Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1911-01-26
CHAPTER III.
The WARMING.

nc warming.
So quickly that Obadiah Price might
not have counted ten before it had
come and gone the significance of his
new situation flashed upon Captain
Plum as he stood under the kings
window. His plans had changed since
leaving ship but now he realized that
they had become hopelessly involved.
He had intended that Obadiah should
show hun where Strang was to be
found, and that later. when ostensibly
returning to his vessel, he would visit
the prophet in his home. Whatever
the interview brought forth he would
still be in position to deliver the
councillors package. Even an hours
bombardment of st. James would not
interfere with the fulfilment of his
oath. But those few minutes at the
kings window had been fatal to the
scheme he had built The girl had
seen him. She had not betrayed his
presence. She had called to him with
her eyes--he would have staked his
life on that. What did it all mean?
He turned to Obadiah. The old man
was grimacing and twisting his
hands nervously. He seemed half
afraid, cringing, as if fearing a blow.
The sight of him set Nathaniel's blood
afire. His white face seemed to verify
the terrible thought that had leaped
into his brain. Suddenly he heard a
faint ci-y;-a woman Yoios-aiid ii al
instant he was back at the window.
The girl had risen to her feet and
stood facing him. This time, as her
eyes met his own. he saw in them a
flashing warning, and he obeyed it as
II she had spoken to him. AS he
dropped silently back to the ground
the councillor came close to his side.
That's enough for tonight, Nat"
he whispered.
| He made as If to slip away but Ma
thaniel detained him with an emphat-
ic hand
Not yet. dad! I'd like to have a
word with-tEis-"
with Strang's WIFE" chuckled Oba-
| diah. e''Ho. no, no, Nat you're ras-
cali" The old mans face was mapped
with wrinkles. his eyes glowed with
joyous appreciation. You shall, Nat,
you shall! You love pretty face.
Ell? You shall meet Mrs. strang. Nat,
and you shall make love to her if you
wish. swear that. too But not to-
night, Nat-not tonight"
| He stood pace away and rubbed
his hands.
There will be no chance tonight,
Nat-but tomorrow night. or the next.
o. promise you shall meet her, and
make love to her, Nat! Ho. If Strang
knew. If Strang only knew
There was something so fiendishly
gloating in the councillors attitude, in
his face, in the hot glow of his eyes
that for moment Nathaniei's invoi
untary liking for the little old man
before him turned to adherence. The
passion. the triumph Of the man, con
WINGED him where words had failed
! The girl was Strang's wife. His las
doubt was dispelled. And because she
2 was Strang's wife Obadiah hated tn.
Mormon prophet. The councillor hat
9 spoken with fateful assurance-tha
q he should meet her. that he shouit
d make love to her. 1t was an assur
i ance that made him shudder. AS b,
9 followed in silence up out of tn
4 gloom of the town he strove, but II
L vain, to hnd whether sin had lurke,
In the sweet face that had appeale,
8 to him in Its misery whether Their
It had been fash Of something beside
+ terror, besides prayerful entreaty. il
I. the lovely eyes that had met his owl
n Obadiah spoke no word to break I
d on his thoughts. Now and then tt
3. old mans insane chucklings floate
y softly to Nathaniel's ears. and whe
le at last they came to the cabin In th
n forest he broke into a low laugh ths
r. echoed weirdly in the great blac
a room which they entered. He iighte
ut another candle and approached Ia,
rp der which led through trap IN Ii
ceiling. Without word he mounte
st this ladder. and Nathaniel fo..owe
is him. finding himself a moment later
be small low room furnished with
ID bed. The councillor placed his cand
ii. on table close beside it and rubbs
IN his hands until 1t seemed they mu
II burn
it. tTo BE coNTINuEDy
"A Cross eyes and warts on noses =
81 TO be abolished In army.