The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1935-11-15
CHAPTER VIII
II l..


In spite of Elisha's Indignation
toward Stanley Heath, and his resolve
to go to the Homestead with the break
of dawn, 1t was noon before he and
Eleazer got under way.
In the first place, the two men dis
agreed as to the proper method Of
arresting the alleged criminal.
"You can't take him on no warrant,
'Lish," EleazAr objected, "'cause you
amt actually got proof he's guilty"
"Proof? Amt l got clear case?
Amt l roundup him up with the loot
on him?" clustered Elisha.
"P'raps-p'raps you didn't really see
the Jewels" Eleazer Quavered. "Are you
plumb certain you saw them things?"
Certain"
"Come, come! Don't go up In the
air, 'Lish. amt doubtin' your word.
I just want to make sure we don't take
NO mis-steps an make jackasses Of our
selves" Eleazer explained. Have you
got everythin'T'
"I-I-guess So" Elisha said weakly.
pete fixed up your badge in great
shape, didn't he?" was Eleazer's cheer
full comment. "It's bright as new dol
lar. Anybody could see itea mile away.
An the handouts, etOo-they look
grand. Wal, what do you say to our
settin' Out?"
The stroll to Crocker's Cove was not
a hilarious one. With each successive
step Elisha's spirits dropped lower and
lower.
At last they came within sight of
the bay.
"Where'd you leave the boat?" Ele-
aver questioned.
II pulled her up opposite the fish,
shanty."
"She amt here"
my soul an body! What's to be
done now?"
Il reckon we'll just have to give it
all up" the sheriff responded with
sickly grin. "Call 1t Off"
IAN let the thief escape? No
sir-eel We've got to go through with
this thing now we've started if it takes
a leg. Well walk round by the shore"
In high dudgeon the two men plod-
ded through the sand, its grit seeping
into their shoes with every step.
1t was not until they came within
sight of the Homestead that the silence
between them was broken.
"Wal, here we are!" Eleazer an
nounced more genially.
"Yes-here-here we. are!" his COM
rade painted. "My soul an body-what
q tramp! I'm near deadl Wait a
minute, Eleazer. Let's take count Of
stock an decide how we're goin' to
proceed. We've got to make a plan"
'But we've made a plan already.
After you've knocked at the door an
gone in"
II knocked an gone in?"
Eyes, yes." Elisha repeated. AFTER
that, you'll sorter state the case to
Marcia, 'xplainin' why we've come an
everythin'-"
AN whatIl you be doin' mean.
timer" Eleazer inquired, wheeling
sharply.
mSS why IL Uc WdlliA OuISAuC,
kinder loiterin' till it's time for me to
60 in-dont you see?"
II don't. think 'twould be better
was you to 60 ahead an pave the way
for me. That's how it's done In plays.
Some kinder unimpOrtant person goes
first an afterward the hero comes in"
$50 you consider yourself the hero
of this show. do your" commented
Eleazer sarcastically.
"Ain't II"
wal, you don't pear to me to be-
Who egged you on an marched you
here-answer me that? If you amt
the most ungrateful cuss alivel I've q
big half mind to go back home an
leave you to do your arrestin' alone"
"Don't do that, Eleazer. don't do
thatw Elisha begged. Don't go
home an leave me-now-at the last
minute"
Every well." Eleazer agreed magnrn-
Gently. "Then I'll remain an give you
my moral support"
Elisha got up and, dragging one foot
after the other, moved toward the
house.
Now knock" commanded the die
tator.
TREMENDOUSLY Elisha tapped on the
door.