The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1912-06-09
CHAPTER XII.
introducing Peter.

1t was q new country 10 me that we
| traversed, rolling country, but not
thickly settled, although the road APP
peared to be a well-beaten track. The
gloom, coupled with the rapidity of
our movements, prevented me from
seeing anything other than those dim
objects close at hand. yet we were
evidently travelling almost straight
east endeavored to enter into con-
versation with the two fellows riding
on either side of me, but neither one
so much as turned his head in re-
Spouse to my voice, ard soon tired
of the attempt. The night told me
little of who they might be, although
they were both in the uniform of the
Queens Rangers, the one called Peter
| on my right a round, squat figure, and
bald-headed, his bare scalp shining
! oddly when once he removed his
! cooked hat; the other was an older
man, with gray chin beard, and gilt
tering display of teeth.
The movements of my horse caused
! the ropes to lacerate my wrists and
ankles, the pain increasing so that
once or twice l cried out The fell
lows guarding me did not even turn
their heads, but the lieutenant drew
up his horse so as to block US.
What is the trouble? Are you
| hurt?"
These ropes are tearing into the
fiesh," groaned. I'D be just as safe
| IL they were loosened bit"
saw him lean forward, shading his
face with one hand. as he stared
toward me through the darkness. l
thought he drew a quick breath as
from surprise, and there was a mo-
ment's hesitancy.
Let out the ropes a trife, Peter"
came the final order.
The little bald-headed man went at
it without word, the lieutenant rein
ing back his horse slightly, and draw
ing his hat lower over his eyes. In
I the silence one of the horses neighed,
and the boy seemed to straighten In
his saddle, glancing suspiciously about.
Ride ahead slowly, Tonepah." he
ordered, IN catch up with you" He
turned back toward me. who are
you, anyway"
Surprised at the unexpected ques-
ton, my first thought was to conceal
my identity. These were Kings men,
and | was in ordinary clothes-the
rough homespun furnished by Farrell
If, by any chance, / was not the party
they had expected to waylay, | might
! be released without search.
"Who am ~" l echoed. "Do you
mean you have gone to all this trouble
without knowing whom you hold pris-
oner?"
TT seems So" coolly. 1--WE know
who We thought you were, but / am
beginning to doubt your being the
right man. Peter, take his hat off"
Strengthened up bareheaded, the
faint star-gleam on my face. The leu
tenant remained quiet, but Peter broke
his sphinx-like silence.
"T amt him, is it?"
mo; he must have taken the other
road after ALL" with slight laugh.
We've been on wildgoose chase.
However, It's too late now to catch
r the fellow on this trip"
Peter rubbed his bald pate, his eyes
on me.
"An' what'll we do with this lad?'
he answered drawlingly. Turn him
, loose?"
Bring him along. Well find out to-
morrow who ne Is, and what his bust
ness may be. Men are not riding these
roads at midnight without some pur'
pose"
He wheeled his horse, and, with a
touch Of the spur, disappeared In the
darkness ahead. Peter clambered back
into the saddle, and gripped my rein.
Come on" he said disgustedly, kick
ing the black In the side. It's a ways
yet afore yer lie down."
We rode steadily, and at a good
pace. Occasionally the older man
swore solemnly, but Peter never ut
tered sound, not even turning his
,, head at my attempts to draw him into
, conversation. The situation mystifed
me, but 1t became more and more evil
dent that should have to walt until
,--e 4.~~---.A ssss-s~~~uS