The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1910-04-15

arms that denoted toll as well as spoils.
The third man grasped the prisoner by
the feet. swearing in a language OF
| his own. The Yankee desperate took
his shoulders, and together, with ear
nest grunts, they followed the man
with the lantern. He could see that
they were crOwding through q low,
narrow passage, finally depositing him
with scant courtesy upon the rocky
floor of what proved to be a rather
commodiouS cave.
Daylight streamed into this conven-
lent ''hole in the WALL" lying upon his
side, Truxton faced the opening that
looked out upon the world. Near the
opening stood the tall, gaunt figure Of
q man. thin shOuldered and stopped.
His back was to the captive, but King
/ observed that the three men. with two
| companions. who sat at the back of
the cave. never removed their gaze
from the striking figure outlined
against the sky.
The watcher turned slowly to take In
the altered conditions behind him.
King saw that he was old, gray haired
and cadaverous. This, then, was the
"old man." and he was not William
Spantz.
"Your name is King, believe" came
from the thin lips of the old man.
Eyes. May Inquire
mo; you may not inquire. Put a
gag in his mouth. I don't care to hear
anything from him. Gag him and cut
the rope from his feet. He may walk
from now on"
Three men sprang to do his bidding.
King felt i'm that instant that he was
| looking for the first time upon the fea-
lures of the Iron Count, Marlanx the
dishOnored He lay there helpless,
speeches. for many minutes, glancing
at this cruel tyrant. 1t was enough
that Marlanx suspected him Of being
in the way. To be suspected was to
be condemned.
MarlanX was speaking. TruXton
looked up, as at an executioner. The
Iron Count sat upon q bowlder near his
feet.
1--WE have met before. Perhaps you
remember meeting my eye in Dame
Babba's cabin-twice, think. You
remember. I see. Ha, ha! You were
very slow not to have caught such an
old man. I dare say you are wonder
ing what intend to do with you, now
that I have you Well, 7 am not the
man to mince words. MIR. King, you
are quite young, but the good die
young. | am very old, you observe.
will not say that you are to die to-
night CT tomorrow or any day, for ]
do not know. I am going to send you
to court Not an ordinary court, Mr..
King. but one Of extreme perspicacity.
I fancy you will die before long we
can spare you. | do not approve of
meddlers. 1t seems to be quite settled
that you are il police agent"
The. steady. cruel eyes fascinated
King. He knew that he was in des-
perate straits.
81 am glad you called again at my
temporary abode. Mr.. King. Ameri-
cans, are always welcome: the sooner
they come. the sooner it's over. It
may interest you to know that II am
very partial to Americans. Were
a cannibal could eat them i'm relish.
IF had my way. all Americans should
be in heaven. The earth surely is
not good enough nor big enough for
them. and hell is already overcrowded.
Yes. love the Americans dearly. /
should enjoy a similar visit from Mr..
John Tullis. I expect him to visit me
in my humble castle before many days.
I should like to have him remain there
until his dying day."
King shuddered.
might is coming / must say fare
well. my bold young friend. NY way