Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1881-05-12

see and hsar. Three sharp.looking
roughly dressed men entered.
"Hs! all here. said Price in a low
tone. That's good. I want half a
thousand o the queer tonight, 70,
we kin send to the tavern to morrow,
and the cap up above wants some
Did you bring Tire dies, Bray?"
The man addressed shook bis head
/, II hav mt been bone, and Jest come
from Elkhorn Send Nettis. My
old woman will give em to her,"
Price turned to the girl.
Are you afraid to 20 Metz"
"Afraid?' she laughed, an ! touch.
ed her bosom, just drawing the butt
ofa pistol into sight-"afraid Dick?
You know better nor that"
""at, then, my gal, if you 20 to
Brays an git the dies it will help us,
for. while tbs boys are coming, I will
stay on watch and mill tho hundred
We ran yesterday. Yell bs back in
an hour"
Yes, dear"
Aud throwing heavy cloak about
her. aud :ncasins her head in a deep
hood. the x,rl open ed the door and dis.
appeared into the night.
Price turned TO the gang.
Boys 80 below, FIRE up. and pre-
pare the rest o the metal. III stav
-ers. an when Net comes with the
dies we'll coin. l want full load to
night, for We re- almost out. Here.
give me lift."
AS be ceased speaking, be seized a
heavy iron bar aud thrust it beneath
lie hearth stone. The others Joined
hands with him, and, with despe, ate
effort, the eve slowly raised the great
stone.
Eencath it appeared door. secured
by long, iron bolts. These being shot,
and the trap raised, flight Of steps
was seen.
The four strangers descended, one
carrying a lantern, and Price dropped
he door behind them. Then opening
sort Of hidden closet, hs drew from
it box Of rough silver coin and a mil
ling machine with which be began to
work.
Densmore brea;hed hard.
"Trapped!" he whispered
"trapped. The gang complete! And
now for work
NoiseIessIy he arose and sppro tched
the ladder In elther ? cket were his
pistols, in bis hand pair of bracelets,
on his breast his star.
At the top Of the ladder he paused
struck his foot against the floor, and
canghed. There was quick stir be-
low.
Mr.. Brice' Mr.. Brice! Vas you
dere9"
A half-growl from below answered
lin.
What do you want"
II vas sick, Mr.. Brice-I Vas Sc no,
az netfer vas! | want leetle water
Mr.. Brcs ii you please, Mr.. Brice."
What the" then came an oath
Lie still, ye Dutch fool; and I'll bring
ys water. Don't come here.
"Oh, no, Mr.. Br,c-! But some va
ter, Mr.. Brice, for Gods sake! Val
burned alifeH'
! There was moving about the room
a patter Of dipper and pail, and ther
Price approached the ladder. Dsns
more breathed hard. The steps cams
ne .rer, nearer; they mounted the lad
der. He crouched, waiting. An Ia
slant more, and the BEARDED face o
Price appeared above the opening il
the floor, and his right harI wal
raised, holding tin emp Of water.
Here Dutchy-yere cursed hare
to take care of--heres yer drink.
C4rls arm was outstretched; but, Al
he touched The dipper, there came /
sharp click, and the handcuif cIosee
about tho wrist Of the cc,ner, and, a
the same moment tho cold muszIs o
a heavy Colts revolver pressed agains
his forehead, and the vots OF tie &c
tective hisssu IN his very ear:
Not sound or III kill youi UI
with your other hand"
The man was fairly caught and h
knew it, The color hct fyou hi