holp me
ontie this yere harness." and he
gr'nned as he viewed his bonds in the
fuller light of the open road.
Then hoof-beaas thumped the soft
earth of another of the trails that
converged at this point, and Ardmore
and Collins flashed out upon Jerry
and her captive. amid wild panic of
horses.
Appleweight twisted and turned in
his saddle but Jerry Instantly held up
her hand and arrested the inquiries
of her deliverers
"Mr. Ardmore, this gentleman was
most rudely set upon by two strangers
as he was leaving a church over there
somewhere in the woods. ! was lost,
and as his appearance at the time and
place seemed almost providential, l
begged him to guide me toward home.
which he has most courteously done,"
and Jerry, to give the proper touch
to her explanation. .twitched the strap
by which she held her prisoners
horse. SO that 1t danced. adding a
fresh absurdity to the wobbling figure
Of its bound rider.
you are safe!" cried Ardmore in
low tone, to which Jerry nodded care
lessly. In way that directed atten-
tion to the more immediate business
at hand. He was not at once sure of
a. k,xk 81 ko
thing familiar in the outlines of the
man on horseback. and full identifica-
tion broke upon him now with as
founding vividness.
Jugs" he began. addressing the
prisoner smilingly. dear old Jugs. to
think we should meet again! Since
you handed me the Jug on the rear
end of the train, few nights ago, life
has had new meanings for me, and
I'm Just as sorry as can be that gave
you the buttermilk l wouldn't have
done such a thing for billions in real
money. And now that you have fallen
into the excellent hands of Miss Dan
gerfield-"
''Dangerfeld!" screamed the pris-
oner, lifting himself as high in the
saddle as his bonds would permit
Certainly" replied Ardmore. Your
rescuer is none other than Miss Ger
aldine Dangerfield."
why. GAL" began the outlaw. "ef
your pas the guvnor of Moth Caro-
line, him an mes old frien's."
'Then will you kindly tell me your
Manner asked Jerry.
Allow me to complete the intro
duction." interrupted Collins. who had
hung back in silence. UNLESS my
eyes deceive me, which is wholly i'm
probable. this is gentleman whom
once interviewed In the county Jail
at Raleigh. and he was known at that
time as William Appleweight, alias
Poteet"
You air right" admitted the pris-
oner without hesitation, and then, ad-
dressing Jerry: Yer pa would be
glad to know his dorter had helped an
ole frien' like me. gal Ye may hev
heard him speak O. me-"
But how about that message in
the cork of the jug you put on the
train at Kiidare?" demanded Ard
more And why did you send your
Drotner 10 try 10 scare me 10 ueath AZ
Raleigh?"
THAT is not of the slightest impor-
tance." interrupted Jerry. gently play
ing with the tether which held Mr..
Appleweight: nor does it matter that
papa and this gentleman are friends.
II this is indeed the famous outlaw.
Mr.. William Appleweight, then, papa
or no papa, friend or no friend. he is
a prisoner of the state of North Caro-
lima"
"Pris'ner!" bawlad Appleweight--
IAN you the guv'nor's gal"
you have hit the situation exactly,
Mr.. Appleweight; and as far as the
ONCE of governor is concerned, 1t is
capabIy filled by the young gentleman
on your left. Mr.. Thomas Ardmore.
Let us now adjourn to his house.