The Springfield herald., 1913-01-31

papers to prove 1t. Now l don't care
how it's done, SO l get her. l thought
she'd marry me to save the boy, but
IL she won't, why then. you carry out
your plan-what is it,"
| Fagin laughed, again emptying his
glass.
Easy enough. She's alone. except
fer her father. and he can't get out Of
bed. We've got jerks here. an the
damned old coward will do whatever
tell him."
But she despises me-"
"Oh, no! Well make you a victim.
That will leave things In proper shape
between yer two. Well play 1t of as
a drunken lark-eh, Jones? My God!
1t won't be the FIRST time we've done
the trick either. Do you remember
that love-sick couple over at Toms
River. Ned? Never laughed so much
in my life. This Is better one. Lord!
but won't old Mortimer rave. an
mighty little good 1t will do him.
Come. what do yer say. Grant? Are
yer gamer"
feet. gripping the back of his chair
'Bring-bring EN- In; this is a good
place"
Fagin struck the table with his nst.
"Of course 1t Is, drink ter the bride
after the ceremony. Bill. bring In the
preacher"
1t was growing daylight 1 could
perceive the glow OF the sky out
TIM ugh the window. but the candles
still sputtered' on the table. casting
grim lights and shadows on the faces
Of the three men. As Bill disappeared
into the parlor. I stole silently back
r< the library door.
"1oun," whispered briefly. "find the
boys. and bring them in here. through
that broken window. They are in the
orchard to the right. and there are no
guards In front. Move lively. but be
quiet"
What is it. Major?" asked young
Mortimer. eagerly.
Il can't explain now. must get
back where can see and hear But
there is going to be fight. Hold the
men ready here until call. See that
their weapons are in good order"
caught the CLINT d his eye, but
could walt no longer Indeed / was
scarcely back, snuggled under the
stairs, when Bill came forth, gripping
the collar Of his prisoners coat, and
urging him down the hall. crouched
lower, the morning light threatening
to reveal my hiding place. yet with
mind mone at ease, now knew the
men were close at hand. Within i've
minutes the entire squad would be
crowded into that room. eager for
trouble to begin. Probably Fagin did
not have a halfdozen fellows in the
house. II we could strike swiftly
enough we might overpower them all,
without creating alarm outside. where
the main body lay. Some careless
ness had brought us good luck in hay
ing the front OF the house left I'M
guarded. These thoughts swept over
me. and left me confident. The time
had come when l was to serve her. to
prove my own worthiness. I felt ready
and eager for the trial.
l caught glimpse Of Jenks' face, as
Bill jerked him forward The man
was gray with terror. his parchment
like skin scanned and contorted. He
was tall. loose-jointed creature, wear
ing . long black coat tapping about
his knees The guard fairly held him
up in the doorway. and both Fagin and
Jones laughed at the pitiful sight, the
former ending his roar with an out
burst Of profanity.
go on back ter the front docr, Bill"
he ordered roughly. This fellowll
never run away: his legs wouldn't
carry him. Now, Mr. Pres cher" GLOW.
ering savagely at the poor devil across
the bottle-strewn table. do yer know
who amp"
jerks endeavored to answer, from
the conclusive movement Of his throat,
but made no sound Fagin cursed
again
III 1t wasn't such a waste Of good
! liquor I'd pour some Of this down your
gullet." he exclaimed. shaking half
filled bottle In his fist Then maybe
you could answer when ! spoke to you
Now. see here. you canting old hypo-
critic. I'm Red Fagin. an guess you
know what that means. I'm pisen, an
I don't like your style. Now you're
goin' to do just what I tell you. or the
boys will have a hangin' bee down in
the ravine. Speak up. an tell me what
you propose to do"
jerks wet his dry lips with his
tongue. clinging to the sides Of the
door with both hands.
"What-what is 1t you wish OF me?'
his uncertain gaze wandering over the
three faces. but coming back to Fagin.
you are to marry this officer here
to young lady"
| "What-what young LADY,"
"Mortimer's daughter-Claire is the
name. isn't 1t. Grant? Yes, Claire;
you know her. reckon"
could hear the unfortunate man
breathe in the silence. but Fagin's
eyes threatened.
Isis she here?" he faltered help
lessly. Does she desire the-the cere-
mony?"
THAT doesn't happen to be any Of
your business" broke in Fagin bluntIy.
This Is my affair. an the fewer ques-
lions you ask the better. II we want
| f,x~ -6at xHn =,