The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1915-11-18


thoroughly searched, we came upon
the spot where these bulrushes had
been cut down, and W found them
caught in the low boughs Of a tree,
drifting down the river"
Quest had lit a fresh cigar and was
smoking vigorously.
What astonishcs me more than
anything" he pronounced, as he stood
looking over the desolate expense OF
country, "is that when one comes
face to face with the fellow ne pre-
sents all the appearance of a nerve
less and brcken-down coward. Then
all CT a sudden there spring up these
evidences Of the most amazing. the
most diabolical resource. Who's
this, Lord Ashleighr'
The latter turned his head. An
elderly man in a brown velvcteen
suit, with CATERS and thick boots,
raised his hat respectfully.
This is my head keeper, Middle
ton," his master explained. "He vas
with US on the chase"
The professor shook hands heartily
with the newcomer.
mot a day older, Middleton" he
exclaimed. $50 you r the man who
has given us all this trouble. Ell? This
gentleman and l have come over from
New York on purpose to lay hands on
Craig"
II am very sorry, sir" the man re-
piled. I wouldn't have fired my gun
If l had known what the conse-
quences were going to be, but them
poaching devils that como round here
rabbiting fairly send mt furious, and
that's a fact. 1t amt that one grudges
them a few rabbits, but my tame
p~heasants all run out here from the
home wood, and I've seen feathers at
the side Of the rosd there that no fox
nor stost had nothing to do with. All
the same, sir, I'm very sorry" he
added, ito have been the cause OF any
Inconvenience"
"It Is rather worse than inconven-
fence, Middleton" the professor said,
grayely. "The man who has escaped
is one Of the worst criminals of these
days"
He won't get far, sir" the game
keeper remarked, with a little smile.
It's a wild bit OF country, this. and I
admit that men might search it for
weeks without finding anything, but
those gentlemen from Scotland Yard,
sir, IL you'll c my making the
remark, and hoping that this gentle
man." he added. looking at Quest, "is
in no way connected with them-well,
they don't know everything, and that's
a fact"
"This gentleman is from the United
States Lord Ashleigh reminded him,
so your criticism doesn't affect him.
By the bye, Middleton, / heard this
morning that you'd been airing your
opinion down in the village. You seem
to rather fancy yourself as a thief
catcher"
Il wouldn't 60 so far as that, my
lord" the man replied, respectfully,
but still, / hope l may say that I've
as much common sense as most peo-
pie. You see, sir" he went on, turn
ing to Quest, the spots where he
could emerge from the tract of coun-
try are pretty well guarded, and he'll
be in a fine mess. when he does put
In an appearance, to show himself
upon a public road. Yet by this time
I should say he must be nigh starved.
Sooner or later he'll have to come out
for food. I've q little scheme Of my
own, sir, I don't mind admitting" the
man concluded, with a twinkle in his
keen brown eyes. I'm not giving
it away. If I catch him for you, that's
all that's wanted, ! imagine, and we
shan't be any the nearer to it for let
ting anyone into my little secret"
His master nodded.
You shall have your rise out of the
police, If you can, Middleton" he OBJ
served. at seems queer, though, to
believe that the fellows still in hid
ins round here"
They made their way, single nle, to
the road and up to the house. Lord
Ashleigh did his best to dispel a queer
little sensation of uneasiness which
seemed to have arisen in the minds Of
all of them.
Come" he said, I'VE must put aside
our disappointment for the present,
and remember that after al the
chances are that Craig will never make
his escape alive Let US forget him
for a little while. . Mr.. Quest" he
added. . few minutes later, as they
reached the hall, "Moreton here will
show you your room and look after
you. Please let ne know IL you will
take an aperitif. l can recommend my
sherry. We dine at eight o'clock. Ed
gar. you know your way. The blue
room. OF urBe / am coming 70
with you myself. Her ladyship back
yet. Moreton!"
mot yet, my lord"
Lady Ashleigh," her husband ex-
planned. has gone to the other side of
the county to open q bazaar. She il
looking forward to the pleasure OF well
coming you at dinner time"
Dinner. served. out Of compliment to
their transatlantic visitor. in the great