The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-06-02

TI] ramshackIe place. Evidently this fence. now a mere ruin, had once served to protect garden plot But 1 saw mere ly tangled mass of wild vegetation, so thick and high as to obstruct the view Narrow footpaths branched in either direction. and chose to follow the one to the right, thinking thus to skirt the fence and learn what was beyond before approaching the negro cabins on the opposite side. To my surprise l found myself suddenly standing on the bank of narrow bayou. the water clear, yet apparently motionless. the opposite shore heavily umbered Owing to sharp curve could see scarcely a hundred yards 1n either direction, yet close in beside the shore a light boat was skimmtng over the gray water Even as gazed. the fellow plying the paddle saw me and waved his hand In another moment the bow grounded on the bank and it's occupant came stumbling up the slight declivity
 He was a nasdium sized. wiry look ing fellow. with olive skin and small mustache. dressed in brown corduroy. a colored Handkerchief wound about his head in lieu of hat. As he came to the level where I stood he stopped, suddenly staring into my face.
 ssSacre! thought eet vas Coombs. Who are you n'sieurs'
 .sI came in last night replied eva sively. s'and was just looking about a hit-Y
 The black eyes searched my face. and I noted his right hand touch the hilt of knife in, his belt.
 What water is this 2 asked, ig- noring his action. Bayou9"
 'Oui, n1'sieurs
 Are we near the sea s''
 ..Twenty-seex mile. You not know where you are? Iris odd you not know, m 'sieur.,'
 I laughed. enjoying his bewilder- ment. yet not realizing how to turn 1t to better account
 < "Oh no. came by train in the night and am little hazys as to loca- ton You live about here ?s
 Som time Then of again sailor. Whare Coombs You know. nssieur ?''
 'sNo, don't, acknowledged. Asleep in his cabin likely
 The creole. for such he, undoubtedly was: made a swift resolve.
 Iris likes m' sieur. I find out. May be you come too ss
 The last was more Of an order than. a question. gave it no apparent heed, but turned in the direction of the cab lns. had no reason to avoid Coombs. Indeed, I desired to see him. and I had no intention Of permitting this lad to suppose that I feared his yelled threats. Without so much as glancing back al him advanced along the foot path. my hands in my pockets. Yet my mind leaped from point to point in eager speculation. Little as I liked Coombs this creole was even more dangerous. The one was a rough, the other a venomous snake So far as the original purpose of my adventure was concerned it had already largely faded from recollection The swift recur- renee of more startling events domi- mated.
 Ze right; turn to ze right m'sieur.' said a voice behind me, and then I saw Coombs standing before, fhe door of the second cabin.
 What does this mean, Broussard ?'' he growIed savagely. Where did you pick up that fellow?''
 At the landing" the creole hastened to explain. How cou1d teII? He said he knew you. m'sieur.''
 ''Oh. he did. hey7 Well. all I know. about him is that he blew in here last night with 2 woman. Claimed to be young Henley and took possession of the place. reckon it's about time I saw some papers to prove what yer are. young Teller, fore yer go snoopin' round at daylight. Whats yer game enyhow2'
 The mans buster gave me my clew. The thought suddenly occurred to me that for some reason he was more afraid of me than of him.
 You can see my authority, Coombs, any time you are ready to exhibit your Own," 1 returned coolly, leaning back against the side of the cabin and star ing him straight in the eyes. eff you are the oYerseer here. then 1t is my money that is paying your wages. and from the look of things you'll not hold the job long at that''
 CTo Be continued1