Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-02-14

SO that when we do leave we can go
quickly"
This was agreed and acted upon.
In the meantime two other clerks
went out into the hall, and in the pres
ence of the spy had this conversation:
"By George, it's hard lines, isn't til"
whats hard lines2'
"Why, promised my best girl to take
her to Coney Island tonight, and here
comes Mr.. Holbrook in at a late hour
and tells me not TO go away, for he will
have some copying for me to do"
"Wen, he'll be through by SIX"
"Not he. Mr.. Bryan and he have
business that will keep them here until
eight / heard them ray SO. That means
nine"
So the poor spy settled himself for
two hours watch.
Though Holbrook had yielded, he still
chafed.
When Tom told him that he did not
think they ought to make the attempt
at rescue until after dark-say about
o'clock--he rebelled.
Tom argued with him, and convinced
him again.
~ suppose you're right, Tom, " he said,
"but this suspense is frightfuL She is
young, lovely girl, Tom. Think what
s-anv honnen IN her "
"CloSe your mind to all such thoughts"
replied Tom, land open it only to con-
siderations of the most practical thing
how best to rescue her? That's the first
thought, and wait patiently"
ooh, but, Tom, it is very hard to
wait"
"All things come to him who knows
how to wait. Come, you are in rea-
sonable frame of mind now, and here is
the janitor."
In few minutes they had passed
through all the adjoining Offices, and
reached the passageway which ran paral-
lei with the rear street. To descend
quickly by corner staircase was but
moments work, and the three were soon
rapidly treading their way through
crowded Nassau street.
AT Printing House square the Shadow
parted from them, turning to the east.
Tom and Holbrook turned to the west
and crossed the City Hall park. Reach
ing Broadway, Tom led the way to the
second floor of building which faced
upon the post office.
Entering an Office in the rear, a well
built man, whose frame was suggestive
of great strength, about forty-five years
old, arose and greeted Tom effusively
This was the chief of the private de-
tective agency. Tom presented Hol-
brook and said:
80 word or two in private with you,
chief"
''This way then, Tom" They entered
small room in which there were few
chairs and a table.
81 want force of five picked men,"
said Tom.
"All right, Tom" replied the chief.
Anything you want I'm bound to sup
ply if l can. owe you too much to
disregard any request Of yours What's
the jobi'
Tom rapidly sketched the fact of the
abduction. saying nothing, however, Of
the events which had preceded it,
you will see," said Tom, finishing
his recital, that we want your best
men. Why can't you head the force
yourselfT'
81 can and WILL" replied the chief.
"Have you made any plans of attack
''No, very few. l have sent my Sha-
dow, he's one of your old men, up to To-
cate the house if he can. He is to meet
us here as soon as he has done his work.
Then l thought we would be governed
somewhat by what he reports. We
ought not to go up there before 8 O'Clock,
think"
To this Holbrook demurred as an I'M
necessary delay. But Tom was now sup
ported by the chiefs Judgment, and
Holbrook was compelled to yield.
1--WE can lay our plans and arrange
the details when we hear what the Sha-
dow has to report" said Tom. I'm the
meantime, Holbrook, Mrs. Templeton's
anxiety should be relieved. 1t would be
humane action to let her know"
In this Holbrook acquiesced, and pro-
posed to 60 there forthwith.
Tom said laughing: 'I'l go up with
you. You are not in fit frame of mind
yet, and may commit an act of indis-
erection which would ruin us"
Holbrook was annoyed, but at bottom
he felt that Tom was right.
So descending to the street they found
a cab and drove off.
When they reached the boarding house
of the Templetons, Holbrook entered,
and Tom remained in the cab. A news
boy passed, and Tom purchased paper,
with which he busted himself. He had
hardly interested himself in the first tele-
graphic item, when Holbrook dashed
down the steps, his face pale, and greatly
agitated.
Whats the matter now" exclaimed
Tom.
"Mrs. Templeton has gone"
"The old ladyr Gone? Where3"
annie sent for her; the messenger
said she had broken her leg, having fallen
while out"
'It's another part Of the plot" cried
Tom. Glow could the old lady have
been SO foolish as to go after she knew
Annie had been enticed away out of the
house by forgery"
''Do you think it's part Of the plot?"
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