High Toby

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 220, 13 June 1936, Page 27

High Toby

(By Detective Lloyd. Continued from last week.)

“Thiinderation ! You mean it was Sir Richard you robbed. “Aye, squire, it was.” The squire frowned. "He gave chase?" "Faith yes, and my horse stumbled outside the copse. ■ "The deuce it did,” fumed the squire. "You idiot. Hell probably be searching the copse by now.” . . Dick grinned. Little did they know that he was standing but a iew feet from them, separated only by a wall. . , .. “He will never find the pit. If lie does he'll think it just an ordinary hole. “Faith, I don't like it,” frowned Squire Browne. "Let us hope he does. Dundy, you will rest here till to-night, then you'll bold up the London coach at the same place.” ... TT , . Dick, hearing all he wanted, crept silently away. He must in some way frustrate that plan. He found a small knob on the door leading to the pit, he tugged on it. the door swung open, and he entered. “I must find a way out,” he murmured. 'Dandy could not haie dropped

° WI It was full daylight now. and as he glanced round he noticed a rope ladder with two curved hooks attached, rolled up, and hidden so that it could not be seen from above if anyone chanced to look down. , ~ , “The clever scoundrel,” thought Richard. He picked up the ladder and swung the hooks up to the opening, mid as they fell he fugged hard and the hooks sank into the ground. He swiftly climbed up. and as he pulled the hooks up he suddenly remembered: How was he to put the rope back? He looked round mid spied some trailing creepers. lie quickly rolled up the laddei and loosely tied a creeper to it. Then he lowered it down, and alter a few attempts he accomplished it. He came out on to the road and found Rosie cropping some grass. Richard mounted his horse and galloped off. The moon had risen into the sky. shedding its cold light ovei the conntiyside. The trees of the plantation threw long, lean shadows over the way. Down the white ribboned road rolled the London coach. Richard clung to the hangin„ strai as it lurched. He looked across at his fellow passengers, wjio were also clinging to straps. One was a farmer and his wife, and the other was a young lady of about twenty. She had round her neck a pearl necklace. Richard gazed at it. Dandy was in luck's way to-night. The farmer looked across at Richard and nodded. Dick closed his right eye. The coach was now nearing the plantation. The coach pulled up' and the horses reared. The farmer poked his head out. “Zounds! What's up? Thunder and lightning, a lobyman. “Ayo. come out.” said Dandy brandishing his pistols. They climbed out. but Dick crept closer into a dark corner and drew Ins cloak around him. M hat lime we here?” said Dandy. "Why, a necklace. , Give it me. wench. „ “Here.” said the girl: “now let us on our way. While this was taking place Dick was slowly drawing Ins pistols, and he ed„ed nearer the door. , , ~ , . _ . ...» “Don’t move. Dandy.” said Dick, levelling his pistols. Drop those pistols. Dandy was taken off his guard. He turned round— Sir Richard Stone. "Faith, you're sharp willed. Dandy. Let me introduce our drivers, two Row Street Runners.” Dandy gaped fool.sidy. , “We’ll walk to the copse, it isn't far.” said Richard as he turned to the tmmir. “You bring the coach down later. Gome on.” , „ , j Squire Browne hummed a tune. "Time Dandy was here he murmured. There was a sound in the tunnel, and the panel noiselessly opened. “Zounds! Dandy, you're—.” but the rest froze on his lips for he looked down at two levelled pistols. “Faith. Dandy, if this is a joke I—.” “It's no joke." said Richard lifting his mask. . “Why. by my life. Sir Richard Stone!” exclaimed the squire, Ins face turning The two Runners stepped into the room. One of them carried a warrant. “Squire Browne." be read, “I arrest you in the King’s name for aiding and being in league with Dandy Jackson, outlaw and highwayman. „ The squire licked his lips. “Zounds! It’s—it’s—preposterous. “Faith, squire.” smiled Richard, “you see I found the pit and I heard join conversation with Dandy.” “You—you!” choked the squire. , , ~ . ~ The two Runners closed in on the squire and inarched him out to the coach, which was already drawn up. mi,„ “Bi’t. squire, my diamond, said Dick, as he opened the coach dooi. flic squire felt in his pocket and savagely handed it over. The squire entered and sat down beside Dandy, who was by now loosened from his bonds. The two Runners sat opposite. Dick sat up with the driver. He knew that the reward would cover his debt and thus save his home and the diamond. But the coach rattled away carrying two men who would soon dangle from Tyburn Hill.