The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 169: what you’re looking at

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

THE BUNKEL MYSTERY. 169 This remark was followed by the tramping of feet on the rocks, and it was evident that the second speaker was leaving the locality, for no further sounds were heard. Poddy maintained silence for some time longer, though he resumed his trencher practice. The meal was spread out on the platform which served as a bed at diehe It was made up of cold dishes, consisting of cold chickens, sandwiches, a whole leg of ham, a keg of crackers, and plenty of bread and cheese. Only ‘the coffee was hot. 7 By the side of the table was a large basket, which was well filled with provisions, all cooked and ready for use. It was plain that the robber had prepared for a long stay on the island, though he could not have laid in a stock for the two extra persons he had brought to the cave. However, it looked as though they could all live on the supply for a week at least. It was a late hour for breakfast, and all of them seemed to be desperately ' hungry. Not one of them spoke after the sound of the voices ceased to reach them. As it did not look as though they were likely to be disturbed, Poddy’s savage expression softened to its former amiability. But at least half an hour elapsed before he spoke, and the meal had been finished. Then he looked at ‘Tom Sawder some time before he said anything. ‘“Do you knaqw who those men were that we heard outside, Tom ?’’ asked the leader. “T’ll bet I do!’’ exclaimed the hoodlum, grating his teeth with wrath. “Hush! Do you want to call them back, you blockhead ?'’ demanded Poddy, as he raised the pistol in his hand, though even Tom might have known that he did not mean to fire it, as the sound of it would have brought the visitors back to the vicinity. ‘‘Can’t you speak without bellowing ? Who were they ?’’ ‘One of them was Andy Lamb; and I should like to get hold of him !”” replied Tom, in a more reasonable tone. ‘“Nonsense! ‘That fellow would thrash you every time, as he did in the boat ; and you had better keep away from him,’’ added Poddy. ‘Thrash me? Hecan’t doit! Nor no other fellow in Montoban !’’ _**No matter about that now. Who was the other ?’’ ‘The other was Rynon; and he would like to get hold of me,’’ chuckled Tom. ‘‘ He took up the rest of our fellers, but he couldn’t find me.”’ ‘‘Rynon, if that is his name, says he wants the boys,’’ continued Poddy, taking no further notice of Tom, for whom he cherished a very decided con- tempt. ‘‘ What does he mean by that ?”’ No one answered this question, and no one seemed to be able to do so at once. But it was the subject of consideration to Dolph and Phin. When the silence had prevailed for some time Poddy repeated the question. : ‘They are looking for the boys, and the officer don’t take any stock in the man that was mentioned,’’ said Dolph. ‘JT am that man,’”’ added Poddy, with asmile. ‘‘ There can be no doubt of that. ‘Tom Sawder very nearly gave me away.’’ “Git out! I didn’t do nothin’ of the sort!’’ exclaimed the hoodlum. ‘“T don’t never give nobody away. I ain’t no sech a feller.’’ Commicooolxs (S@)