The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1892-06-27
CHAPTER yHX.

CHAPTER xAX.
Stuart Harland anticipated finding his
man in the rear apartment of the res
taurant, and he meant to remain there
as long as the fugitive did. The young
man had no thought that he was ventur-
ing into peril.
The instant he appeared in the rear
room he was set upon and OverpOwered
by the men assembled there.
Stuart saw too late that he had walked
into a trap, and although he battled
desperately, he was dragged down a
flight of steep stairs, through dark
Passage and into cellar-roOm.
The young mans captors dashed him
down heavily upon the earthen floor, and
as he lay partially stunned they hastily
retreated and secured the door Of the
cellar behind them
Stuart regained his feet and threw
himself against the door, striving to open
It, but all his efforts in that direction
were vain, the door would not yield. He
could not open it.
Seating himself, Stuart reflected upon
his folly in rushing into danger. Pres
emily he heard the sound of footsteps on
the floor above his head. and the sound
of female voice.
Listening intently, he recognized
Marion Oakburn' S voice, and he heard
her prayer and the words that pro-
ceeded it,
She is innocent. Now 1 have the
proof. That simple prayer, addressed
to Him who reads the secrets of all
hearts, is proof positive of her inno-
cence, said Stuart, mentally.
Distinctly he had heard Marion utter
the words:
Father In heaven, Thou knowest that
l am Innocent"
Stuart had resolved to inform Marion
of his presence I'm the chair, and he was
about to pronounce her name when The
door opened and four Of his captors en-
tered.
The young man was seized and drag
ged to rear apartment of the cellar,
where he was locked in and left to soil
tude and gloomy reflections.
The proprietor of the place had just
thought that possibly Stuart might COM
municate with the captive in the room
over the apartment to which he was first
consigned, and that was why he so in
OPPORTUNITY changed the young mans
quarters.
When Stuart was dragged to the cell
lar the supposed assassin fled.
On the night of Stuart's capture by
Marion Oakburn's jailers, the man who
had brought her letter to Stanmore APP
peared at the later's hotel again.
StanmOre had literally feed this man,
and he hadagreed not only to guide his
patron TO Marion's prison, but also to |
assist in accomplishing her escape.
The night was dark, and everything
seemed I'd favor Stanmore's project.
He. f6fowsdshi guide with implicit
eonfiasasT, anda. tie latter conducted
him kSedight feAthe house in which
Nj ari0n- -QakbuIR.- Stuart Harland
were both held captive.
The building was a long, narrow
and on each side of it there
was vacant lot.
The room in which Marion was i'm
prisoned was on the ground floor in the
rear of the house.
In this room there was but one win
dow, and this was protected by heavy
outside wooden shutters, which were
closed, and thus secured by a number
Of iron spikes, so that Marion had found
it impossible to open them.
Stanmore's guide was thoroughly in
formed as to the habits of the inmates
Of the house; he informed that gentle
man that at the hour when they reached
he rear of the dwelling it would be safe
70 force open the blind, and attempt to
enter Marion's room through the win
low, for just then "the game" played in
he rear of the restaurant proper would
De in full progress, and all the men
about the premises would be assembled
here.
Stanmores companion, in anticipa-
ton of what was to be done, brought
with him a small iron crOw-bar and a
steel chisel.
With these implemen he set to work
TO open the blinds on the window of the
room occupied by Marion Oakburn, and
Stanmore assisted him.
Working almost noiselessly, the task
Of opening the blind was very soon &C.
Meanwhile, Marion had been warned
by the man who was now with Stan
more that an attempt for her liberation
would be made that night. Marion
heard the sounds made in opening the
blinds, faint though they were, but as
She thought they were made by the
friends who had come to Iberate her,
she was not alarmed.
There was q light in the apartment,
and when the blinds were open Stan
more saw Marion at the window.
Wondrously beautiful Marion looked.
though she was pale and careworn.
Poor girl! Poor girl! I hope your
trials will soon be over now muttered
Stanmore.
Then he forced the window open and
entered the room, and Marion greeted
him joyfully.
Stanmore's companion remained with
out the house to be ready to signal his
associate Of the night in case he discov-
cred any sign Of danger.
As soon as Stanmore entered the
house. his assistant closed the blinds
without fastening them. He feared
that the light from the window might
betray them.
L received your message, and have
come to save you; You did well to
trust me. You must leave this place at
once" said Stanmore. taking Marion's
hands.