Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-12-17

of the rowel in my own aesh. 1t became
sharper and more painful and gradually
camel, desert. chase. faded from my Wis
ion. and the bank once again dawned up
on my awakening senses. But though
my aerial steed and his surroundings had
all disappeared, the spur unaccountably
enough remained, as my neither limbs
were painfully reminding me.
II was no dream this lime-I was wide
awake. Quickly glaucing around, dis
covered Lance crouching down beside my
chair, and vigorously applying pin to
the cali of my leg. To this proceeding
was about to enter an indignant protest
when significant gesture warned me TO
remain mute. His face was white with
unwonted excitement, as he rose noise
lessly to his feet, and beckoning me TO a
small aperture in the wall used for the
transmission Of books and papers between
manager and clerks, bade me look upon
a spectacle that made each individual
hair upon my head 10 stand erect. The
drawer containing the stamps and gold
was being lsmpered with before my very
eyes in broad DAY light. STOPPING down
with his back toward US was q man softly
bat swiftly forcing the lock with cbsel.
But the man-the thef-who was hep
knew at glance that long, lean form. 1t
was Bennett. We both sbrank back.
Take IF your boots, SIR" be whis-
pered in j low voice. noticed that his
own feet were shoeless. Creep round
outside the counter, and wait till give
the word-theL over and help me-"
nodded as ent and then | saw Lance
crawl out upon his hands and knees into
the office, behind the shelter OF long.
high desk, at the end OF which he would
be within few feet OF Bennett. | crept
away to the other entrance of the man
ager's room. which led into a large space
appropriated to the public, and. gliding
Doisolessly along, Iarrived where | knew
must be opposite the thief at his work.
Click, click, went the chisel against the
brass lock. II was apparently work of
time and difficulty, though the sound of
crushing woodwork betokened tho near
Accomplishment of the deed. How long
the time seemed Had Lance been able
to get close 10 him undiscovered?
judged so rs the chisel still continued
its grating WORK. Sometimes stopped for
moment. aud then knew that the man
was watching the door OF the managers
room. 10 see that was safe under the
influence Of the narcotic. Click, click,
crunch and the whole lock appeared to
come away, the drawer being at the same
time drawn softly open.
Now" thought l. "here goes"
Not yet | could hear the mellow
chink OF the small bags OF gold as they
were hurriedly transferred TO the mans
pockets; then the stiff rustic OF many
sheets of stamps told of like destina-
lion. listened breathleSsly. Suddenly
there was yell of mingled fright and
rage. and vsulling at one bound across
the counter, | saw Bennett falling back
wayd, his Lhroa. clu,ched by the practiced
hands oil the eX-policeman, who held on
with a will having sprung on him silent
ly from behind. The half-strangled man
struggled like tiend, dealing me sew
eral ugly kicks with his long legs as |
attacked him from the front. But the
odds were too many, and furthermore be
had been taken bY surprise. Ia few
minutes ho Was overpowered, and his
hands aud ieet ere securely fastened.-
Not word lad been uttered since the
commencement Of the conflict. but now
Lance looked up and said, IN stern
voice:
"Gotthe scoundrel at lss.-next things
a pleaceman. VIII you 60. sir, or shall
I?"
Here there Was fierce attempt TO tree
himself by tho PROSTATE thief.
Perhaps I'd better stop with him."
continued Lance; you'll get d constable
in minute or two at the station in Old
jury"
Seizing my hat was of in a twinkling,
and returned 10 double.quick time to the
bank, accompanied by slalwart member
of the city police. A few moments saw
the policeman. myself and our chopfallen
prisoner marching quidtly to the station.
where | made the charge and lett him to
the solitude of cell ill Monday morn
ing. On my return to the bank, the
night Sslchman had arrived, and pre-
pared to go home.
"Why, Lance, you must have suspect
ed the beggar before this!" ! exclaimed
"rve thought it some time. sir" he
laughed. knew | should cop him some
day." Then, with frown "Mean,
sneaking skunk l believe he meant to
try to put it on to me or the watchman
here"
"Well, all's we'll that ends well, Lance.
and it was a clever catch of yours. We
have a nice story for Mr.. Spofforth to-
morrow. Goodnight"
Good might, sir"
trl-- T ,,.lkaA into tho hank NEXT