Jack and His Seven Foes — page 126: what you’re looking at

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some, Jacob drank his, so with all -eatables also. He let them make a start, and then followed. Ben followed him. It was as strange a meal as ever four civilised people partook of. But neither old nor young Shdeaway saw anything peculiar init. They were so satisfied with the success of their cunning plot that they failed to watch the enemy. Tea was over, and the old man began to clear away, the young one, after a minute, helping him. They went in and out, talking in their nost hvely strain, and as soon as the table was cleared, young Slideaway took another look outside. All had gone well. The Bowie Boys had arrived, and were gathered in a dark cluster under the four maple trees in front of Jerek Grittle’s house. Jerek himself had not been able to come to tea. He was laid up witha sudden attack of rheumatism. That was the message he sent in the efternoon. “As good a thing as could happen,” said old “Slideaway. ‘“ He won’t beable to interfere, and we shall save a tea. — JACK AND HIS SEVEN FOES. PAPAIN AIM trarm tori 117 What’s the good of throwing wittles away on dead "men P”? Young Shdeaway moved over to the maple frees and joined Makepeace Jibber, who stood at the head of his men, ‘Allis gone slick and easy,” he said. “As soon as I go in, you may begin to close round the house. When I come out again, go in and finish him.” “It’s as good as done,” said Make- peace J ibber. And while they thus conversed, Jack sat quietly by the fire reading. Ile was not troubled with any doubts or fears like Jacob, and had no suspicion of treachery. Jerek Grittle lay on his couch in the other room, but his rheumatism could not have been very bad. Rheumatism makes people wince and oroan, and he was doing neither. Slideaway, junior, went indoors again, and silent as shadows the Bowie Boys cathered round the house. Six, with Makepeace Jibber, stood by the door awaiting the sional to rush in. Not a sound broke the stillness of the night. Every ear was stretched, and the eyes of all were upon the door from which Slideaway, junior, was expected | to emerge. -— CHAPTER XLYI. THE BITERS BITTEN—MAKEPAECE JIBBER MAKES TRACKS TO ANOTHER COUNTRY. “Tra is a woman’s drink,” said Slide- away, senior, moving Tope the little table. “It dont suit men unless they have a drop of whisky after it.” He turned round and leered like a knowing old toper. Jacob Sturmby nodded his head and emiled. ‘ihe moment had come for him to see clearly what game was afoot. ““Shdey,” continued the oldman, “ put out four glasses. We have jest four left of the dozen that your dear mother brought up the mount ain.’ “ Here they are, daddy,” said young Shdeaway, endeay ouring to speak jovially. But his yoice came hot and hoarse through his dry lips, and the glasses On Out | first ! jingled tremulously as he set them down. Slideaway, senior, filled them up. And he was nervous, too, for he poured some over the edge of the glasses upon the table. te My eyes are bad,” he said, “ and I can’t see so clear as I used to do.” He raised his glass, and looked at his guests with a sickly smile. ‘“‘ Let us drink to each other,” he said. The eyes of Jacob Sturmby were upon him. ‘“ Drink away,” he said. “Tt’s usual for visitors here to drink first,” said the old man, faintly. cf By heaven!” cried Jacob, suddenly produci ing his revolver, ‘‘ you shall drinks Cover the youn e 7un, Ben. CORNIELOO (E <S (E©)