The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1911-05-30
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
THE VINTAG
CHAPTER III (Continued).
BIZ JOSEPH STARTS


e CHAPTER III (Continued).
ToR while SLIDER peered and sa'
- nothing; listened, and heard onl
the petulant hum of mosquitoes
the far-off wall of an owl. The
a faint, metallic click caught his ear
a vague object that had been standin
against sapling and bending with tn
sition. The motion first revealed tn
man. The click must have come fror
the rasping of his carbine against can
Textbook or buckle.
God save us!" mumbled SLIDER, ant
clutched his companion nervously.
"Cheer up"" said Grigg. "The traI
isn't sprung yet. We know what t
expect"
"ATs over"
BY no means. Where is that list
you were to bring me? l can take i
and slip through to Richmond. They'l
find nothing on you then to convict
ave are lost-lost! I hid it in the
hollow lock of my Valise!
where's the valise?
an my room in there" And the
Jew quite unnerved by his long or.
deal and this final calamity, gave
himself up to whispered lamentations
crouching upon the straw and wiring
ing his hands.
Captain Grigg folded his arms and
thought for several minutes, weigh
ing all chances. Finally he laid his
hand on the. others shoulder.
That's bad, SiIber," said he in a
low Tone Still, l must get that list,
not only to guide me in my work, but
to save those whose names are on 1t.
Have you wings. then, to fly
(which is your room?"
See! The closed window on the
ground floor, just back of the dining
ROOM"
snow. listen, SLIDER. You must go
back to that room"
my God" SLIDER made a despairing
gesture upward in the streak of
moonlight. This man is insane!'
1T is not foolhardiness It's the
part of prudence"
Cant a man be prudent without
getting into his coffin?"
Go back as If perfectly at ease"
"Ah, that Is easy to say, my friend!'
"You'l find strength to do 1t when
you think how much depends on IT,
Retire to your room shortly-not too
soon, for there are watchers. When
you are in your room, lock your door
First take the list out of its hiding
place. roll 1t to a wad, and hold 1t in
your palm. Do this all in the dark.
remember. Then light your lamp or
candle: That shall be my signal that
alrs right so far. Begin to undress
for the night. After a few moments
blow out your lamp, raise your cru
tain. and take your stand before the
open window as though to breathe
the fresh air. Act all the time as if
eyes were on you, for they may be.
Keep the paper ready in your palm.
Do you follow me-"
Yes" whispered the Jew, feeling
some hope revive from the calm,
steady manner in which the instruc-
lions were given.
Iii find a way to come to you and
get the list. You must be ready to act
on a hint. If you hear a shot out
here. or If they break in your door,
how you can. Now, will you do your
part?"
-Ah, my friend" murmured the Jew.
trembling. God has not given all of
us your strength"
afraid still?" Grigg said sternly.
You have no right, sir. Think of the
lives that depend on you and me to-
night. Will you go?"
There was silence between them a
little while. Then the Jew drew a
deep breath. rather surprised at his
own new courage. !
Yes. I'll do it," he whispered. zone |
life for so many-that's a good bar
gain. I've made many good bargains |
In my time. Yes, I'm going back now,
where death is. What of it, Give me |
your hand, my friend"
They clasped hands a moment.
Across the moonlit ward negro singers
we're returning to their quarters; and as
they came they still hUmmed in chorus
the last refrain, the sweet old song that !
Lees soldiers sang at the crossing of
the Potomac:
Carry me back to ole Virginry,
Oars whar de cotton an de Gavin an |
taters grow,
Oars whar de birds MARBLE sweetly in !
de spring-time,
Oars whar dis ole darky's heart tam
long 10 go.
Heaving another long breath, SLIDER
stepped out of the stable and went to-
ward the house. On the way he paused .
,nce, struck a match, and calmly re-
Iindled his cigar.