Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-14

came abruptly under the lights or
tavern.
Joshua, Peter! Help. Thieves." scream
ed the old man. suddenly Selling my leg.
But the old VILLAIN had reckoned with
out Dick Ryder. though there are plenty
that would have been put about by tue
unexpectedness of the trick. ] seized ms
rein swiftly. leaving him to pinch my leg
as he Wlled, and, giving his nag the tip
of my boot simultaneously, in moment
we were in a sharp canter The tavern
light slipped by, and though | could hear
the tramp of feet and the sound of voices,
and guessed that some within had re-
sponded to his shouts, had old bag OF
bones safe and sorry.
Well, | will own it was an odd bust
ness, this compact with the old trlckster
but / was in a gamesome mood, and caFel
not And. moreover. l was assured tha'
he had had lesson in conduct and would
not attempt his treachery again. In TINS
was right, for there was nothing nap
pened until we had pulled up before
house in a lonely road.
This is where I live" said he, and
would have descended, but l was beIore
him, and took him out of the saddle my
self. leading him to the door. He opened
it, and, still under my hand, fumbied 1oi
"a flint and stock, and SO struck hsht
The room in which we found ourselves
was large and gloomy, with Tagged floors
and an old table with two chairs $1,000
before a dying fire. l looked on win
grin while he made his perpetrators
which he did with shaking manu-;
He went to a cupboard. and not Know,
ing what he would bring forth thence
caught hold of his arm, at winch ne
turned in frenzy. ~, ~
You win get nothing more: now Tis ,b as
that il you ransacked this house from
floor to garnet you would find nothing.
Pooh said /, Its the dice want
and let's see who is master
Twas the dice, after all. that Il. wa
searching for, and when these were got
ten out we sat to table, the light between
US.
Faith, old man." said I, its cneeriess
hospitality. Where Is your polLe' .,o
He rose. mumbling. and went 70 tne
cupboard again. whence he TOOK oott,e
and glasses and poured forth some eau dc
vie He fumbled with the Dice. :.
The first throw. my nooienlan, saia
land if We win here's your guineas
set 'em on the table, and his eyes greened
Ger with delight. But his fingers stu
shook / ratified the box. and threw TWO
fours Out went his taions sreeolly u
clutch the box, and he ratified ana ratified
till thought he would never cease.
Come, venture" adjured him
Launch your ships.''
There was a gurgle in his throat. AM
spasmodically the box went over. lie nae
cast a four and three A scream es-
caped him. and he sat leaning against the
table like a palsied man.
You have no luck said /, grin
ming And now for the coffers
ut,
He made no move. so ! clapped the pls-
tol to his head. IT,
ION my OATH / will fire, SAID l, n
YOU do not carry out your word. like a
man Of honor.
..Stay. good sir" says he, quavering and
clutching of the table. Il nave another
course to propose-a merry course
Give up. Conceded threatened.
He clasped at my arms with his claws
TREMENDOUSLY.
Il will give up. You shall have all,
saws he. gasping. but there is something
better" He gazed wildly about the stone
room. and his eyes lighted on something
that seemed to stir him to speech. II
have, good SIR he went on In a whee-
ding. carneying voice. God hath blessed
M with lovely daughter-a beautiful