Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-05-29
Illustrated By r. n. FLANAGAN

1t was . lonely path and at that time Of the
year somewhat dark He and the friendly
stranger walked until they were some way
from the lights of the town. and apparently
alone with the night and the river The SOL
dier's voice was the only sound.
In the midst of Hsnkinsons glowing account
of of his personal adventures the
stranger interrupted him
Hanknson noticed a sudden change in his
tone; he now spoke her sharply and with
something of commanding nature pretty
much indeed as if he were a bloonin' C. O.,
said Hankinson to himself
Look here. my man said he, Il want a
word or two with YOU
| lE pushed something into Hankinson's hand
] the latter recognized the feel Of sovereign.
His heart thumped pleasantly. Truly, luck was
in his way tonight.
Well he said, obeying orders and seating
himself on low wall. what is it? 1 amt a.
going to stand no hanky- panky dye mind2 I
mlsrusted OF yer when yer was so free with yer
drinks and smokes. I'm all for plain deahn
dye see, that's what am
I'm glad to hear it, said the other. He sat
down yard or so away from Hankinson, and
began kicking his heels against the wall.
I'm going to be very plain Look here,
would you like to a hundred pounds like
in one lump-a nice little bagful of gold in fact?
Eh?"
HankinsOn drew long breath
II it were earned honest" he began, and
then interrupted himself to sigh over the un-
pleasantness Of honesty.
Once more-don't be alarmed" said the
stranger. Here light another cigar and COM
pose yourself. I dare say you think all this is
very strange, but there's really nothing at all
strange about it. You're capital shot, aren't
your"
The first breath of this fresh cigar had mol
lifted Hankinson He began to feel himself again,
and his breast swelled once more.
Shot" said he We'll, there amt many men
Of our company"
so I've heard" interrupted the other Nov,
look here. I'm going to trust you with . secret"
And you've come to the right man." said
Hankinson, interrupting in his turn
I've invented a bullet proof shield" con-
tinued the other, quietly ignoring Hankinsons
remark. ITS a dead certainty in every way,
and it's been tested at various ranges and found
to be Z complete success. However, haven't
been able to find a man courageous enough to
test it at very short range I wonder If you
are?"
Hankinson pulled at his cigar rather nervous
ly in the darkness.
What dye call a short range, guvnor?" he
inquired with a rather choky utterance TITS
a poor game playing with firearms, as you may
know"
Il know it well enough" said the stranger
Here let's come to business There's q hundred
sovereigns in that bag"-he pulled out and
threw down a canvas bag, which hit the pebbles
Of the path with pleasant and musical jingle
YOU can count them if you like"
"N-no OCCASION" said Hankinson.
They're yours if you'll take shot at me
I've got the thing on now under my shirt-at
so yards If you're such a good shot as they
say you are. there's no danger"
Whats the bleed'n' good O. all this palaver?'
Hankinson said rudely. Il amt got no rifle to
do any shootin' with"
There's a Iee-Metford and ammunition just
behind you' said the other.
Hankinson got down from the wall quickly.
"Oh-is there" he said lamely. And who
might ha' put EN- there?"
"I put them there myself. But come-we are
wasting time. Are you going to earn that hun
bred pounds, or not?"
See here, mister" said Hankinson. what if