The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-12-10
CHAPTER XIV.
The Man In the Black Hat.

What do you think OF It.
Ben? You have some experience Of
these sqhatters up here. DO you think
they mean business2'
There amt much footing about
these mountain men. Puttick answer
ed bitterly And now | says this to
you. Mr. Petersham. and can't never
say nothing stronger If you're mind
ed to stay on here at this place. you
must pay If you don't want Miss Pc
tersham hurt or killed.
My daughter"
That's how | read it. What else
could be mean: He said you'd be sor-
~ all your life. :
Good heavens. Even the most hard
ened ruffians would not hurt a woman,
You don't think it possibie2'' Peter
sham turned TO me.
4 think that Linda runs very great
risk by staying. ~
Then she shall go"
But when Linda was called and the
facts made clear TO her she absolutely
refused to leave Kaimacks.
sYou Will force me TO pay the mon
ey. then" said petersnam. though |
am well aware that this demand will
only be the first of many Whenever
these blackmaiiers want $1,000. aye.
or $4,000. they know they will only
have to ask me to supply them. But
i can't risk yOu-I'll pay
Joe turned TO Petersham IF you
climb down now I'll be right sorry |
ever come with yon. | don't hold with
backingAdown under bluff.
|. who knew Joe. was surprised TO
hear him offer so definite an opinion
in such strong terms. but Linda clap
ped her hands.
ITS all nonsense. isn't it? Why. If
any one attempted to hurt me Joe
would make him regret it. wouldn't
you. Joe?' She flashed him glance
Of her glorious eyes
I'D sure try TO hard enough" re
piled November And now. Mr.. Qua
ritch. I'll ask Ben here TO show me
just where the fella stood when he
held him up this morning.
So Joe went down to the brook. and
| went with him We were soon be
side the canoe which Puttick had been
mending.
Here's where was. and there's
where he stood said Puttick. pointing
to small mass of rock close by 'AnC
there's the place set down my watch.
November glanced over the details
and then followed the bank of tn,
brook for some distance Presently b,
returned.
Did you strike his trail?'' asked Put
tick.
mo. the stones lead right away Il
the lake. and like as not he came il
a canoe
Like as not agreed Puttick an
resumed his work on the canoe whic
had been so rudely interrupted earle
in the day.
We found Linda in the living ROOF
arranging some fishing tackle. She q
once appealed TO Joe.
"Oh, Joe. | want TO try some {
those English lures Mr.. Quaritch CAV
me- I'm going to fish. and | want I
use this two iointed pole. Will 20
fix 1t for me?''
I'D like you to make me prom
Use, Miss Linda
what is it?"
Not TO go out at all today"
you don't think I'm in danger?'
You're in great danger. Mi:
Linda"
Then you must go out with m
joe If you are with me they will n,
dare
"Look here, Hiss Linda. if you'll sta
in the house just over today wouldn
wonder but it might be quite safe II
you to go out tomorrow and eV,
after"
Joe. you mean you have discove
ed"-
mo; amt discovered nothing. bl
If you stay in the way l ask maybe
shall" Joe took up his hat
Where are you going. November
| asked
lover TO SenIis lake. Mr. Quaritc
Will you see Ben Puttick and tell hi
| won't be back till lateish and will /
cook the POTATOES and the cornfioI
cakes if don't get back to time? Mi
Linda. will you please tell every on
even your father. that you have
mighty painful head and that's VT
you're staying inY'
Yes, joe said Linda
After .Joe's departure / took a boo
and sat with it in the veranda. whel
was Joined in due course by Limo
and Mr. Petersham.
Its cool here. the only cool spot
the place today remarked Petershar
"Yes. and don't the spruces SINE
SWEET" said Linda. Joe cut them
give me shade"
She pointed to 81 row of tall sapIini