, 1888-09-23
A YANKEE IN ENGLAND.

RCIS Ihu CtLIlSu uO"A W u LODR IL1o LII
made themselves as comfortable as cir
cumstances permitted. Those within
range of the light had pulled out their
evening papers and begun to peruse the
rechauffe of the mornings news, which
they had already devoured.
Mot much in the papers tonight" re-
marked Mr.. Barker to the company in
general. He was a stout little gentleman,
evidently communicative
A stranger here Joined in the converse
ton. He was tall and spare; he looked
the typical Yankee.
"Have you the last edition?" he asked.
'1f so, you'll find as pretty a little story
as you'll meet with in a months reading"
THE escape of that convict" inquired
Mr.. Barker.
Yes, he's a plucky fellow"
Hes n consummato scoundrel at all
events, remarked Mr.. Smithson; "a well
known burglar and more than suspected
of being a murderer"
Eyes, I'm afraid he's n bad lot" said
the American; IF he gets away he saves
himself ten years penal servitude."
How did he manage It'll" asked Mr..
Barker. Il haven't read the particu-
lars"
Broke out of the prison van, replied
Mr.. Smithson. Watched his oppor-
tunity and stunned the policeman inside,
ROJ Jne keys, leu nlInSelt out ana DOlteu.
will they catch him?"
THAT remains to be seen; the police
are on his track" replied he from over the
herring pond. 81 should like to have a
try at him myself"
Nothing could have been further from
his thoughts than the possibility of his
having to take part in the capture him
self. The three men settled down to their
papers again in silence.
What's that?" suddenly exclaimed Mr..
Barker.
What is there?" inquired the others.
I'm certain l saw a face outside the
window" he replied.
1.-The reflection of one of us, suggested
his friend.
Perhaps twas the guard going by"
said the Yankee.
'If so, the guard isn't wearing a cap, "
said Mr.. Barker, moving toward the win
dow.
Got it blown off, perhaps" said Mr.
Smithson. Pray don't open the win
dow; VIC shall be frozen to death"
But Mr.. Barker let down the strap and
peered out into the darkness.
The engine was throwing up q shower
of sparks, and the blaze from the fire il
Illuminated the tender. Those windows
which had no blinds drawn threw a dim
light on tho hedges, but otherwise there
was nothing but darkness.
Anything there?" queried Mr.. Smith
son.
II fancy l saw something"
well, do settle it one way or the
other, and shut the window"
Mr.. Barker withdrew.
81 I'M certain | saw a mans head" he
asseverated, and I'm nearly sure I caught
sight of something moving when 1 looked
out"
Hadn't you better call the guard and
stop the train2" asked Mr.. Smithson iron
ically.
Mr.. Barker did not reply, but looked
uneasily into the darkness.
He had not been mistaken. A man,
hatless and coatless, had passed along
the footboard of the carriage, and, seeing
that compartment occupied by fou men,
had passed on. The next compartment
but one was labeled Ladies'" and was
tenanted by one lady. The convict, for
it was he, stopped in front of this. With
u dexterous movement he opened the
door, and before the lady knew what had
happened she saw a desperate looking
rutiian standing before her.
Don't be frightened. miss" he said,
81 amt going to harm you; I've no time.
1 want some money. It's life or death to
me, and / must nave it. Your purse,
quickl"
She glanced at the little handle which
was the means of communication with
the guard; the convict was standing be-
tween her and it. There was nothing to
be done. She drew her purse from her
handbag and gave it to him. He put 1t
in his pocket and in n moment was out
side the door again.
Instantly she flew to the handle and
pulled it with all her might again and
again. Then, and not till then, her fright
overcame her, and she sank back on to her
seat.
The convict had acted with the sagacity
and daring which had made SO many of
his enterprises successful. He had calcu-
lated hat the victim would give the
alarm directly he left her. This was
what he wanted
1t would ave been madness for him to
go on to the next town. He knew that
men were watching for hin at every sta.
ton. He had mounted the train at the
risk Of his life as it passed slowly through
one of the tunnels in the north of London
before il was free from tho network OF
intersecting lines. He must escape some
how before it reached a stopping place.
But to leap from the limited mail was
almost certain death. If, howevey the
train could be stopped he could make his
escape with II fair a of success.
1t is not usual, however, to stop u train
on a signal by the communication. The
bell aroused the attention of the guard,
but all he did was to lean out of the win.
dow to see if there were any sign that ii
was necessary to do more. He was on the
point of drawing in his head when he
saw a white shawl being waved from Q
window. The lady had recovered sufi'
GENTLY to drag herself to the side of the
carriage and open the sash, This was
enough. The guard put on his brake and
signaled the driver to slacken. In half 6
minute the pace was perceptibly slower.
whats up nowT" exclaimed Mr.. Bar