The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-02-08

ward, and before his opponent could
turn, he had reached the bed side, and
seized a revolver which lay to hand
upon chair.
Then turning to the convict, he said,
"A step more, and 1t will be your last. . !
"A thousand deaths, If IL isn't an ofIi- 1
Ger ~ cried the convict.
g / said so, did not 2" asked Webber.
You've got my pistol, it's true,,
cried Langley, exasperated "but my fist
is my own still, and 1 recommend you
not to feel It,"
That may feel your fist, you must
come near me and you know better
than to do that"
And his right hand still holding the
pistol on level with his eyes, as though
he was taking aim at target. Webber
seated himself quietly upon the warm
bed that Langley had only just quilted.
The convict dared not take step for
ward. So they looked at each other
the one ready to leap, the other ready
TO fire.
Webber was first to speak.
So you have decided not to swallow
me ? I'm sorry for it, for should like
to die in an original manner"
"Well mate" replied the convict, "I
do say that you know'd you was handy,
when you had pluck enough to come
after me without help"
Here his eyes glistened as he looked
about the room, searching for some-
thing with which TO attack the officer.
Ha 70 said Webber, 81 always did
say that people thought more of you
than you deserved. What are you look
ing about for-your slippers, perhaps 7
Well, there they are," he continued,
throwing an old pair of shoes towards
the convict, 81 am not bad sort Of
fellow, Langley, if you know me and
though L mean to arrest you, it doesn't
follow that should let you catch cold"
"Thankee ~ replied Langley, whose.
habitual GOODNESS was now returning
IA man all'us feels more at home in
shoe-leather than out of it, and, besides,
man can fight better, which is a warn
ing for you"
"Will you dress altogether Yes.
Here, catch your things. Ha collar,
waistcoat, coat, &C., &c. Don't be afraid
here they are-catchl"
"Well, if you're agreeable, I'm agree
able" replied the convict, amazed at the
officers civility, and catching the arti-
ces of attire as they were thrown to
him.
Without being curious, Langley"
continued the police offer, "what do
you think abo ut doing when you are
dressed ?'
"I've not quite made up my mind.
I'm turning it over, and I'm not yet
sure of anything. Pm pretty certain
that IL it were not for your pistol, that
should have your life. But the pistol ia
in the way.
{" Do you want it ?"
Want it? Yes; but 1 shant get
it."
Do you think L want it? Come,
now, if gave it up to you, what would
be done 20
"I'd slip bullet into you in mo-
ment."
Every well; then take aim at your
ease, for here is the pistol ~
And thereupon, Webber walked direct
to Langley, handed him the pistol, turn
ed his back upon the convict, walked
back, took his seat once more upon the
bed, and murmured, I'm waiting"
why, you're no police officerl''
eff not, what am I? Look here;
isn't this proof positive? Here is pair
of handouts. Should have handouts
| in my pocket if WASH It police. officer
| And, to tell you the truth, l brought
nothing with me but these to arrest you
with. 1 have not even brought my
| truncheon."
"You're plucky customer"
"I think you said that before, nay
good Langley" replied the detective,
making himself more comfortable on
the bed.
"And so you're thinking shall really
let you put those things on me ?''
"As you like" replied the detective; !;
"either you kill me or put on the hand
cuffs. You've not much brains, Lang
ley, or you would know that man who
cared much for life would not care to
try and arrest such man as you with
out help"
Then suddenly, turning away, aud
changing the tone of his voice, he con-
tinued: "It's rather cold here, and