Part 14 (1/2)

”Leave him to me,” he whispered, in a tone audible only to the farmer.

”Thee has asked the wrong party,” he said aloud. ”We don't carry watches.”

The pedestrian regarded him with contempt. Whoever he might be, he looked upon a Quaker as a mild, inoffensive person, hardly deserving the name of man.

”I didn't speak to you,” he said scornfully.

CHAPTER X.

THE ASTONISHED OUTLAW.

The pedestrian's next move was a bold one.

”I am tired,” he said. ”Give me a ride.”

”Will thee excuse us?” said the Quaker meekly.

”Oh, shut up!” cried the a.s.sumed pedestrian. ”Quakers should be seen and not heard.”

Then, to the farmer, ”I am tired. Let me into your carriage.”

”There is no room,” said the farmer nervously.

”Then tell the Quaker to get out, and I will take his place.”

Ezekiel Mason was by no means a brave man, and he did not know what to say to this impudent proposal.

He looked appealingly at Luke.

”I will accommodate the gentleman,” said the latter meekly. With the words he rose from his seat and jumped to the ground.

”Shall I a.s.sist thee?” he asked the stranger in a mild voice.

”No; I am quite capable of getting into the carriage without help from a meddlesome Quaker.”

”Indeed, thee does me injustice.”

The stranger did not immediately get into the buggy.

”I don't care to ride, after all,” he said coolly. ”Just hand me your money, you old clodhopper.”

The worst had come. The new arrival was evidently one of the Fox brothers, after all.

”Indeed, I have no money,” said the terrified farmer.

This was true, for he had put the wallet, containing the five hundred dollars, into the hands of Luke.

”You lie! You have just come from the Emmonsville bank, where you drew a large amount.”