The Colonel's Wife — page 49: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

49 THE BIRD FLOWN. the penalty. Atany rate I believe I can yet find what I want without your assistance.’’ | - He stood, holding his watch in his hand. “Remember, you have made a bitter enemy out of _ Major Worden by your peculiar business marriage with Mollie Granger. He is eager to make hera widow this night. Three minutes have aleady flown, think fast, my dear cousin. It means life or death to Ou. Already John had decided that it was folly to think of putting any confidence in this man, whom he knew of old. Besides, another thing helped him to decide. As his eyes ranged over the bushes he caught a fleeting glimpse of a head that was momentarily raised and then as speedily dropped out of sight, but not before he had recognized the homely features of Sergeant Shanks. _**The time is up, cousin,’’ said Crockett. “I have nothing to say,’’ remarked. John, calmly. The other looked at him closely. “You are a fool, John Ridgeway. Well, have your Own way, and stretch hemp,’’ with which he turned ' _ upon his heel and walked off. _ Time passed on. Those around the fire had not changed their posi- tions to any extent, but seemed to be engaged ina conversation that engrossed their whole attention. - Once more the lights were flashing about the win- dows of the old mansion, for Crockett, inspired with new zeal after his interview with his cousin had _ again entered upon a search for the missing packet. More than once John glanced that way, a little uneasy lest the other might by a turn of fortune dis- -- cover the loose stone in the hearth. Thus he waited, having confidence in the ability of the sergeant to accomplish something, for the _ other was an old campaigner. | eae ; . com (¢ 900 S.CO 7