The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1913-01-16
CHAPTER XVIII
THE DEN OF THE HIGHwAYMAN

CHAPTER XVIII
THE DEN OF THE HIGHWAYMAN,
Prue allowed James to direct the
chairman 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 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 'rPip's
coffee house." a small hosiery of re-
firing, not to say furtive aspect. A
pickering oil lamp hung over the en-
trance, n through the red baize win
dow curtain a dull gltmmer penetrated.
Excited as she was, Prue was not
without alarms at the sinister possibili-
Ties OF this adventure, SO vastly differ
n from h sparkling follies Of her
glddy 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
Aio Wdil, DOluly entered the mouse
and knocked at the first door she came
to.
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 APP
pearance of squalor, and the few oc-
cupants. who were reading the News
sheet or playing dominoes, looked re-
spectacle and orderly enough.
treasured, Prue approached the man
in charge Of the little curtained bar,
and In a timid voice inquired for "Mr.
Steve Larkyn.''
tually hid her face, though the sweet
ness OF her voice and the distinction
of her bearing could not be disgutshed.
Steve Larkyn? I'll call him, my
lady said the man.
I'm no lady" retorted Prue, sharp
~. II ! We're I 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
80 N~S ~ II A1S jill Suo Ildu
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
over a smooth pool. but It treasured
Prue.
Can you come outside a minute ?"
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, she grasped him by the arm and
demanded to be taken instantly to the
captain.
7 IAN take a message" said steve,
hesitating. 1T will attract less notice
than a visit from a LADY,
Waste no time in idle objections"
she cried, almost fiercely. II must see
him; what I nave to say is for his ear
alone and even IL otherwise, .twould be
a waste of precious time to tell my tale
twice over. Lead me to him instantly
or take the responsibility of his certain
death upon your own head"
Come, then" he replied; but you
take a woman into a secret, without
q pair Of spying lackeys to boot. Can
you walk q short distance? The road
Is dark and rough"
NO matter, I a walk it., She paid
the chairmen literally and dismissing
them. followed Steve down a steep and
narrow lane leading to the riverside.
It was unlighted, and she slipped and
stumbled on the miry, uneven cause
way until Steve, In pity, begged her
to lean upon his arm. "sTis mo- far
now" he said, less grufrly, and a few
Yards farther they came to a huge and
gloomy gateway, within which q little
door admitted thanf into a do RI 1ay, NEl
Steve struck a light and led the way
across he echoing emptiness and UP a
broad staircase. He scratched his nail
upon nponnv door which was
fully EQUIPPED for 9 Journey:
happened, and who is this with your
Before he could answer, Prue stepped
forward and throwing OF her veil re-
piled, Your wife,"
Lady Prudence!" he cried, scarcely
believing the evidence Of his senses.
IN the name OF heaven. what brings
you here? Why are you SO pale and
excited? Something terrible has hap-
No. but win happen unless you IN
stantly escape She came into the
room and closed the door, leaving Steve
outside. Obi Robin, Robin she
cried clasping her hands and looking
at him with ~reproachful eyes, Il know
all that happened last night. How
could you be 30 mad? You can not
hope to escape again il you are ar
rested for this
Indeed said Robin grimly, slf I am
taken this time, twill be worse thai
hanging! But III never be taken
alive
There Is time to escape she urged.
Your retreat Is known and you VIM
be arrested tonight. Lord Beachcombe
has discovered where he vas brought
yester night
sAh!n said Robin, with q bitter smile.
II should have taken extra precautions
against the bloodhound Instructor
hatred And 30, Dear Heart he went
on, IN g very different tone, s"you came
to warn me OF danger? Twas yerv
noble Of you, for II you had left me5to
my fate, In q few hours you might have
|sneenAa tree
Pr1e burst into tears. Qht lyoh are
cruel, cruel she sobbed. 81 do not
want freedom-that way
believe 1t" he said, taking her
hard ana pressing 1t to his lips. DO
not Erteve, my hunted life Is not worth
one Of those tears"