The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-12-26

They were at that time almost at the door
of the room and at once rushed in. They
could, of course, distinguish nothing; but
Mr.. Docket, closely followed by tho dotec.
tive, hurried towards the strong room,
whence some muflled groans proceeded.
In few seconds Jonas was Il prisoner, and
when the housekeeper at length appeared
with a light, all the details were easily COM
pretended.
Not waiting to examine Jonas, who ap.
poared to have been frightened literally out
of his senses, the detective rushed into the
inner room, where he had noticed the rope
was dangling. Suspecting an accomplce to
be not far off, he climbed up the rope, and
sought upon the roof for Jonas cumpan-
ion. After cautious look around, he
thought he could perceive him, and inme-
diately gave chase. Terror inspired the
fugitive, and lie fed over the states and
parapets but, missing leap, he fell henv-
lily. Ere he recovered himself he was a
prisoner in the detectives powerful grasp,
and securely handcuffed before he realized
bis position.
"Tha amt bad nights work, mutlered
the officer. 81 think wen make something
of you, my friend"
"More than ye think, il yen play me
fair" said the shivoring wretch beside
him.
"What do you mean? Speak up said
the policeman, 'or ye might dyQp from
fright over this here pnrapet There has
been fatal attempts at escape, you know"
he said, grimly; $50, speak up. I'll make
1t worth your while"
"Well, I'll trust you," said the other,
with au oath. 81 know all about that da-
mond robbery, and where the swag is.
Ahl can do bit of good yet, if Jonas is
trapped"
He's caught safe enough-very safe in
deed" repeated the detective, scenting n
joke somewhere, but uncertain where il
lay. "Yes, you'll have to give evidence,
and I'll look after you. Where is the dia-
monds?" he asked. roughly and suddenly.
In Jonas crib but I'll tell you no moro
till Pm safe"
ooh! don't be alarmed; I'll be RESPONSE
BILE for your share" replied the policeman.
NOW, come along" And he escorted his
prisoner to the Office, and they were admit
ted by ladder to the partners room.
Here they found Jonas Subwayo in ter.
rible state. His mind seemed going. lie
muttered and pointed to the skeleton, which
grinned at the success it had achieved.
But it was not till some days after that
| Mr.. Docket knew the full particulars of the
| Skeletons Revenge, and the terribly dla-
matte retribution that had fallen upon Jonas
| Subwaye.
That unfortunate man was still in tho
hospital ward, and never likely TO leave the
prison alive. One day lie sent for Mr..
| Docket, and in the presence of the chaplain
and the surgeon, made u full confession of
how he had taken to gambling and then to
piferng, to pay his debts at play and on
the turf. From bad to worse he fell, till
the diamonds tempted his cupidity, and,
with the assistance of his accomplice, who
had already turned evidence" he had
caused the temporary stoppage of the train,
and, disguised, had murdered and robbed
poor Warne.
thrill of horror pervaded the listeners,
and the doctor asked, amid an anxious 81.
lence, "What did you do with the poor
mans remains?"
Jonas was silent for moment, but, be-
ing exhorted by the chaplain, replied, in a
terrified whisper, "W We sold it for the skele-
ton to" He stopped, looked at Mr..
Docket, and covered his face with his
trembling hands.
"Great Heaven! is it possible?" cried
the chaplain. "Then, that-that mechaic
al skeleton, the cause of your arrest, was
really the remains of your victim"
The man rose to speak, then extending
his arms, look of horror on his face, as il
to keep OFF the appartion he dreaded, he
fell back-dead!
INLAY the Lord have mercy upon him ! II
prayed the chaplain. "The ways of Goo
are indeed past finding out"
There is little more to add. The da
monds were found, thanks to the assistance
rendered to the police by the accomplice o.
Jonas Subwaye, who, in accordance with
the promise, but very unwillingly, was per
mitted to 80 at large with share of the re
ward, provided he never returned to tn
United Kingdom, Messrs, Docket ant
Poole are still alive aud it was from the
junior partner that |, the writer of this
story, obtained the leading particulars Of
this Curious Christmas.Box forwarded t.
South Africa.