The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-11-16

61osAOAs dlu dlidlgGI Luz tAS cpSSaJ ooA
centratlon Of all the force to any one spot IN
case OF need. Two men were placed IN the
dining room, the window OF which opened
on a terrace, and were easily accessible from
without. The door of the adjoining break
fast room was to be left open, and beyond
that, but unconnected, was the library, which
Sir George said he would occupy for the
night. When he had posted all his servants
and directed them without fail to take up
their positions when the Hall was closed at
twelve o'clock, John Blenkin was found to
have been left out. Thereupon Sir George
| said !:
ssLet him remain in the ante-room to the
library, and I will station him afterwards, IT
need be-"
In the library was Sir Georges strong box
containing valuables and documents. Inc
two windows of this apartment were conse-
quently provided inside with heavy iron
shutters, while the small window in the ante
room was protected or the outside with
strong iron bars.
After Sir George had seen all his servants
stationed, with the exception Of the under
gardener, who got leave that afternoon to
visit bis parents in 81 adjoining county, on
the plea that his mother was dying, the Bar
onet proceeded to the libraryr He found
Blenkin in the ante-room, and, pausing with
his hand on the library door, said
Scan you read 2"
"a little, Sir George" the young man re-
piled.
Sir George passed into the library, and in
q minute returned with a large volume OF
sFox's Book Of Martyrs" Handing it to
Blenkin, the Baronet said
sAmuse yourself with this may want
you soon.
ABOUT MIDNIGHT
Oneof the servants notified Sir George that
he had discovered the forms of. four men
moving about at the far end Of the copse be
wound the kitchen garden, which was at the
rear end OF the easterly end Of the Hall.
Sir George hastily quilted the library, but
as he entered the ante room he paused for a
minute. and then went back. Presently he
returned and, handing a large key to Blenk.
in, said
Here, lock the ante-room door after you,
and follow me-"
Then the Baronet hastily went out to the
main hall. Blenkin followed and stood fog
a moment as though fixing the key II the
lock. AS the sounds of Sir Georges
footsteps died away, Blenkin drew Out
the key, entered the ante-room and closed
and locked the door behind him. Then
he passed into the library. Before him stood
an old-fashioned desk, at which the Baro4lei
had evidently just been seated. The keys
were in the lock and two wax caadles burn.
ed on a side table, In al instant Blenkiu
unfastened the iron shutter and opened the
lower sash Of the window. Then he closed
the shutters without fastening them. lie
drew from his pocket a hammer, 3 chiee
and pinchers, and set to work to examine
the desk. Opening all the drawers he scru'
tinized them carefully for the secret recepta.
Gle containing the leaf, above mentioned,
taken from the marriage register. His search
was in vain. Accidently his foot struck one
of the legs Of the desk. The leg seemed in
firm. Applying his hand to it, it appeared
to yield. The joint near the top was eyi
IDENTIFY loose. He put in the chisel and pull
ed out the leg. There was a snap and thu
leg came away as if moving on q hinge.
Taking one of the candles, Blonkin exam.
med the side Of the desk, and discovered al
aperture which the leg had covered. In
side it were papers. Putting in his finger h
drew them out then he looked over them
Among them were receipts from his grand
mother for various sums Of money, the miss
ing leaf of the register, and the marrlag'
certificate of his mother.
Blenkin replaced the leg, put the ham
mer. chisel and pincers in his pockets, an
placed the papers in 9 secure part OF n
dress. Then he went to the ante-room an
listened, but no sound was heard. lie pu
J the KEY on the outside Of the lock an
closed the door. Then he ~extinguished tn
!, candles in the ante-room, did the same IN ID
J library, opened the iron shutters, passe'
through the open window and dropped T.
! the ground. Scarcely had he done SO Whel
) he saw that he had committed perhaps q ia
: tai mistake. He was just about to crawl il
. at the window, with the intention OF closin!
it>and leaving by the ante-room-locklng tn
: door and taking the key and joining 81
George thus arousing no suspicion, whe1
he heard the sound of suppressed voices, an
saw two men
cRouOHING UNDER TIKI WALL