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WILD MARGARET. = tt.
me my best way of doing it, and help me to choose the
time and place, why, I should feel very grateful to that
friend,’’ ‘
Pyke looked somewhat mystified for a moment, then he
started, and a look of cunning flashed from his eyes. ,_
‘Why, you hate him, too, guv’nor!’? he exclaimed,
hoarsely » With an oath. - .
Austin Ambrose looked at him and smiled.
. After all, you are not such a fool as you looked, my
friend,” he said. _
yke stood eying him stealthily and curiously, then he
slapped his knee cautiously.
_.l’ve got it! he said with a leer. ‘ He’s after your
girl, guv’nor!” |
_ Austin Ambrose smiled again.
‘You are really an intelligent person, Mr. Pyke,” he
Said, suavely. ‘And now that we understand each other
—and we do, I think?” :
yke swore horribly for assent.
‘‘ Exactly. Then I'think we had better part. Take my |
advice, and don’t—watch for rabbits any more! »Go home
and rest until your friend sends you word that the time
has come to pay back old scores. When he does so, well—
@ ready, and strike home!” . oo
“*T will!” Pyke declared, setting his teeth.
Austin Ambrose flung his cigarette away. a
‘‘ Poaching is a hard trade,” he ‘murmured, looking up
at'the sky, which shone blue as a turquois through the
trees. ‘*One should pity the poor fellow who is driven
toit, rather than condemn him. There, my poor man,
take this small coin and find some honest work. _ You are
strong and able, get some employment. Believe me,
honesty is the best policy!’ And he held out.a sovereign.
Pyke took it, examined it, and put it in his pocket. But
he stood still, waiting like a well-trained hound, for _
further orders.
Suddenly Austin Ambrose raised his hand and pointed
to the road.
‘Go?’ he said sternly. . 4
Pyke started, just asa dog would start, fingered his ‘ur
cap, and muttering, ‘‘ Yes, guv’nor, yes,’’ disappeared. |
Austin Ambrose remained seated for some minutes, his
br teed knitted, his eyes fixed on the ground, then he mur-
mured: ,
‘Yes, I shall win this! Everything goes with me!
Everything! It is a bold game, but I shall win it! A |
man gets all the trump cards dealt him, or breaks the
ank at faro, once in a lifetime; it is his one chance! This
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