The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1917-04-20
HOME CIRCLE MAGAZINE SECTION

lOur hundred leet'
But we cannot run any chances
and shall have to use one of our prisoners
to help you; release the Pinkerton man,
he is the safer, and bring him here"
He disappeared, returning scarcely
a moment later, gripping the fellow
firmly by the collar, and thrusting
him forward into the light Of the lamp.
"Kelly," | said sternly, "pay strict
attention to what | say. You don't
care anything for this gang of outlaws.
You're with them because you thought
you saw chance for little easy money.
That's the truth isn't it?'
He grinned, yet not altogether with
good humor, but held silent.
81 thought so. Now my money
is just as good as theirs. This nights
work is going to cost you your job
likely, and a little additional cash,
together with chance to get away
safely is worth considering"
1t was, sor,"
Sensible decision, Kelly. You are
going to help run this machine out of
the hangar, and give it a start for
flying De Vigne here will tell you
the hangar, and give it stalt for flying.
De Vigne here will tell you exactly
what to do, and he'll put bullet in
you if you don't do it. If you play
fair he'll give you this roll of bills, and
turn you loose as soon as we are off.
Do you agree to this?"
ovid all me heart, sor."
De Vigne thrust the roll displayed
into his own pocket, taking care to
flourish revolver as he did so, and the
eyes of the Irishman blinked in the
light as | watched him narrowly.
He was treacherous scoundrel, but
he could not afford to play us false.
However it might be well to make him
realize what his chances were.
laid hand ON De Vigne's shoulder.
Now, Kelly, mark my words.
This is case of either life or death
with you. This man here is soldier,
under my orders. He will do exactly
as | tell him, If you try to run, or
show any sign of treachery, he'll
shoot you down as he would dog.
You understand that2"
The mans shifting eyes were upon
the girl, but in the silence, they left
her face and sought mine.
"0i do sor; sure an Dim no crazy
fool. Whut fer would oil be tryin'
ter skip out2" He spat on the ground
contemptuously. Ter hell wild the
Dutch"
could not but notice the expression
Of disgust on Miss Probyn's face.
Then we are ready. De Vigne,
bring the coats and caps here-my
own, and the suit for the lady"
OH, Monsieur"
But" she gasped, stepping forward
and clasping my arm. You forgetl
IL said | would not"
"And did you ever suppose ! would
abide by that decision2" | interrupted,
meeting her gaze fairly. "That
would leave you here, and depart
alone? Do you not know me better
than that?"
al fear / do not know you at all.
Do you actually mean you will force
me to go2"
mo, Mademoiselle; only to make
a choice. We either both go, or we
both stay; the decision is entirely
your own. Here is De Vigne now,
with the suits Will you accept yours?"
and held the garment out toward her.
There was moment of silence,
her eyes resting on mine, her breath
coming quickly. l know there was
both firmness and pleading in my face,
but what else it may have also revealed
to her questioning gaze cannot tell.
1t seemed to me long while before
she moved, as though my heart had
actually stopped beating in fear of
her decision. Then her eyes sank,
eboJaJ h., Ionn IocbaO and oha hold