TIIE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE: MAY 7, 191L
1
V
i Br
CHAPTKn 1.
i
At Pole Tavera.
The Pole Tavern wan not a place I would
have chosen to refresh myself in could I
have had my way-the Gloucester Road
w too public for a man who would an lief
not be looked at too closely but my horse
and I were tired. It was almost dark, and I
had had nothing to eat since morning.
Moreover. It was hereabouts I had named
the rendezvous for Link, although, to be
sure, 1 had counted upon his meet Inn me in
the open.
What With one thing and another, when I
cantered from the crossroad onto the high
way, and heard the tavern sign creak fair
above my head. I yielded to Its enticement.
I confeaa the enticement was the better
enforced by the flutter of a gray- petticoat
at the door a maid was Just then returning
from some errand. It was maiy a day
since I had seen such a slim walHt, such
well-rounded hips, and such a merry plr
of Irish eyes.
"A fine evening. Bridget," I said as I
dismounted.
"Tea, sur a fine evenln", sur," Her eyes
challenged mine. "My name's Peggy, not
Bridget, please. Peggy O'Connor."
"Peggy, of course. I don't suppose you'd
be willing to change the laBt part of your
name, Peggy?"
"That depends on who does the askin'
ma, sur."
"There's a man not more than a mile
from you who has It on his mind at this
rery minute."
"Sure It's likely to be a heavy load for a
weak support then."
"Ah, you're too much for me, Peggy." I
pointed to a comfortable ooach that stood
before the door, the horses not yet brought
round. "Whose turnout Is that?"
"That's Mr. Hancock's, sur. I've Just
been after gettln' a blanket from It, to
wrap a hot brick in for the old gentle
man's feet."
"Mr. Hancock?"
"Tes, sur, Mr. William Hancock, from
below here from Morvan way, I'm
thinkln'r ,
Morvan? I pricked up my ears In earnest.
"Mr. William Hancock of Morvan town
shlpt Oh, yes, I remember him now, of
course. Well. Peggy, if I stop for supper,
will you wait on me yourself?"
"That must be for the master to say,"
retorted the girl. "Bure. I'm wlllln' enough.
I'll send you the "hostler, sur." With a
laugh she slipped Into the house, leaving
me to follow at my leisure.
I avoided the common room and ordered
upper to be served me In the tavern par
lor. But to my disappointment It was not
Peggy but the landlord himself who waited
upon me.
It we when I had finished my oysters
and older and was spreading the Whig-'
Qasette for a few minutes reading, that
Bonlfaoe whispered the word that gave
ma such a damnable start.
"X tee you've shaved your moustache.
Cap'n. but I don't think you'll find the
Jerseys very healthy for you, even yet"
A gentleman was engaged at supper at
table by the window-seat. I managed to
keep the Qasette held at flst's-end be
tween him and me, as I halt turned my
bead to Bonlfaoe.
"Wsrs you addressing me?"
The fellow 'smirked. "Tes, Cap'n. Take
a friend's advloe and ride west tonight
It ain't likely to be pleasant for you here.
Tou can be safe serous the river In a
couple of hours, if you can still ride like
you used to."
"What the dertll Who do you think I
am, man?"
'That's ell right, Cap'n I'm a friend.
Don't think I'm going to blow on you."
He supported himself by one hand on tie
table and leaned his puffy tfac toward
mine. "Lord! Cap'n, I knowed you right
off. Tou ain't a bit stouter than you was
when I last seen you the very night you
was took. Tou're a little more tanned,
may be we heard you'd gone over the
mountains but that don't hurt your good
looks none. Tour gettln' rid ; t your
moustache does change you consist bis,
but I'd know you anywhere."
I turned, my back on the window table,
and faced the fellow fair.
"Have you been drinking too much of
. your own applejack?" I demanded.
His blue-veined cheeks and reddened
eyes expressed admiration no less than re
proach. "Tou always was a good one." hs
grinned. "If you was so young for the
t business. Good Lord I don't Vou know me,
Cap'n. I'm Bill Bill Evans, who used to
be hostler at Mullen's above Trenton, I
was at Mullen's the nlrbt vn ... I....
for going through the foreigner the British
dook or whatever he was. I was always
mlg-hty sorry you didn't get away. I'm
married now and settled down respectable
Tou see I'm landlord here, on my way up
tn the worid-but I don't blow on old
friends. No, sir."
Hs paused-hls puffy oheeks hardened,
and his eyes met mine steadily. "lender
stand. though, Cap'n. I'm through wtth the
starlight business. Tvs got a wife and
ehildraa. No nonsense around Pole Tavern,
wnue im landlord. After supper, you'd
better ride west."
"Tou talk like a madman," I said. "Who
the devil do you take me for?"
His face again took on a look of very
hearty admiration. "The same young fox,
ain't youT Tou always was a smart one!
Whs do I take you for?" He favored me
with a knowing wink, and made as If to
thrust me familiarly In the ribs. My frown
checked him. "Why, I take you for who
you are. Pshaw! Cap'n, it's all on the wall
there."
My eyes followed the significant jerk of
his chin. Ths postrlder had that day fas
tened a handbill on the rear wall of the
tavern parlor I could fancy half a doaen
such flaunting In the common room! t
read it with an Interese that I believe I
managed to conceal. The words at the top
of ths accursed sheet were In bold black
letters
"TOM BELLI"
Text In smaller type ran below this super
scription. Whereas, certain robberies by force and
1 violence on the public ways have occurred
I of late, said robberies being plainly the
" acts of a practised hand; and. Whereas.
one Tom Bell, so called, has been noticed
directing himself toward the confines of
this etate, the same being contrary to the
terms of the pardon granted after the
quondam trial and conviction for highway
robbery of the raid Tom Hell, so called;
' Therefore, the officers of the law of the
etate. namely, ail sheriffs, sheriffs' depu
ties, bailiffs, constables and officers of
every eort, are hereby authorised to ap
prehend, arrest and deliver the person of
ythe said Tom Hell, so called, as a notorious
s highwayman and vagrant, wheresoever
found within the confines of the state. All
W til rtftftnfl will AXNlaf Iho officers nf lha
law when summoned so to do.
This pleaelng proclamation was signed by
His Excellency the Governor. A descrlp
tlon followed.
The said Tom Bell when convicted was
of the height of sixty-nine Inches, of a
slender habit of body, and clear complenlon
tending to brown. Eyes and moustache
the Kame. He Is now about eight-and-twenty
)ears of age. He always dressed
imurtly, and had a very genteel appear
once. His language and manners the
same.
By the time I had read and reread the bill
1 had myself perfectly In hand. I burst
out laughing so heartily that the landlord
stared amazed, and the gentleman at the
window table glanced our way.
I clapped Boniface on the shoulder.
"Well, well, man! So that's what all this
gabble Is about! You took me for Tom
Bell, did you? That's good good, by
George!" I affected to study the hand-bill
again. "That description of the fellow
does make ub alike as two peas in a pod.
(Small wonder you were fooled. Ha, ha!"
The landlord stared, nonplussed. HI
face fell, and he made me an awkward
bow. "I beg your pardon, sir. I hadn't
seen Tom Bell for so long, I thought sure
ou was him. I hope you'll overlook It. I
have to be careful about the houee's reputa
tion. My business "
"There, there:" I Interrupted, "I don't
care to hear about your business, man.
Just let the matter be a warning to you
not to be too hasty In renewing your old
acquaintance with highwaymen. That
would be most like to kill your reputation
may be yourself. The dog was hanged
along with ths wolf! Tou understand?"
"Yes, sir." said the fellow humbly
enough.
He bowed again and was turning away
when I detained him. "By the way, whose
ooach was that I saw outside?"
"Mr. Hancock's, sir."
"Oh of Morvan township?"
"Tes. sir. The small gentleman with gray
hair, at the other table there."
At a glance I took In the "small gentle
man with gray hair" his fat, stupid face,
his self-important cock of the head.
"Of course, of course," I said. "I hadn't
noticed him. Mr. William Hancock."
"Yes, sir," piped Boniface. "And I hope
you'll forget my mistake, sir. Will you
stop with us tonight, sir? I can make you
comfortable, I'm sure, Mr. "
"Mr. Morvan," I said. The landlord's
eyes opened wide, but I gave him no chance
to speak. "Tou may as well set aside a
room for me, although I'm not likely to
stay all night. I merely expect my busi
ness agent here."
"Tes, sir. All right, Mr. Morvan. I'll air
the enemy room at once, sir. A very
pretty view In the daytime over the cherry
orchard, Mr. Morvan."
"That will do," I said. "Ah, wait a
moment. Mr. Hanoock, there, may have
news of my agent."
The small gentleman at ths window table
had been dlsousalng a bowl of something
hot. merrily enough, although hs had but
mmseii ior company. Indeed, he had be
gun to sing a lively catch.
"Says General Andy Jackson:
'For gentlemen's satisfaction.
Here's pistols and here's rifles very bandy:
But don't let it alarm ye omri
That ones I led ths array
I lead ths Constitution now.' says Andy."
Assuming my frankest air. I approached
deliberately. Hs ceased his song, and syed
me with curiosity. I bowed. -
"Mr. William Hanoock, I take It, sir.'
Hs gars me bow for bow. "Tes, sir
the same, sir."
"Of Morvan township V
"Quite right sir. At your service." By
this time he had risen to his feet, a trifle
over-careful ly. "I believe you have ths ad
vantage of me, sir. Tour, face Is familiar,
bu your name has somehow escaped me
for the moment.1'
"No wonder," I said laughing. "It's
rare testimony tohe sir of Wsst Jersey
that you remember even ray face. v By
George, Mr. Hancock, a man thirty years
younger might be proud of such a pair of
eyes. Tou know my face at once, though
I think you haven't seen me since I was a
baby."
"Hal" said ths old gentleman, plainly de
lighted with my compliment "Tou flatter
me, sir you flatter me. I'm sure, though,
to be honest with you, I can see a wood
oock over the sights of a Manton as well
as ever I oould. But what do you say? I
haven't seen you since you were a baby?"
"I suppose I couldn't have been above
I or years old when I was last at the
Manor."
"Eh? What! Tou don't say so! Henry
Morvan!"
"Just arrived' from the Missouri."
Weil, well . ." He shook my hand heartily.
"We heard you were coming about this
time to ah to claim you patrimony at
last eh? Time you were settling down
you young rascal! Very proper, I'm sure."
"I would hsvs wagered you wouldn't
know me, sir."
"Certainly I'd have known you any
where, anywhere. Tou have the Morvan
look decidedly the Morvan look. Tes. I've
pretty good eyes for , as you say. Hum!
yes, Stockton said hs was expecting you
any day told ms so only last week. I re
member bad a letter from you a month
or so ago, wasn't it? Tes, yes, I'd hare
reoognlsed you anywhere. I'm not such an
old man yet as you were so flattering as
to say."
He shook my hand again, patting ms on
the shoulder with suoh good will that I
felt a little ashamed of myself.
As we exchanged compliments I kept the
tall of my eye on the landlord. Evans.. I
breathed mors easily. My stratagem had
succeeded respectful Interest only showed
In the landlord's mottled faoe.
"Tou may get the room ready for me. my
man," I ordered.
"And Evans, see If the horses are buckled
to yet" said Mr. Hancock.
"Tes, sir. Tee, gentlemen, at once, sir."
He bustled put. end I turned to my new
acquaintance. "You're to stay all night
I take It said the old gentleman. "I'm
sorry I'm Just about ts leave, else I'd ask
you to join mo In a glass of spiced bumbo."
"Tou're surely not for home tonight" I
haxarded.
"No. worse luck! That is." hs corrected
himself pompouely, "I'm always willing to
do my duty. I have the honor to serve a
coroner for the county. Mr. Morvan 11a
on my way to Clayvllle now."
"In your official capacity, I take It, sir "
"Yes. exactly-Jn my official capacity
Mr. Morvan. I'll tuit . i...
fore starting." He drained the punch as
he spoke, without even the formality of
offering me a drop of It. "Hum! very re
freshing: y. ,ir,n my of c.p4clty
as someone has put It. A body has been
found near Clayvllle. The black rascal
who brought me word-confound It' J was
to havs a teal for supper, too, teal with a
bottle of my 1800. The messenger said It
was somebody killed by highwaymen, but
I II wager his head's been turned by this
new, of Tom Bell , being heresbouts sgsln.
Ten to one the corpee Is only a poor devil
of a bound boy smothered In the brick
aims. i
The old gentleiuau might have harangued
me an hour on end. had not the landlord
thrust his head In the door and announced
that the coach was waiting.
"I'm coming, Evans," cried Mr. Han
cock. "I'm coming, my good fellow. I
hope your hostler has a lantern your floor
Is confoundly uneven. Good night. Mr.
Morvan. I'm sorry you're not going my
way I'd be glad of your company a dark
night like this. I'll see you in Morvan In a
day or two. no doubt. I'm sorry I can't
stay to enjoy your company, Mr. Morvan.
Do you know the new song?
" 'But flon't let it alarm ye
That once I led the army
I lead the Constitution now,' says Andy."
He Jammed his hat on his head, and
walked out with an air that seemed to be
trying to combine his sense of official
dignity with his feeling that he was a
devil of a fellow.
CHAPTKR II.
The Cherry II om.
In the hall behind the tavern parlor, t
encountered Peggy, myrtle-berry candle In
hand.
"I was Just comln' to show you to your
room, sur," she said. "I've aired It fine
for you the cherry room."
"Lead on, Lady Macbeth! Lead cherry
Hps to cherry room!"
Bhe smiled back at me as we began to
ascend the staircase. "You'rs a light
hearted gentleman."
"Why shouldn't I be?"
"True for you, sure a laughing man for
ine, every day In the week. All the Mor
vans are that. Youjre Bqulre Henry Mor
van, ths master says."
"How do you know the Morvans are
llghthearted, Peggy?"
' I've seen Mr. Dram Morvan here, more
than once."
"I'll wager you have."
"Oh, I'm not sayln' he don't have a
word or two for me, when he does come,
but It's not often after all. Mostly he puts
up at Merry's Tavern that's nearer to
Morvan Manor, you see though master,
here, don't think much of Bat Merry. But
Mr. Bram Morvan, he's merry enough him
self, that's sure."
"The devil he Is!" I thought to myself.
By this time we had entered the cherry
room. A cherry-wood table, with writing
materials thereon, occupied the middle.
Curtains of white muslin hung at the
windows, and the glow of the candle, as
Peggy set It on the table, showed a cherry
wood bed In an alcove.
"Thank you, Peggy," I said. "I expect a
visitor at any minute. As soon as hs
comes, show him up."
"Yes, sur."
She made no move to go, however, but
stood looking up at me, her eyes dancing.
'Well?" I asked.
"Well!" she mocked.
I looked st the inviting mouth. "Oh. hoi"
I cried. "Is that It, my pretty rogue!"
Bhe eluded my emotion, and ran laughing
to the door. "No, no. Tou're too late now,
sur. Tou're no real Morvan, after all Mr.
Bram. wouldn't have needed to be told to
kiss a girl good-night!"
"Ths devil hs wouldn't!" This time I
spoke me thought aloud, but Peggy had
already Vanished.
I disposed myself as comfortably as pos
sible. I had little to do save to wait for an
hour or two on the chance that Link, since
he had mtBsed me on the road, would be
sharp enough to seek ms at this, ths
nearest publlo house.
I began to wonder If the half-breed had
carried to a happy end the errand upon
which I had despatched him. My direc
tions had been as plain as I could make
them to strike straight southeast from
Gloucester to the outer curve of May's
Point; thence on by a maze of foot-paths
to the island in the marshes where my little
bunting-lodge had stood, long ago. I
counted much on its still standing on the
little knoll above the sea, amidst the red
cedars and the holly, where years might
pass and only the wild ducks or ths wilder
cattle, or fox or muskrat, would ever dis
cover me.
It was true that Link was new to this
part of the world, but a man who had
guided us Henry Morvan and me through
the Missouri wilderness, was not likely to
be contused in West Jersey, little less wild
though It was.
I resolved to wait an hour or so, then, if
Link were not yet st hand, to push on
alone to the lodge. I would travel by night
as much as possible, for my recent en
counter with the cl-devant hoetler, Evans,
was clear proof that I was easily to be
recognized by one who hsd once known me
well.
That had been a lucky thought to Im
pose myself upon Mr. Hancock as Henry
Morvan. But for that I might have been
laid by the heels, by this time, or at best
have been riding for the river and safety.
Poor Morvan! He would have been first
to cry: "Encore!" to my pretty trick.
But never again would I hear that cherry
voice Henry Morvan was asleep on a
green bluff above the Missouri.
I arose, walked to the whlte-curtalned
window, and stared Into the night. Even
through the leaded window-panes, I could
hear the freshening wind sighing among
the cherry trees below.
Ths wind had sighed more mournfully the
night Henry Morvan died. River fever had
taken htm In a day and a night. He had
only had time for a brief talk with me be
fore delirium racked his mind, and the fire
of his disease scorched his weary body. I
had burled the best friend I had ever had
In that green bend of the river.
From his talks with me I had gleaned
the three names his cousin, Bram Mor
van, who was now the heir, the family
lawyer, Mr. Thomas Stockton, and the
family friend, Mr. William Hancock. This
information was little enough. As it
chanced, also, my acquaintance In Weat
Jersey had been with the counties that Us
nearest ths sea, so that I had never seen
Morvan Manor.
On the whole, It was a stroke of pure
luck that Mr. Hancock's self-conceit, aided
by the liquor he bad drunk and my own
chance resemblance to Henry Morvan, had
given roe the opportunity to put to sleep
the landlord's lingering suspicions.
The wind, sighing, tapped a great bough
against the pane. My friend was dead
his name had served my purpose of the
moment there was nothing left for me to
do for him but to send a letter to Mr.
Btorkton. giving him the proofs of Henry
Morvan s death. Only a month before, as
I knew, Morvan had written the lawyer
that he was on the point of coming home
I hoped the man of business was not too
musty to feel some sorrow at his wealthy
client's sudden death.
As for Mr. William Hancock-lf he re
memberer tomorrow and I doubted It
that he had met a live Henry Morvan to
night, be would be too distrustful of him
self to make mention ef the fact be must
of tJiejQ
also remember that he had drunk a deal
too much hot punch!
The Morvan name was known here at
Pole Tavern Boniface would make sure a
letter and package would reach the family
lawyer I would write at once. Afterward
1 would press on to my refuge in the
marsh Islands. After all, It was home
sickness that had brought me back to the
Jerseys that and the wish to make sure
Morvan's family received proper notice of
his death.
I snuffed the candle until the scent of
the myrtle berry was less heavy in the
loom. Then I cut a quill to my liking, and
bent over my task.
At that moment, there was a tap at the
door behind me. Peggy's voice answered
to my loud: "Come In!"
"Your visitor's here, sur, If you please."
"Show him In!" I said. "And don't let
anyone disturb us, Peggy."
A light step entered the room, and the
door closed. I heard Peggy retiring down
the stairway.
"Well, Link,'" 1 said without turning my
head. "Come around where I can sea you,
I began to think you'd lost yourself In a
cranberry bog, man.
The're was no answer, but the light step
sounded again. I cocked my mind's carl
The llghtnef of the Indians tread wa
there, but not ita stealthlness.
I turned my head sharply. A strange
figure a figure not Link's stood In the
shadow beyond the candle's gleam.
With an oath, I was on my feet, a pistol
Instant In my hand. "Who are you, sir?"
I snatched up the candle, and presented
pistol and It together, to the intruder's
very face. "I'm not to be taken so! Who
are you, sir?"
"Madam, not sir. If you please," said a
voice, half-laughing, half trembling.
I stood agape my platol to the head of
a woman a woman slender, graceful and
heavily veiled.
CHAPTER III.
The Lady of the Spur.
I slipped my weapon Into the flap of my
riding coat, placed the candle on the table
and stared again at my strange visitor.
She drew a quick breath-as If happy that
the black muzzle no longer yawned upon
her and moved toward a chair, plainly ex
pecting an Invitation to be seated.
I eyed her. She was almost certainly
young, very possibly pretty, but the heavy
black veil, wound twice about face and
hat, hid not only her features but her very
hair.
"Tour pardon for the pistol, madam," I
said. "I took you for a different sort of
visitor."
"Peggy told ms you were expecting some
one," she answered In a low voice. "She
led ms up here before I could explain
could send you word that I -"
"And, of course, the silly creature made
a mistake. I regret that you should havs
been put to such annoyance-a horseplatol
to one woman's head Is no fit reward for
another, stupidity. , Permit ma to light
you to ths door."
To my surprise, she put out a hand In
protest as I was about to take up ths
candle.
"No, no. It's no mistake, sir. That Is I
ish to speak to you."
"To speak to me?"
"Tes. Tou are arent you? Mr. Mor
van? Mr. Henry Morvan?"
I stared. "I have been called so."
"Tes. yes. And you're on your way to
Morvan Manor-after a long absence. I
would Uks to talk to you. a few minutes, if
you please- matter of very great im
portance." I was perplexed. "Will you favor me
with your name, madam?"
She hesitated. Her face, Indlstlngulsh
sble behind Iti covering, was lowered as If
In embarrassment.
"My name? I hadn't supposed that would
be necessary. My name doesn't matter.
Mr. Morvan. Tou don't need to know my
name. I hope." r
I grew more and more puzzled-agoin I
stared at her.
liter riding-habit, even to my accus-
reem'd ,ar bhln(, th fashion.
Her skirt, looped up on the left side,
showed a worn boot beneath, whereon
shone a little spur, bright but badly bent.
A pink fingertip peered through her frayed
glove The very veil was of the coarsest
materials. This woman-thla girl-was
Poor Nay. more, she looked to be one not
far from want.
As I eyed her I thought I understood. The
times were not over nlce-the fellow
mTu.sV'.'" f h'S 0,d W"W
,h?: , M nt ScrUpl at 0,her things,
thing. Jess answerable to the law. although
bervmO?0nr,emPtlbl,, ,han hlglTway rob
bery. Bah! I shook myself at thp thought
"You're right, madam." I aald. 7"r
name would be too great an honor-In-deed.
I am too much honored by your com-
!We11' fr 1 hVS Prnt business.
I must beg you to excuse me."
virVt' hSr ,tudr,n m through her
veil. Perhaps you don't understand."
sne said. "I've oome expressly to-."
"No doubt." I lnt rrupted. "I regret If
youve been put to useless trouble. I say
It without offense, lut '
She cut me short with a sudden gesture
very peremptory. "I must speak to you
r. Oh. I know my presence here Is
beond all proper custom-but you are a
gentleman. Mr. Morvan. I've come to warn
you-a matter of life and death."
Her voice, beg nnlng fierce with Im
patience, ended tremulous with earnest
ness. The tones. low and mellow, no lest
than the wcrds. gave the lie to my sus
picions. I felt my eax. tingle with the
shame of my mls'ake. This w., ,10t onlv
a good woman, she was also la gentle
woman, else I was the more deceived I
prayed fervently that she had not guessed
for what a base thing I had taken her.
While my eyes strove in vain to make
out the face behind ths blaok veil. I
bowed profoundly.
"Tour pardon, madam. Will you be
seated? My years In the west must plead
for my lack of poUten.. r am wholly
at your service."
he sank Imo a chair by the table, and I
Sate1 myself opposite. T .a faces of both
of us were circled by the candle's glow.
Fronting me. that thrice-accursed veil could
n.t entirely hide the outlines. of a small,
well p.ed h'.id. nor sltigether dim the
curves of a shapely nek.
Ficnt'ng her. steady bla k eyes ai.d a
face perhaps even stern -yet, I do myself
the jiatlee to b.-ltv. not a bad face
watc'.-d her res eot fully.
A'.thou-.h she Jal l:te!y been so amlotis
to lay bare her bu?-lnes. and I Imp-, Lnt
to learn It. yet now that nothing hindered,
neither of us seemed d spnsed to prccied
There fell on us a day dream, euch as
floats about candle light. The wind sighed
through the cherry orchard ouulde the
5J
tl J maw
),&.UPfVC07T
0
wlr.de w. and ths boughs tapped g-ntly on
the panes.
"Mufiim," I said at last, "that you
should remove your veil would be a favor
so great that 1 dare do no more than
touch upon It" I forgot that I was pok
ing as another thin m self "yet. believe
me, 1 would give much to s"e your face
beca'ise your air your figure rerd'nds me
of my mother's, as 1 knew her In my
bovhood."
She matte no move to yield to my re
quest, but I could feel her eyes upon mc.
"My mother, ti o I can hardly remember
her. Yet they say she was very b'autl
ful. Perhaps, if she were but living
now" She broke off with a little gasp
as If she had said too much.
"What has crime over me?" she snld.
"I sit dreaming re-re when." With the
riding whip she carried she beat softly on
the table's edgu I could see the escaping
finger tips p nk In the ca-.dle light. "Mr.
Morvan, if you go to Morvan Manor, you
arc a dead man." '
I 'Stored then aIrrot I laughed. 1
m ght lavj told her hat I had ro' ti e
lai Intention of g 'lrg to Morvan Manor,
but to sy that would have been to do
llar.' myself other than I seemed. , Bs
eldes. there was a threat of violence In
her announcement that must needs be of
Interest to cn of mv nature. Not only
so, but the pies -nt situation was not with
out Its own flavor, a flavor worth enjoy
ing a little longer. I resolved to play my
part In this comedy upon which I had
emend almost In s;lte of myself.
"A dead man?'' I smiled. "Pois tVs
Tom Bell I taw proclaims! bflow, so Infest
the highways thit one cannot travel to
Morvan unmolected?"
"The danger i!o sn't rest on the road,
sir. It's after you've reached Morvan that
peril the deadliest peril will overtake
you."
"What! Will thtre be palson In the htlr's
cip?" I was enjoving my pr.rt "Ar
tht-re Borglas In Weft Jersey? All, madam,
some vlilage wag has been playing on
your wrmanly fea-s."
H 'r Inters drummed the table Impa
tiently. "Listen, s:r! I se I am obllg d
to be rr.ore p.ecise. Mr. Mnrvan, no on1?
has been playing with me I speak f ofn
my own knowledse. Oh, I'm not here by
chance I've been riding to Pole Tavern
nearly every day since t hea -d you were
expected from the west I hoped I might
persuade you to bo warned In time. You
must heed my warning. You'll remember
that the manor is on the very edge of
the Pine Barrens a part of the country
always lawless, sir, and of late more so
than ever. There's a plot to ruin you, Mr.
Morvan a plot that threatens your very
life."
"I'm to be th3 hated over-lord for ths
jack-knife of some Jacques Bonhomme of
a charcoal, burner!"
"Tou must not come Into MTvan," she
cried very hotly. "Tou must w thdraw,
sir, until the times srs more settled a
mint ror two, at least. Yes, you mut
wlthdiaw you must."
Had not this Lady of the Spur been so
peremptory had there been more of alarm
and less of eagerness In her tone I might
have declared myself willing to forego a
visit I had never designed. As It was,
her Insistence pricked my curios ty to the
quick.
"Madam," I said gTavely, 'If you woull
tell me how you gal ed knowl dge of this
fearsome plot If you would condescend to
reveal your name and face even If you
would explain the purpose of your warn
ing, I might the better decide upon"
"My purpose?" she cried. "What other
purpose can I have than to save the life
of an Innocent man? I am a woman I
have a woman's frar of bloodshed! I-rn't
that purpose enough?"
"You answer ti e but one question out
ot three," I leturned. "and that pardon
me! none too plainly." I gave her a
grave bow. "Consider, madam! I am a
peaoeful gentleman on my way to Inspect
my property after many years' absence.
I am met at a publlo house by a pretty
woman," I went on deliberately, "a womin
shrouded In a veil, and In mystery. This
charming woman no, I insist! this girl
whose face I confess I'd give a year's In
come to see, solemnly warns me to with
draw from my own Ma-or of Morvan. I
am told to hold myself aloof from a peace
ful ounty. I'm aljir. d. If I love I fe, tt
retreat like a craven because, forsooth!
there's some sort of bogle in the Pine Bar
rens. Pshaw! madam, what are a few
runaways Horn Delaware, or half n dozen
diwerteis from a war that's paat th.se fif
teen years!"
I paused, not for want of breath, b"t
b oiuse I cculd tr.i'k of nothing more to
t s p:lnt. For one who had been shooting
wholly In the air, I flattered myself I had
drawn a tolerably ro d bow.
In my Interest In my own play ao lng
I had well nigh forgotten that I was not
Henry Morvan and that I had no design
to visit Morvan Manor.
I leaned far over the table, until my faoe
was olose to hers. "Madam, unless you
can speak mors freely, I shall be at Mor
van within the week."
She was silent. My head Inclined more
and more toward her own. She did not
withdraw it. but held herself proudly
poised until our faces were scarce a foot
apart.
All at once a thrill went through me!
I had seen her eyea, gray, steadfast, look
ing at me from beneath level brows.
She averted her head at last with a
little, tremulous sigh, very strange to
hear after the heat she had lately shown.
"I've done what I could," she said, al
most as If to herself. "I can say nothing
mora I knew how It would be. Mr. Mor
vsn, you'll not be warned?"
I shook my bead, my thoughts busy with
the memory of those eyes.
She had nn and was looking dowfl. at
m?. 'I wUh I mltfht perua:e you," sUs
said.
Her voleo was the voire of a tired child,
resignod, and weary beyond words.
Impelled by a sudden Impulse I lfted
her gloved hand ar.d pressed It against my
choek. "I in norry." I mutteied-for I
knw rot w. at.
he withdrew her hand, very gently.
'OKd-n'g't!" 1
Bifoit I could get to my feet, she had
nulled Into the shadows beyond the can
dle's lion. Thn the door of the cherry
room cl ' d ro'tly.
I was If ft etsil .' a''er hr., I all f 't
the trrll of hrr y-, and the touch of her
gl v a t Inet tnv cl eek. The cherry tr er;
rapped rn t;.e window pane-s If sum
moned by the juiid, vasue thought befnn
to eilr In mv mind.
Mv llt'le c n ed h-id been pl.-iyed to ths
ml, and m v the curtxin had fVPn. I
wis nd it m ght have e .d'ired lonnr I
wondered 1 at it all meant. If anvthlng.
If H nry Mo van wers but ePve. aid wie
on the read to his manir h r, IrdeJ.
would be an adventure ready to his hand.
What a p ty he had not ben rpirvV
A whlmsey. at tn e sidaid m rthfvp,
se sed m. Henry Morvan ti cliad. - t
he had but now been alive In me. '.Mr.
Wll: am Hancock hat lately wa corriod hl
old fr end's son from the wet Kvans, the
landloid. had bowed obseiilons to the heir
Of Morvan the sttsnae Ladv of the Spur
had warned Mr. Morvnn from his patri
mony. I alone knew-1 and my faithful
Link that Henry Morvan was lying !n the
g a is of the M siourl.
1h.' boutrhs teat Inslstetitlv on the win
dowthe wind must be freshening. My
mind purfued Its whlmsey.
How strange and h! bow unjust a
world was this I lived In: Tom Boll, t'!ie
proclaimed highwayman, for whom the
hue-and-cry was out ana n, murt seek his
'onelv hunting lodge on rn Island In the
marrh-s, when, If he were but Henry M-r-van.
re er-uld claim a fortune and hrnird
es thereby. How efy It w-cnld be! My
hand fell hsvlly on the table, and I sat
breathing deep:y.
As I sat, atove the turmoil of my
th'Ughts the touarha at the window pane
beat a ordenre ln:o my brain "Tnn t'p.
tap! Tai tap, tap! Cue-two, three:'"
One loud blow. thn two fiuick, light ones.
The sound rai g n mv 1 ea 1. "Tap tsp,
iap! One t.vo. thrre:"
My h eath c.it the f'ame fr.-m the en
die! I gro;ed my wy to th window and
thr-w It e jen A n an swin g himself like
a grrst cat f n m t' e hranc'.i of the ch-rry
to the s II, and so lnt the room.
"Llrk! '
"Yes. Cip!:n- it's Link."
' Go C :
I shut the window, drew the curtains
cope and tut a match to the candl;.
Presently I n ade him on.
He was a lean man of 40 yam or there
about s. HIb Mack heir was cropped close,
and between high cheek bones his eyes
g!eamed like bits of ccal. Kyes and cheek
bones wero all that spoke of Indian blood.
For the rest, he d'ffered little In appear
ance f:.sn eny otl er man of the common
sort. He wore a cloth roundabout and
dark cap, with pantalcons met at the knet
by leathern gaiters.
All In all, your stranger would riot have
looked twice at the man. But. s nee ths
hour I l ad found h!m 'n Ft. Lou's, etarv
inr and derper.itely wounded bv a qia-
rtlHomo flatboatntan. he had shown him
self faithful as a hrtind.
I s look hands w l h him warmly I had
icnt him ahead of me from Carlisle, In
Pinnsylvanln, nearly a fortnight before.
"Whv the window, Link?"
"Too manv people In the har-room, Cap
tain," he said. In his quiet tones. "Didn't
know how you were fixed. Thought mayhe
you didn't want anybody to bo me people
might ask questions. Been In the cherry
tree some time. Tlioupht I saw a woman's
shadow on the curtain, though, and wits
afraid of a mistake, so didn't come In be
fore." "I've Just had a very strange caller but
never mind that now. Did you find the
lodge?"
"Tes. Spent two or three days cleaning
it up. It's all right. Captain. Don't think
anybody's been th?re since you left."
"That's likely enough, though It's nearly
eight years since I saw It last. How's the
country ?"
-The man's eyes lighted. "It's good all
good! Ducks, fish, rabbits big game. tio.
One night I made a flare by the spring,
and killed a deer before an hour was out.
Another time I saw two or three beasts
In a herd if It had been a thousand miles
west, I'd swear they was buffalo."
"They were first cousins wild cattle
descended from cattle strayed from the
farms. Did you make the place fit to live
In?"
"Everything's ready. Made up beds out
of cedar limbs, and blankets over 'em.
Stopped all the chinks In the roof weren't .
many. Slabs on the floor as good as new.
Cleaned the leaves out o' the spring, and
put new clay light through the whole
chimney. Easy enough clear a place for
Injun corn and potatoes next spring. Took
down some buckets and cookln' thinurs
from that town you told me about Glos
ter, ain't It?" '
He stopped, and eyed me from crown to
toe and back again. "Captain, think you'll
spoil all them good clothes, roughln' It
down there In the woods "
I smiled with hlra. "Very likely. The
tailors In Carlisle were too much for me
I couldn't hold myself from dressing de
cently once again. It was a devilish dear
business, though It's left me only a hun
dred dollars of all last season's fur money.
But, Link, It was lucky I was wearing the
coat of a gentleman a little while since I
had to take the name of Mr. Morvan to
save my neck."
In a dozen words I told him of my en
counter with the landlord, and explained
my ruse with Mr. William Hancock.
"Well out of trouble. Captain," said Link
when I had finished. "Nothing to do mow
but make a bee line for the lodge."
"For the lodge?" A plan, full formed,
leaped Into my mind. I stared at him so
long that hs supposed I had not under
stood. "Tes, sir. Be safer If we pull out from
here right off. We can reach the marshes
by tomorrow night."
"Link." I said slowly, "you must start
for the lodge In an hour, but I'm not golnff
with you."
"You ain't going?"
"No, I" I broke off. "Listen' hear
that:'
A clatter of dancing hoofs arose from
the hard post road before the tavern. In
stinctively I knew whose horse It was that
now leapt Into a furious gallop south
ward. "Who is It, Captain?" muttered Link. He
shot me a keen glance. "Humm! forgot
that woman's shadow on the curtain."
"Link," I said, "keep the lodge ready for
me. I'm bound to be there soon perhaps
in a day or two very likely a week. Mean
while" I paused and regarded him In a
brown study.
"Yes, Captain." he prompted.
"Meanwhile, Link, Mr. Henry Morvan
will be living on ths family plantation at
Morvan Manor."
CHAPTKR IV.
The Cabin In the Pines.
The moon was down and the night had
grown cold, when I put axlde some shield
ing vines and peered Into the window of
a cabin. Instantly I was snare that my
pursuit had ben rewarded.
I was looking Into the lhdng ronm one
almose bare of furniture, and floored with
roufch-hewn slabs. The rude interior was
lighted only by a single tallow dip and by
the fire that burned in the mud chimney.
On a bench near the hearth, her feet ex
tended Invitingly toward the heat, sat the
glil 1 h'd been s-eklnir. Her skirt, looped
UP s t one side, showed her riding boot. Its
spur twlrWUnr In the firelight Her gloved
hards played Idlv wlih hr whip; but her
b-uw:, t.ark and stra'ght, frown'd steadily
at the flames.
.ase for the Instant glimpi.e of her eyes
three e'ays ago at Pol- Tavern, and the
uncertain view of her elites vouchsafed
me by the moonlight an hour since, this
m the flrsj time I had seen her fac;.
Now I drew a aatlsfled breath!
An old woman, evidently the owner of
the place, was Misled over aome concoc
tion at a center table Viewed from behind
eh loeiked a crore-fit lag for this slnit-ter
shelter In th-i Wen Jerse-y Pine Bnrrens.
She waa btnt and lame, and there was
m thing stealthy in her motions. But
when she faced, ms, as she moved about
her work, her fair, albeit wrinkled face,
her amcnthly hound br.lr. and her neat
wt lie kerchief, looked thoioughly respesta
ble. As I stared in, her lips moved In the act
of sreaklns. I hsstencd to hy my ear
nsainst the crack In the broken shutter -the
window was without glavi and
through It heard every word as plainly as
If I sat at the table.
"Oh. es. mv dear." she was saylnit. 'It's
all right." Her voice was pleasant, though
ahe apoke wtth the accent of the Pwedes
who first settled that par of the state.
"It's all right. Whv riot? Nobody can
ever find out. and If nobody ever finds out,
it's all r ght, a!?"
The girl frowned at the fire. "1 don't
Ike It. Mary," ihe arawcrel. "It doesn't
l (m-t mran, he doesn't seem, of Course
well, be wan't at all the aort of maS. I'd
exp'-eld to see."
"Oh, he wasnt like what you'd ex
pected?" aild th woman her words, al
though not her tone, hud a touch of Inso
lence. "What d'd you expect? Teopls
like h'm don't tslk rotich thev don't
at you and strike you not the first time
they see you. eh?"
"No, and his sort doesn't drink too
much either, as another sort does." re
turned the (flrl. She tapped her boot Im
patiently wtth her whip. "He the other
one frightens me. sometimes."
The older woman hobbled toward the
fireplace until she could see the girl's face.
She studied her Intently for an lntnnt.
"Oh. have you and mv handsome boy
been bavin' a quarrel?'' she demanded.
"Frightens you? No no, he never meant
to do that that's only his playful ways.
Drink he does too much hut that'll all
stop when you're mistress of the big housi
with him eh? He'll settle down as quiet
as a limb, my dear." Thi pirl shonk her
h'ad. and the old woman, with a tinkling
laugh, limped back tn her household du
ties. Although I had followed the conversation
with the closest attention, yet for me It
m'ght as well have been carried on by a
pair of General Jackson's Cherokees It
was lust as much gibberish.
I stored at thf dark pines, set close
about this hollow In the Barrens. I
thoucht of mv riding Jacket, torn by the
brambles through which I had forced mv
way. and of my boots, stained by the
sloughs I had skirted. I recalled the late
ness of the hour, and how I had so
strangely caifttht Bight of My Lady of the
Spur. No, this was not the time nor the
place for a meanlnuloss conversation. This
most Inveterate gossip In the county would
not seek such surroundings to listen to the
moutblnes of a Swedish crone.
Again I clapped my ear to the crack.
"Maty." the girl was saying, "I'm not
acting hororahly, I know that I knw
that before before I saw him. It makes
me tremble to think what might happen"
"Thee, 1htr.. my dear!" said the
woman. "We've talked It all over a hun
dred times! Didn't you make up your mind
about that long ago? It's no use to worry
now."
"But perhaps It Isn't too late to change
our plans. There may he some other wav.
He's a very resolute man his pistol was
In his hand Ilk lightning that night! The
whole plan frightens me I don't know my
self when I think of It. Here? I've ridden
out hers through the wildest part of the
Barrens. Suppose I had met some of
those frightful looking friends of mine
alone! or a real hlghwavman! You know
Mr. Hancock was robbed on the Clayvllle
ncad the night I was at Pole Tavern. Sup
poss some of the wild charcoal burners
should come In here! This Is a dreadfully
lonely house, Mary.'
"Why, my dear," said the old woman,
laughing In her silvery fashion, "nobody's
here but me only your own old Mary. She
ain't going to let anybody hurt you. You
don't think of that do you, my dear?"
' No, but '
"And the boys of the Barrens I slnt
saying but what som of 'em are a wild
lot, but I know every one of 'em. They
wouldn't hurt old Mary, nor anybody that's
a friend of mine either. Why, If It we sn't
for them, where'd all our plans he nowT
It takes high spirited folks to take up
with what we've got on hand."
I substituted eye for car, and again
peered Into the room by cautloiiBly widen
ing th aperture In the decaying shutter. I
was able both to hear and aee. The girl
had liren, and was walking restlessly back
and forth. Her brows were still frowning,
but her short upper Hp and rounded chin
gave her mouth a pathetlo look. Clearly
she was troubled and unhappy I felt a
sudden longing to be of comfort to her.
"Confound it!" I thought. "What's all
this about? The girl Is certainly a lady,
but what's she doing here? I wish Bram
were with me he understands those peo
ple. I dare wager he'd see through my
little mystery at once."
I recollected that I had left Bramfleld
Movan, my "cousin" Bram I laughed at
the thought silting as usual aver a bottle
of Madeira. Bluff and good-natured as he
was, I had already perceived that his
habits were likely to prove his undoing.
No man could play the pot knight all his
life without being the worst for It.
A sharp scream, quickly suppressed,
sounded wtlhln the cabin. The girl had
stopped her nervous pacing, and was star
ing at a corner of the room. What she saw
waa enough to strike terror to s bolder
heart!
Fiom a sort of cupboard a huge anaks
was gilding slowly Into view. Its white-and-brown
striped body, as thick as a
man's arm. Its length of near sight feet,
snd Its lazy motions, told me at once that
It was the great pine snake of the Bar
rensa reptile usually harmless enough,
but none the less frightful to behold.
While the girl stared In terror and dis
gust, the old woman broke Into hrr silvery
laugh. (
"It's only 'Wriggles,' my dear," she
said. "I'l talkln' so has wakod him up
from his nap."
The girl recovered herself. 8hs an
swered a little fiercely, though her Up
still quivered. "Mary. I've told you I
n't bear to see that hideous snake. It's
the one hateful thing I know about you
your making a pet of such a -beast."
Without hesitation, the old unman lifted
the herd and upper colls of the snake In
her arms, and deposited them In the cup
board. Thus directed, the reptile dragged
the- rest of Its body after, and Mary closed
the door upon It.
"There, my dear." she said. "He's out
of your sight now. "Wriggles' wouldn't
hurt a fly, and he's great company for me.
nWhta Why, why, you're shakln' all over,
ain't you? Too bad! Here, tsa's ready.
A cup of It'll do you good."
The girl had thrown heiif on the bench,
her hand over her eyes. "No, no, I don't
want any tea. But a snake! Mary, how
can you? A snake la a bad omen, too."
Ihe woman, pouring out a brew of
strong, black ll'iuld, started and frowned a
little. There was the faintest shadow of
a smer about l.er kindly old mouth.
"Don't talk about signs. Take some tea,
my dear. do. There's nothing like hot
tea for the nerves. Many's the time It
ke-p me from gettln' the blues, winter
nlghis "
The g rl ield-d to the other"s Insistence.
he took a long draught, but put down the
cup with an expression of distaste. "It's
as bitfr ua gall. Mary."
The Swede laughed tolerantly. "Tou'rs
haid to please tonight, my dear."
"Who wouldn't be?" retorted the girl
with sudden fire. "Haven't I enough to
make me so?"
(To Bs Continued.)