Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1913-01-24
CHAPTER XVIII
THE DEN OF THE H1GHwAYMAN.

Prue allowed James to direct he
chairman to Marlborough House, but
Il short distance away she stopped them
and giving them a crown. desired them
to carry her with the utmoSt speed to
Essex street, where she would reward
them amply for their diligence. Scent
an intrigue, with the usual accompani-
ment of a generous douceur for their
share i'm it. they trotted off at a pace
that gave their light burden hard work
to keep her seat.
With all their haste. 1t was dark be-
fore they reached Essex street. where
Prue desired them to seek out ''Pip's
coffee house." a small hosiery of re-
firing. not To say furtive aspect. A
nickering Oil lamp hung over the en-
trance. n through the red baize vim
dow curtain a dull glimmer penetrated.
Excited as she was. Prue was not
without alarms at the sinister p%ossibili-
ties of this adventure. SO vastly differ
ent from h sparkling follies of her
giddy career. But towards fayle," and
Pruc was no coward. nor was She cap
able Of drawing ack when curiosity
and inclination combined to thrust her
on. She descended and bidding the
chairmen wait. boldly entered the house
and knocked at the first door she came
to.
A voice called out. Come in," and she
Ivy ~ AlS kOOIIA "oS VI
size, divided into small compartments,
each containing a rough wooden table
II a couple of benches to match. The
foo was sanded. the ceiling low and
smoke blackened. but there was no APP
pcarance of squalor, and the few oc-
cupants. who were reading h News
sheet or playing dominoes. looked re-
spectacle n orderly enough.
treasured. Prue approached the man
In charge of the little curtained bar,
and In a timid voice inquired for Mr..
Steve Larkyn."
He stared at her, but her veil ercc-
tually hid her face. though the sweet
OF her bearing could not be disguished.
steve Larkyn? I'll call him, my
lady" said the man.
I'm no lady" retorted Prue, sharp
~. III l were 1 should not be asking
for Steve Larkyn."
She was sorry for her quickness the
next moment. for the man laughed
rather rudely. and opening a door be-
hind him. called out. "Hullo. Steve,
here's a lady asking for thee, that says
she amt no lady"
The Steve Larkyn who came hurry
ing out was so unlike the one she had
seen in disguise that she was about
to repudiate him. when, with a sudden
grimace. he changed himself back into
the rustic footboy. all but the shock
of tow colored hair. which no longer
covered his sleek brown head. The
change passed like q ripple of wind
g q smooth pool. but It reassured
Prue.
Can you come outside a minute r.
She said. in a very low voice: II must
speak with you"
He followed her into the street and
once U Of range of observant eyes and
ears. h grasped him by the arm and
demanded to be taken instantly to the
captain.
7 can take q message said Steve.
'hesitating. 1T will attract less notice
than q visit from q lady
Waste no time in idle objections
She cried. almost fiercely. II must see
him; what I have to say il for his ear
alone and even IL otherwise, stwould be
twice over. Lead me to him instantly.
or take the responsibility of his certain
death upon your own head!"
Come. them he replied: hut you
Y come afoot. It's i'll enough to
take q woman into secret, without
you walk q short distance? The road
IL dark and rough"
No matter. I can walk It." She paid
the chairmen literally and diminishing
them. followed Steve down . steep and
narrow lane leading to the riverside.
Y We: un1tghted. and she slipped and
way until Steve. IN pity. begged her
to lean upon his arm. "sTis not. Tar
now" he said. { . gruf1y, and few
yards farther they came to q huge and
gloomy 9ateway. within which Q Nttlo
door admitted them into Z dark hall.
Steve STRUCK allght and led the way
broad staircase. He scratched his nan
upon door. which Wnl