, 1888-09-23
The others

ker. springing to his feet. The others
followed him to the window.
They had not hitherto noticed the fourth
occupant of the compartment. He was a
tall, well built, but apparently very I'M
communicative man. He pushed his way
forward and looked out. He uttered an
exclamation, and to the surprise of his
companions flung open the door and began
making his way along the footboard. The
others stared at him in wonder. What
did it meanH
He had seen the shawl hanging from
the window, and he knew to whom it be-
longed.
He was travelling north with his sister,
and, rather selfshly, though with her full
consent, had put her into a ladies' COM
partment, while he went to smoke a cigar
in another carriage. He had intended re-
joining her at the first stopping place. No
wonder, therefore, that he was anxious
when he found the train stopping and
saw his sisters shawl
The pace grew slower and slower. The
convict bided his time. What was the
use of hurrying2 No n would follow
him In the dark
But he reckoned without his host. In
a few words Miss Morton (for that was
what had happened He looked around as
she spoke and distinctly saw a man drop
on the rails and make off from the other
end of the train.
In an instant he leaped to the ground
and followed him. The Yankee soon fol-
lowed suit, and, the excitement of the
chase Selling him, he was soon at the
heels of Mr.. Fairburn.
Nothing could have surprised the con-
vict more than the fact that he was pur-
sued He soon saw, however, that he
vas. Still having the weapon with which
ne had stunned the policeman he deter
mined to put it to further use as he saw
Fairburn gaining on hin.
The country was too open for conceal
ment, and the morning was beginning to
brighten the horizon. The convict
grasped his weapon and prepared to re-
ceive his pursuer. What would nave
been the result 1t is useless to guess. At
any rate, Fairburn would not nave stop
ped. But the American caught up to
him and put his hand on his arm.
Don't you go for him." he said.
"Tisn't worth while your getting lam
aged. | think | can persuade him"
Fairburn tried to shake his adviser off,
but in vain. The convict, seeing that it
was q case of two to one, was about to
make a fresh bolt for liberty. but a strong
voice called to him to stop.
"If you don't, Ill fire." he cried, and
Inc CLICK OF MS EeVOlNer showed UnaJ MS
threat was by no means a meaningless
one. There was no choice; the runaway
Jail bird had to obey.
Throw down that thing" was the
next order. and the short iron bar was
dropped.
Now march back to the train and no
games, or twill be worse for you"
A few minutes later the fugitive was in
Il luggage van, securely bound. At the
xxi station he was handed over to the
authorities Cor reconveyance to London.
Needless TO say the American was well
coined effusively by his companions, who
congratulated him warmly upon his sue
cess.
We'll, perhaps it was not so much I as
this little toy" he said, complacently.
It's a bad habit l got into when l used
to live among a wild lot out west"
is it loaded?" asked Mr.. Barker, nerv-
ously.
Tho American smiled, and there was a
merry twinkle in his eye that suggested
more han his words. "Well, now that
you come to mention it, 1 really don't be-
!ieve that it is."-London It'd Bits.