Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1910-04-01

pocket. Connecting this with the lock.
he drove it into the very holes from
which he had removed the other sta
pie.
An hour went by. His mother re-
turned with her purchases and began
to make preparations for dinner. JEFF
left his work on the cane and started
a fire and brought water Then he re-
turned to the cart. Soon after he saw
a number of men coming through the
woods. As they came nearer he saw
that his father was in their midst. But
instead of leading he seemed to be led.
and the men about him We're talking
excitedly.
"Waal. sonny, here we air." said one
Of them who had visited him before.
1--WE uns have come to gin ye one mo-
chance to be hospiterble an we have
an argymint this time"
"Be quiet. Jim; will manage this
thing" and tall. broad shoudered
man stepped from the group. The
fact is, youngstcr," he continued. ad
dressing JEFF. your father Is suspected
OF selling whisky contrary to law. and
/ am here with search warrant. IL
he is innocent the search will be
mere matter of form; If not-well. 1t
will be bad job for your father"
But he amt iunercent," cried the
man called Bill. THAT box is jammed
plumb full o. whisky. I've seed hit"
I'VE will soon find out" said the
sheriff. Then, turning to Tom. he add
ed sternly: Give me the key. 1t will
save breaking the box"
Tom produced It with trembling fin
gers.
Now, boy, jump down. We will not
require your help"
But there's only rattlers an kero-
sene in the box"
Never mind. Well see for our
selves"
AS the sheriff raised the lid of the
box several of the men crowded for
ward eagerly. JEFF saw his father
glance around hastily, as though med
itating escape. But whatever his in
II wa W " 'e' - -"
exclamation from the sheriff.
"Rattlesnakes!' and the box cover
came down with bang. The men
looked at each other blankly.
"But there must be whisky!' insisted
Bill. who had stood little in the
background. ''Ive seen hit an I've
tasted hit"
Bill approached cautiously and raised
the lid few inches, but he closed 1t
quickly. At the same time he gave
a sniff of disgust. "Rattlesnakes an
lie, Not breath O whisky, an the
ole contrapshun smells as though 1t
d been soaked in carysene for twenty
year. Hit beats me. sheriff. If the
waggin don't show whisky give up"
But nothing could be found. AT last
the sheriff approached Tom. There
Is more in this than understand" he
said abruptly. land | have an idea
that you are as much surprised as
the rest of us. Your looks show it,
After we go away you would better
ask that boy of yours to make an ex-
PLANTATION"
Tom did not answer. But after the
sheriff had departed with his men
light came into his face. Turning to
left. he said. "WaalT"
For answer the boy led him back
into the woods to pile Of broken
kegs and bottles. A strong odor Of
whisky filled the air. 't
Tom regarded the pile for some time
I'm silence. Hits the last o. the STILL"
he said at length. This here's been
too close a shave to take any mo-
chances. I'll drop hit fo good"
After dinner preparations were made
to depart AS JEFF climbed into the
cart and took the reins he looked at
| his father interrogatively. ..,.
Back to whar yo' nav wanted to
! homestead. Wen build cabin an
then I'll go up t Gainesville an enter
the claim. Fits cheaper to earn by
work than by dodgin' roun' the law"