Jack and His Seven Foes — page 149: what you’re looking at

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140 —he never knew, but suddenly he was awakened by a hand being laid upon him. | He opened his eyes, and stared first —- JACK AND HIS SEVEN FOES. oe wee me at a lighted lamp, then at the bearer of lt. | ‘Mercy!’ he gasped, “mercy !”’ It was Jack Boldheart! CODY ADD DAE 2OR 09 27 LO tO £3 TH UM COD 29 UO? CO? COD OD 2D CDI WD 1 OO’ CHAPTER LVI. A PLEASANT PLACE OF REST——-A RUDE AWAKENING—NUMBER FIVE. Tue Settler neither moved nor spoke, but lay like one under a spell, with his eyes fixed on his unwelcome visitor. It was Jack who broke the silence. ‘““T hope,” he said, “that you are prepared for me, and will meet me like aman.” Not a word came from the Settler’s lips, and his eyes neither moved nor blinked. “The last time we met,’ continued Jack, “it was open ground. Your cowardice prompted you to run away. You will not be able to do so now.” “T thought I was let off,” said the Settler, in a low, hoarse veice. ‘So you were, on conditions,” replied Jack, “‘and those conditions you have broken.” “T’ve led an honest life lately,” said the Settler, sulleniy. | ‘But not with honest men,’ said Jack; “ but I am not here to argue with you. Rise, man.” “Tt ain’t fair to make me fight again.” “Tt is good to hear a man lke you talking of what is fair and unfair.” The Settler sat up in his bed, and glared around him like a wild beast in acage. Jack, revolver in hand, stood between him and the door—there was no escape that way. His eyes wandered to the window, and Jack, with a little smile, saw the look, and answered 1t. ‘T have two friends outside,”’ he said, “who will prevent your escape that way.” ‘The Settler groaned, and buried his face in his hands. Now that the supreme moment oi his hte had come, when death stood before him, he was as big a coward as need be. Bully, thief, and murderer, he was, by the laws of nature, peculiarly averse to punishment, and had a mortal dread of dying. $c peeee—rpe ee escent ange “Won't you have mercy on me?” he asked. “What mercy had you on my noble father? ”’ said Jack. “ Let me live another week, the Settler. “Remember my brother,” said Jack. “Twill go where you like—do what you wish.” “Think of the murdered men of the ‘Albatross,’’’ said Jack. ‘ No, I will not spare you. Stand up. There is your weapon.” | He tossed a revolver upon the bed, but the Settler would not take it; he still sat rocking himself to and fro. “JT have to warn you that I shall give but little grace,” said Jack. I3 whined. In amoment the Settler had seized the weapon, and sprang to his feet. He fired at Jack, and missed, fired a second time, and missed again. | Then he made for the door, shrieking for help. Jack, with compressed lips, took steady aim at him, and as he wrenched the door open, fired. | The Settler’s foot was on _ the threshold ; he could hear the trampinge of feet, and the cries of those coming to his rescue, and then all was over. With a bullet in his back, he stag- gered forward, uttered a gasping cry, and fell. | “1 think I have him this time,” said Jack, and opening the window, he dropped lightly to the ground, where Jacob Sturmby and cld Ben were im- patiently awaiting his coming. . “Tt is done,” he said, and they, moving on quickly, were speedily lost in the gloom of night. Lhe landlord of the place was the first on the spot where the Settler lay, and he was on the point of tripping over him, when he saw him lying across his path. MICOOOKSaCO© (c©)