Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 167: what you’re looking at

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

160 THE ARGOSY. ence in such matters than I have, and the right kind of experience, too; and I should like to have you advise me what to do,” suggested Phil. “Tf I had had the direction of the case a little earlier, I should have advised you to let the two intruders remain in full possession of your shanty, and carry out their original plan of robbing the bank, as you suspect that they intend to do.” ‘“ T thought of that myself; but I could not take the responsibility of keep- ing the money any longer.” | ‘“ Perhaps we can rectify the error,” continued Cavan, pursing his lips amd contracting his brow as he paused to reflect. ‘TI have perfect confidence in your judgment, and will do just what you say,” said Phil. “Paul, I am going to Minnetonka with you!” exclaimed the agent sud- denly. “I am as much concerned to prove your innocence as you can be yourself, for I have fully committed myself in that direction, having declared. that I believed you innocent.” “You are very kind, sir; and I have no right to expect so much of you,” replied Phil, who really felt as though his innocence was already established with such a powerful and skilful person to assist him. “ There is only one difficulty in the way. An old friend of mine who lived in New York when I was there, wrote me that he should arrive at the Ryan last evening, and wished to see me on business of the utmost importance early in the morning. I must see him.” Cavan was troubled by the clashing of this engagement with his intention to accompany the captain to the lake; but after he had considered the subject for a few minutes, he appeared to have arrived at a solution of the difficult problem. ‘“T think we had better not wait for the train in the morning, Paul,” said he. “I should like to be on the ground before these fellows are stirring, and I think I can manage it.” The captain asked no questions, and the agent went to his room to finish his toilet.; but he returned fully dressed for the street in a few minutes, and they left the house together, making their way to the Ryan House as soon as pos- sible. “TI thought I should find you coming into the house at about this time,” said Cavan, accosting a gentleman he found smoking his cigar at the door. “Tam off a little earlier than usual tonight; but I have to return to the sta- tion again soon,” replied the smoker. ‘“T want to get to Lake Minnetonka in the shortest possible time,” con- tinued the agent, as the gentleman threw away the stump of his cigar, and looked at the clock. . ‘“T have to send a freight train over to the mills, near there, in about half an hour, and you may go in the caboose, Cavan. To what part of the lake do you want to go?” “To Excelsior,” replied the captain, when the agent looked at him. “T will send you the rest of the way on the engine, if you like.” “Thank you, Brooks; the engine will do. We will be at the freight sta- GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT —_ am