The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-03-29
CHAPTER XVI
THE STARTLED HERESS.


As may be supposed, the inmates Of the
room were not little startled at this unex-
pected summons from without
"What shall we dol" whispered Went
word.
"Ayel there's the rub" uttered Fngal
in a dramatic voice.
"Wll you open or must force the door?''
demanded the voice from without.
Neither one, hope" returned Fingal
"Pray, who are you, and what do you want
with peaceable citizensa"
al have a warrant for every one of you. "
"There must be some mistake" asserted
Weutword.
"Histr' exclaimed Don Benito, his deep
set eyes cleaning like Goals Of IRE. "Ihave
been expecting this all along. Our plans
are discovered, and the Doge has sent his
minions to murder as. We must give them
q warm reception" and at this the old man
drew a small revolver from his pocket and
drew the hammer, while hts glittertng eyes
were fixed ominousiy on the door.
This movement on the part Of the de-
mented old man promised trouble. Went
word and Fingal believed that mistake
young hunter laid his hand on the arm of
the door and said:
I'VE are peaceable citizens and can con-
ceive of no good reason why we should be
molested by the law. hope you will not
insist on disturbing us.'
II do insist" answered the man outside.
"If what you say is true you will not fear
investigation"
Certainly not"
Wentword turned to Fingal, whA. -
succeeded in disarmiug Don Benito, Is
the old man was pleased to term himself.
Fingal said:
"Open the door, we have nothing to
fear"
Wentword obeyed, revealing two men
outside in the uniform Of the city police.
Both advanced into the room with a blus-
tering air.
"You are prisoners" declared the fore
most man, sternly.
"Hal doth the Doge dare insult his
friends thus! We will not give up the
precious documents we have risked so
much to gain," cried Don Benito, fiercely.
Then, ere those present could comprehend
his intentions, he bent low and darted
swiftly at the officer in the doorway. His
head struck the fellow in the pit of the
stomach and doubled HIM up like q jack
knife.
A cry of pain followed.
When the painting bluecoat regained his
feet, only two men stood in the room, while
the clang of the outer door at the foot of the
stairs announced the fact that Don Benito
had made his escape from the building.
"After himn gasped the painting officer.
mo use," said Ffngal, ''the old chap is
beyond your reach. Neither my friend
nor myself will attempt to run, but we de-
mand to know why we have thus been
molested."
search them, Markus."
Our two friends submitted to search
under protest. Nothing was found OF a
suspicious nature. After this the two OIL
GERS went through the room with no better
success.
"Confound it there must be a mistake
after all, ;" muttered the man who seemed
to be in authority.
'What did you expect to fnd!" questionea
Austin.
Gamblers tools"
"You suspected this to be q den Of that
sort!"
Eyes"
Fingal and his companion laughed.
'.Mr. Wentword and myself are respect
able persons, as We can prove. You have
made grand mistake"
Then the policeman began offering an
apology. Wentword assured hum it was not
necessary.
srm sore from that old fellows head.