The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1922-01-12
~opyriqht By Geo Il Uoron q

erful voice. and all the time he watched
the men below with a wary eye
II was just as two laborers came In
TO investigate the hideous din that
Peterson's party discovered the ladder
was too short by several yards
Then with great rapldity the audi
euce grew. passing milkman; two
commercial travellers, a gentleman Of
slightly inebriated aspect. whose trous-
ers left much TO the Imagination; and
finally more farm laborers Never had
such o tlt-bit OF gossip for The local
alehouse been seen IN the neighbOr
hood Il would furnish q topic of CON
versatlon for weeks TO come. And still
Hugh sang and Peterson cursed and
stllI the audience grew Then, al last.
there came the police with notebook
all complete. and the singer stopped
singing 10 laugh.
The next moment the laugh froze on
his lips. Standing by the skylislt, with
his revolver raised, was Lakingt0n. and
Hugh knew by the expression OF his
tace that his finger was trembling on
the trigger. Out Of view OF the crowd
below he did not know OF its existence,
and, I'm fash, Hugh realized his dan
ger.
Good morrow. Henry" he said
quietly. II wouldn't fire II ! were YOU
We are observed, as they say in melo-
drama. II you don't believe me-" his
voice grew a little tense, Just wait
while talk to Peterson, who Is at pres
ent deep In converse with the village
constable and several farm laborers.
II is doubtful whether any action in
Hugh Drummond's life ever cost him
such an effort OF will as the turning
of his back on the man standing two
yards below him. but he did IL ap-
parently without thought. He gave one
last glance at the face conyulsed with
rage aud then with smile he looked
down al the crowd below.
Peterson" he called out affahly,
there's pal OF yours up here-dear
old Henry. And ae's very annoyed at
my concert. Would you just speak to
him. or would you like me to be more
explicitf He is so annoyed that there
might be an accident at any moment,
and see that the police have ar
rived So-er-'
Even at that distance he could see
Peterson's eyes Of fury, and he chuck
led softly TO himself. But when the
leader spoke. his voice was as suave
as ever: the eternal cigar glowed even
IN at its normal rate.
"Are you up on the roof. Laking-
tonf' The words came clearly through
the still summer air.
"Your turn, Henry" said Drummond.
sPrompters voice off-'yes. dear Peter
soh. | am here. even upon the roof,
with liver OF hldeous aspect
With a mighty effort Lakington con-
trolled himself. and his voice. when be
answered, was calm.
"Yes. I'm here. What's the matterT
Nothing" cried Peterson, but
! we've got quite large and apprecia-
tive audience down here attracted by
our friends charming concert, and I've
lust sent for large ladder by which
he can come down and join us. SO
there is nothing that you can do
nothing" He repeated the word with
faint emphasis. and Hugh smiled
genially.
I'm interested in quite a number Of
things. Captain Drummond," said LAX
ington slowly. but they all count as
nothing beside One-getting even with
you And when ] do lie
dropped the revolver into his coat
pocket. and stood motiOnless. staring
at the soldier.
The next instant he opened door
In the skylight which Hugh had failed
TO discover during the night and,
climbing down ladder inside the
room. disappeared from view
-Huno old beanr A cheerful shout
from the ground made Hugh look
down. There, ranged round Peterson,
"a an effective group, were Peter bar-
ren. Algy Longworth, and Jerry sey-
mour -BIrd'snestin'T
Peter. old soul" cried afgh JOY
fully. Il never thought the ~ would
come when ! should be pleased g 80
your face. but q has"
'-Ted and bis pal. Hugh. have iol1led
u 10 your car, said Peter. - hat
only leaves rs four and Toby
For moment Hugh stared e. him
blankly. while be did some rapid men
tai arithmetic. Re even neglected 70
descend ai once BY the ladder which
had AZ last been placed 10 position
Ted and Us four and Toby" made sir
-and slr vas the strength q the
party as Il hsd srrtved. Adding The