Eveline Mandeville

case of necessity, as the report of firearms might lead to detection,) awaited the arrival of their victim. About nine o'clock, the sound of horses' feet, approaching at a r

ains had posted themselves. Their plans were all fully matured, even down to the minute details. They were both to spring out and seize the horse by the bridle; then, while Bill held the animal, Dick was to strike the fatal blow to the heart of the rider.

; let the first blow tell the ta

your own part, and I'll do the

y as to throw him back on his haunches, to the imminent peril of the rider, who was nearly thrown from his seat. In a moment, the glittering blade of steel was at his

laimed Dick, as he lowered his bla

e determined to punish ourselves. The fact is, these, horse-thieves must be dealt with, and that speedily, too, or there will be no such thing as safety for our stock. For our parts, we have resolved to defend our property at all hazards, and others will have to d

re becoming so numerous and bold, there is no telling to what length their wickedness may run. These thieving operations must be stopped, cost what it may; but it seems to me this is a bad place to co

ht is too cunning to be caught at his work. He is well known to be guilty, and has more than once been arrested and tri

l, and don't kil

the manner in which our

, certainly; but don'

ll n

d ni

d a pleasant jo

xpressed were held almost universally by the honest portion of the community, and already several thieves had been shot at, some of whom were known to have be

the fellow's ey

one-the best job you ever bosse

from th

Williams, sure's I'm a

re Wil

I tell you, when I thought of the trial, I felt mightily like payin' him off fo

we don't want over one dead man on our h

t Hadley, and if he don't co

for their victim, who came not, they repaired to the place of rendezvous, to report

down in a state of impatience and disquietude. So soo

s kept you so lat

ent between the questions, we will en

ed. Did you

as laid down in

d you let

, for the very good reason that he didn't

ow

idn't come himself, b

, he did!

that instead of young Hadley, we came wi

re Wil

nd it being too dark to distinguish one man from another, or from old Nick for tha

e early part of the even

but I am exceedingly sorry the bird we were after has escaped. However, as that

of the ni

have time to take all the stock to-night; we shall, therefore, conf

evill

why

as playing for another

if

ay of gaining the old gentleman's goo

r as you mig

e blame of the theft thrown on a rival, whose non-appearance should condemn him. I see it all now, though I d

amiliar with Mr. Mandevil

tolera

here in about half an hour; a

try,

must get him away before the tracks will show; but don't s

rig

ossible time. Bill and I will arrange matter

his master, and Duffel communicated to B

her, a bachelor, by the way, with whom she is living, is reputed wealthy, and, it is said, has willed his property to young Hadley. The news of these events was brought to him yesterday, and he made immediate preparations to go east, but did not expect to get off until this morning. I presume, however, he must have started yester

he should

cur, or should you fail to get beyond him on the way, you must watch for him in the city; follow him a

act

that this must b

nant Duffe

more anxious than ever to have him settled,

; but when ar

y; then you must show yourselves for a little while, as was before determined; and as s

. We will follow him as

acquit yourself as a good soldier. Give Dick su

the scheme of villainy had been planned, in the middle of which the horse was concealed for the

ng out invectives on the "villain of a thief" in no measured quantity, the two ruffians, Bill and Dick, set out on their errand of death? L

t in those early days most of the trav