Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-07
CHAPTER 1.


and ] were tired It was almost dark, and
had had nothing to eat since morning.
Moreover, IT was hereabouts ] had named
the rendezvous for Link although, TO be
sure, had counted upon his meeting me in
the open.
What with one thing and another. when
cantered from the crossroad onto the high
way, and heard the tavern sign creak fair
above my head yielded to its enticement.
confess the enticement was the better
enforced by the flutter of a gray. petticoat
at the door-s maid was just then returning
from some errand. 1t was many a day
since / had seen such a slim waist, such
well-rounded hips and such merry pair
Of Irish eyes.
"A fine evening, Bridget" l said as 1
dismounted.
Yes. sur-a fine evenin', sur" Her eyes
challenged mine. My names Peggy, not
Bridget. please. Peggy OConnor."
Peggy, Of course l don't suppose you'd
be willing to change the last part of your
name, Peggy?"
That depends on who does the askin'
me. sur"
There's man not more than mile
from you who has 1t on his mind at this
very minute"
Sure IT'S likely to be heavy load for
weak support then"
"Ah, you're toe much for me, Peggy"
pointed to a comfortable coach that stood
before the door, the horses not yet brought
: round. Whose turnout Is that2'
That's Mr.. Hancocks, sur. I've Just
been after gettln' a blanket from 1t, to
wrap hot brick in for the old gentle
mans feet"
Mr.. Hancock2''
Yes, sur, Mr.. william Hancock, from
below here-from Morvan way, I'm
thinkin'9'
Morvan2 pricked up my ears in earnest.
Mr.. William Hancock of Morvan town
shipl Oh, yes, I remember him now, of
course. Well, Peggy, If stop for supper,
r.. will you wait on me yourself?"
That must be for the master to say"
retorted the girl Sure, I'm willln' enough.
III send you the hostler, sur" With a
laugh she slipped into the house. leaving
me TO follow at my leisure.
I avoided the common room and ordered
supper to be served me in the tavern par
lor But to my disappointment II was not
Peggy but the landlord himself who waited
upon me-
1t was when had finished my oysters
and cider and was spreading the WhiR
Gazette for few minutes reading, that
Boniface whispered the words that gave
me such damnable start.
see you've shaved your moustache
Capn. but I don't think you'll find the
Jerseys very healthy for you, even yet"
gentleman was engaged at supper at q
table by the window-seat managed to
keep the Gazette held at fist's-eud be-
tween him and me- as half turned my
head to Bonifaoe.
Were you addressing me3'
} Tho fellow smirked. Yes, Capn. Take
friends advice and ride west tonight
II amt likely to be pleasant for you here.
You can be safe across the river in a
couple Of hours, II you can still ride like
you used to-"
What the DEVIL Who do you think I
am mRn1'
That's all right. cap'n-rm a friend.
Don't think I'm going TO blow on you. -
He supported himself by one hand on the
table and leaned his puffy face toward
mine Lord Cap'n. knowed you right
Off You amt bit stouter than you was
when l last seen you-the very night you
was took. You're a little more tanned.
may be-we heard you'd gone over the
mountains-out that don't hurt your good
looks none. Your gettin' rid Of your
moustache does change you copssSslRble
but I'd know you anywhere"
l turned. my back on the windDa, table.
ana taceu the Fellow fair.
Have you been drinking too much OF
your own applejack9" demanded
His blue-veined cheeks and Redeemed
eyes expressed admiration no less than re-
proach. You always was a good one," he
grinned, III you was so young for the
business. Good Lord don't you know me-
capn. I'm Bni-Bnl Evans. who used 10
be hostler at Mullen's above Trenton.
was at Mullens the night you was Jagged
for going through the foreigner-the British
dock or whatever he was. l was always
mighty sorry you didn't get away, I'm
married now and settled down respectable
you see I'm landlord here on my way up
. in the world-but I don't blow on old
friends. No, sir"
He paused-his puffy cheeks hardened
and his eyes met mine steadily. Under.
stand, though, Cap'n, I'm through with the
starlight business. I've got a wife and
children No nonsense around Pole Tavern
while I'm landlord. After supper. You're
better ride west"
You talk like a mailman" I said. .eyv7,c
the devn do you take me for7"
His face again took on a look OF very
hearty admiration. The same young fox
amt your You always was = smart one
Who do I take you forP" He favored me
with a knowing wink. and made as II &c
thrust me Familiarity In the ribs. My frowr
checked him why, I take you for who
you are Pshawl Cap'n. It's all on the wal
there"
Ny eyes followed the significant Jerk Of
his chin. The pOstrider had that day fas
tened a handbm on the rear wall Of tn,
tavern parlor-I could fancy half dozeT
such Haunting In the common rooml
read II with an nterese that / believe
managed TO conceal The words at the TOT
OF the accused sheet were in bold blAel
letters
TON BELLV'
Text in smaller type ran below this super
scription.
Whereas, certain robberies by force and
violence on the public ways have occurred
OF late. said robberies being plainly IN,
acts OF a practised hand; and, Whereas
one Tom Bell. so called, has been noticed
directing himself toward the confines o.
this state, the same being contrary 20 tn,
terms OF the pardon granted after thu
quOndRm trial and conviction for highway
robbery OF the said Tom Bell 80 called
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