The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1913-01-16
CHATTER XVIII
THE DEN OF THE HIGHwAYMAN

Ia WHAT LEN ANAIL .#4r"u#
THE DEN OF THE HIGHwAYMAN.
Prue allowed James to direct the
schairman to Marlborough House, but
a 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 In 1t, they trotted OF at a pace
that gave their light Slrden hard work
to keep her seat.
With all their haste, II was dark be-
fore they reached Essex street, where
Prne desired them to seek out 'Pip's
coffee house" q small hostelry of re-
firing, not to say furtive aspect. A
hickerihg oil lamp hung over the en-
trance, and through the red baize win
dow curtain a duh glimrner penetrated.
Excited as she was, Prue was not
without alarms at the sinister possibili-
ties Of this adventure, so vastly differ
ent from the sparkling follies OF her
giddy career. But towards fayle," and
Prue was no coward, nor was she cap
able OF drawing back 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. ~ z"
A voice called out, Come in" and she
obeyed. The room was OF moderate
size, divided into small compartments,
each containing a rough wooden table
and a couple of benches to match. The
floor was sanded, the ceiling low and
smoke blackened, but there was no ap-
pearance OF squalor, and the few oc-
cupants, who were reading the News
sheet or playing dominoes, looked re-
spectacle and orderly enough.
Reassured, 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 effec-
tually hid her face, though the sweet
ness Of her voice and the distinction
OF her bearing could not be disguished.
Steve Larkyn2 III call him, my
lady" said the man.
Tn no lady" retorted Prue, sharp
ly. III I we're I should not be asking
for Steve Larkyn."
She was sorry for her ~quickness the
next moment, for the man laughed
rather rudefy, and opening q door be-
hind him, called out, "HuIlo, Steve,
here's a lady asking for thee, that says
she amt no lady" &
The steve Larkyn who came hurry
ing out was 80 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 a ripple Of wind
over a smooth pool, but II treasured
Prue. u -n., n
Can you come outside a minute %
she said, In a very low voice; must
speak with YOU" f# ~
He followed her into the street and
once out OF range of observant yes and
ears, she grasped him by the arm and
demanded to be taken instantly to the
captain. @
II can take a message" said Steve,
hesitating. TT win attract less notice
than a visit from a lady" .>
Waste no time in idle objections
she cried, almost fiercely. Il must see
him; what / have to say Is for his ear
alone and even. If otherwise, 'twould be
o waste of precious time to tell my tale
twice over. Lead me to him instantly
or take the responsibility OF his certain
death pon your own head" M@t.
Come, then" he replied; hut You
must come afoot. IT'S Ill enough to
take a woman into a secret, without
a pair Of spying lackeys to boot. Can
you walk a short distance? The road
is dark and rough" ~
mo matter, / can walk IT." She paid
the chairmen literally and Diminishing
them, followed Steve down a steep and
narrow lane leading to the riverside.
1t was unlighted, and she slipped and
stumbled on the miry, uneven cause
way until Steve, In pity. begged her
to lean upon his arm. "'Tis not far
now" he said, less grufflys and a few
yards farther they came to a huge and
gloomy gateway, within which o little
door admitted them into a dark hall.
Steve struck a light and led the way
across the echoing emptiness and UP q
broad staircase. He scratched his nail
promptly opened by Robin himself,
fully equipped for a journey.
..Stevei" he exclaimed. what has
happened, and who Is this with your
Before he could answer, Prue stepped
forward and throwing or her veil re-
piled, your wife!"
Lady Prudence!" he cried, scarcely
believing the evidence OF his enses
In the name OF heaven, what brings
you here?e Why are o 30 pale and
excited? Something terrible has hap
| pened?" #@
.No; but win happen unless you In
stantly escape" She came into the
room and closed the door, leaving Steve
outside. "oh! Robin. Robin" she
L ClACdD SlADRAh6 = ~ IN -
at him with r~eproachful eyes, II know
all hat happened last night. How
could you be so mad2 You can not
hope TO escape again IL you are ar
rested for this"
Indeed" said Robin grimly, t'if I am
taken this time, twill be worse than
hanging! But I'll never be taken
1 alive" ,
''There is time TO escape she urged
your retreat Is known and you vii
be arrested tonight. Lord Beachconbt
has discovered, where he was brought
aAhp said Robin, with a bitter smile
81 should have taken extra precautions
against the bloodhound instinct o.
hatredl And so, Dear Heart" he went
on, In a very different tone, you am
TO warn me OF danger2 Twas very
noble OF you, for IL you had left me x
my fate, In q few hours you might have
been a free woman"
Prue burst into tears. .Ohl you arr
cruel, cruel" she sobbed. II do no
want freedom-that way
II believe It," he said, taking he
hand and pressing IL to his lips. 70
not grieve. my hunted ife,is not wortl
one Of those tears