The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

480 THE FOX HUNTER. ‘“Well, he is a born actor.’’ “It cost us five dollars and several rehearsals to get him up to the right key. But he was worth it,’’ replied Oakman. ‘‘ What’s become of him, though ?’’ he continued. ‘‘ What was he up to when he spoke about the handcuffs ?”’ ‘I reckon he is waiting for us at the inn. Let’s join him,’’ suggested Olcott. We hurried to the Grizzly Bear, and when we entered the bar room, Felix Tucker was in the midst of a flamboyant account of his experience with a half dozen outlaws. One look at our slouch hats and turned up coat col- lars told him the truth. A ghastly smile lit up his face, and he said weakly, ‘“Well, now, I suspected you, Hildreth, all the time.’’ Then Oakman related with much gusto the trick played on us in turn. ‘“Which reminds me,’’ interrupted Olcott. ‘‘ Where in the dickens is Perkins ?”’ An odd expression came over the face of landlord Ctttle as he asked for further particulars. When he had heard the whole story he said, ‘‘ Gentle- men, the right name of that verdant countryman you call Mr. Perkins is Cinch Wadders! I suspected him the other night when he first came here ; he saw it, and warned me not to give him away; and, as he promised me he would do no harm to you, I did not feel bad about keeping his secret. I reckon it’s good by purse and watch !”’ When we had recovered from our amazement, I turned to Tucker. ‘*Since you have lost your property through our doings, we can do no less than make it good to you.”’ Then it was Tucker’s turn to add the last straw. ‘“ My friends, I am not quite the fool I may look. I knew I was likely to run against Cinch Wadders in these parts at any time, so I prepared myself by carrying a brass watch and a purse padded with papers of no value.”’ All of which suggests the question whether, after all, it was not Tucker who laughed last ? Hl, L. Ellinger. THE FOX HUNTER. As forth he rides, he turns his head, And waves a last good by ; And the gallant hunter’s fair young wife, Can scarce restrain a sigh. ‘‘Tis not the danger of the chase I fear for him,’’ she cried ; | ‘‘ His horse is strong and sure of foot, And he is skilled to ride. ‘* But oh—and when I think of it My heart is in my throat— I fear that some bad, wicked boy Will stone his bright red coat !”’ (COMIC KOOKS |