Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1919-08-07

cut and laid him upon the grass, find
Ing that ave for the fact that he was
SO stiffened from his bonds that he
vas practically unable to move he
was unlnjured.
"Where are Morgan and Bellas?"
demanded Ethel. Davis shook his
head.
II don't know, Ethel. In fact, I
cannot explain it. I suppose that dus-
tardly Hermit has been at work
again." The girls head shook.
II do not believe IT," was her an
swer. Taking his hand she seated
herself beside him as she told him of
the reading of the Fable by old Aesop.
Laughing lightly at her suspicious and
telling her that she was silly to be-
lieve such things, he added that it at
least would do no harm for them to
go to the station and make inquiries.
At once she assented.
"Yes. But l am not going to leave
you again. I shall 60 with you"
"Me. too" added Rainface.
With Davis mounted upon the horse
Of R%ainface, Ethel upon hers and the
Indian Looping along in their rear, the
trio gained the station some two hours
later. Going to the agent they began
making their inquiries.
"Yes," responded the latter. "Two
men such as you describe took the
7:2O express for Frisco. The next
train to leave here is the 10 80, which
arrives there at 1 p. IN"
Davis started to write a telegram,
but finally listening to the arguments
of Ethel, desisted.
1T would be much better to sur
prise Them" she said.
"Have your W way" was the
goOd-natured reply, and tearing up the
message they turned their steps
toward the little western town across
the track. Ethel pointed to a small
but well stocked general store such
as are found in towns of this rhar-
acter.
~ would like to make q few pur-
chases before We depart" she said,
and John Immediately acquiescing she
started upon her errand. Ten-thirty
found them boarding the Frisco train.
Morgan and Bellas d%ebarking from
their coach at San Francisco, crossed
the platform arm in arm. The former
was speaking.
"Ill engage rooms for us at the
Mackenzie. You wait around here I'M
til the next train arrives. If he es-
capped, he will be upon 1t sure. And I
want to know. You might have use
for some money, so here it is. When
you report to me later, ask for Mr..
Hawk" Handing the Spider a big
roll of bills he departed, and a short
time later engaged rooms at the hotel
mentioned.
Left behind on guard and stroll
ling aimlessly about, the Spider was
hailed by a taxi cab driver, and ap-
preaching him recognized a pal of old.
Drawing the latter beyond the ear
shot of others the Spider spoke in a
whisper.
"You've done some good tricks for
me in the past, Bill, and I want to
give you u chance to earn a little
coin. I'll be acrOss the street. If
you get the right parties I'll give You
the high sign, and if you drop them
over the cliff therell be a thousand
dollars in II for you. You know me-"
"You're all right and a good Teller.
But what chance Is there that these
birds will fly along this way" The
Spider winked knowingly.
ever hear Of such Il thing as a
telegraph line, Bill?"
Seems to me l Onct read of one,
Spider. WhyT
swell, there's II Of them lines
running back to the town where they
was to board the train, and there's an
agent there that is supposed TO answer
honest questions. That ought to he
enough for you. Now III beat 1t
across the way to that saloon and If
you land them in your cab, stop there
a moment for your slice of the coin"
Without saying more he walked In
the direction he had indicated.
As the 4 o'clock train drew into the
depot, John and Ethel stepping from
their car, found themselves confronted
by a respectful hammered chauffeur
who pointed to his cab and begged
their patronage.
"Might as well take you as any
one, l suppose" said John, assisting
the girl into the conveyance. "Take
us to the Mackenzie" He seated him
self beside his companion.
Across the street in front Of the
saloon In which the Spider was hid
den, the driver stopped his machine.
"Just a moment. lady and gent" he
called to them as he crossed the
sidewalk toward the door Of the place.
"I've got to leave a message here for
q friend, then I'll be on the way"
Not liking the actions Of the other,
Davis. arising In his seat found him
self able to g above the low swing
Ing door Of the saloon. Within the
Interior he could make out the form
of their driver In earnest conversation
with a man whose back was toward
them and whom he could not recOg-
nize. A moment later he saw the
stranger pass the chauffeur a large
wad of money, w%hereupon the latter
at once returned to the machine and
began driving them away ut n high
rate Of speed. Rendered somewhat
suspicious from what he had seen
but not wishing to alarm Ethel, Davis
said nothing. but kept his eyes closely
glued upon the man In front. Sud
denly John burst forth, tapping on
A. .ul,ln.Ir 10 olArnaA iha nlinniinn IL