New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-11-12

footboard of his wagon, bit it again, and
finally pocketed it.
Its a 90, Sir, he nodded, his scowl van
ishing as by magic; and as he spoke he
turned, seized the nearest sack, and forth
with sent cascade of potatoes rolling and
bounding all over the road. Which done, he
folded up the sack, and handed it down to
Bellew, who thrust it under the seat, nodded,
and. throwing in the clutch, set off down the
road. But, long after the car had hummed
itself out of sight, and the dust of its going
had subsidized, the carter sat staring after it
open mouthed.
If Baxter wondered at this purchase, he
said nothing; only he bent his gaze thought
fully upon the black leather bag that he held
on his knee.
On they sped between fragrant hedges,
under whispering trees, past lonely cottages
and farmhouScS, past gate, and field, and
wood, until the sun grew low.
A T last Beew stopped the automobile at
"A a place where a narrow lane, or cart
track, branched off from the high road and
wound away between great trees
81 leave YOU here, said he as he sprang
from the car. This is Dappemere. The
farmhouse lies over the upland Wonder;
though YOU can't see it because of the trees
as it far, Master George
About half mile"
Here is the bag, Sir but-do you think
il iS-Quite Sate;'
Safe, .John?'
Under the circumstances, Master George,
! think it would be advisable toto take
this with YOU And he held out a small re-
volver. Bellcw laughed and shook his head.
Such things aren't necessary here in
Arcadia, John besides, | have my stick.
So goodby For the present you'll stay at
the Kings Head remember.
Goodnight Master George, Sir, good
night, and good fortune 60 with you,"
Thank YOU. said Bellew, and reached
out his hand. 81 think well shake on that,
John"
SO they clasped hands, and Bellew turned
and set off along the grassy lane. And pres
entity, as he went, he heard the hum of the
car grow rapidly fainter and fainter until It
was lost in the quiet Of the evening.
CHAPTER XIV. The Conspirators
THE shadows were creeping down, and
L evening was approaching, as Bellew
took his way along that winding lane that
led to the House Of Dapplemere.
Had there been anyone to see. which there
was not, they might have noticed something
almost furtive in his manner of approach;
for he walked always under the trees where
the shadows lay thickeSt, and paused once or
twice 10 look about him warily. Being come
within sight Of the house, he turned aside
and, forcing his way through gap III the
hedge. came by a roundabout course TO the
farmyard Here after some search, he dis
covered a spade, which, having discarded
his stick, he took upon his shoulder, and
with the black leather bag tucked under his
arm crossed the paddock with the same de-
gree Of caution, and 50 at last reached the
orchard On he went, always in the shadow.
until at length he paused beneath the mighty
knotted branches Of King Arthur. Never
did consprator glance about him with
sharper ewes. or hearken with keener ears,
than did George Believer Conspirator
Number One-where he now stood beneath
the protecting shadow OF King Arthur-or
ConSpirator Number TWo-aS, having un-
folded the potato sack, he opened the black
leather bag.
The moon was rising broad and yellow;
but it was low as vet, and King Arthur stood
in impcnctrablc gloom, as any other thor
Ough going self respecting COnSplratOr
should. And now, all at once, from this
particular patch OF shadow there came sud
den sound. rushing sound, a thinking,
! .f,..,. n