Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1892-09-21

hives then. AT least l remember gazing \
l out across the wide oxpanse OF sunlight /
country that stretched far away en-
every side and wondering whether II
would look the same an hour heRce.
! Slurk all the while lay beside his tnskes
and appeared TO be asleep
We came to the brow Of a sort OF shelf
or shallow declivity, descending which
we found ourselves on q lower level by
some six or seven feeti -aHd so much OF
the area as bay behind us ceased 10 10
visible Adkancing,a few PAGES farther
We paused abruptly on the edge or a
dark. profound cleft. which gaped right
at our feet. 1t was so narrow that one
might easily leap across 1t at It's widest
part; but It was 80 deep that. for all
that could see, It might descend TO tho
very base OF the Stein. Peering down
ward earnestly. however, my eyes. be-
coming accustomed to the gloom. could
dimly discern what seemed 10 be bot
tom at a depth OF not more than twenty
feet
"It's an awful thing to do. after ALL"
murmured, after n long inspection
looking up at Kate.
"Are you ready" waa all her answer
"Yes," said /, slammed by her resolu-
ton. "Let him come"
/ She mounted tho little ridge, and stood
with her graceful figure eilhouetted
against tho blue heavens. l, below,
turned up the cuffs of my sleeves aud
buttoned my coat across my chest.
4 "Slurlz1' called she. in clear, pene-
trating tone, "bring the basket here, IL
you please. Wenem to take our lunch
con on this side"
She remained standing there, with her
back toward me From my lower posi-
ton could not see whether Sluri were
answering her summons with alacrity
| or not; but sinco it would be his last OPP
portunity Of obeying her orders, was
content TO let him take his time. BY and
by no appeared. wish tho basket ON his
arm; no descended the ledge, and Kate
followed him, with her eyes ON me.
"Set it down there, near the edge of
this pit; not quite 80 near, please. Now
take hold OF hin?'
The last words were spoken in sharp,
ringing tone, and at tho same moment
the girl drew long knife from beneath
theoverakift of her dress and stood with
ifin her hand. Surprised at her action,
hesitated half an instant-in that half
instant Slurk had thrown himself 10
ward mo and grasped mo around tho
body with his long, powerful arms. Al
most simultaneously with his attack
felt myself borne down by a heavy
: weight from behind and my arms pin
toned. The struggle for n minute or
two was tremendous. but | felt that
/, was overpowered. Ahand was pressing
, hard against my windpipe. Kate stood
there with her knife, n new and strange
Z expression on her face, but she did not
stir.
Q At length q painting voice close to my
ear--a voice which | know well, and
. which, heard now, 30 amazed me that
u almost ceased 20 resist-said;
g "f'vo got him safe here, Slurik. Have
. you got his legsg-
. A grnnt from Slurk intimated that he
: had.
/ "Now then, Kittio,- continued Mr..
; Birchmore, ''be quick there. win your"
/ Kato came toward me with her knife
u At that sight uttered yell of anima
rage and made one more desperate effor
to be FREQ.
J ''Hold him tight, can't your said Kat,
. in a voice that l scarcely recognized a
y hers. -1don't want 70 hart him.
} They mastered me, and than, with .
rayidity and defines that showed IN,
q practioed professional, Kate made a cir
cular cut through the breast Of my coa'
e and drew out the diamonds.
"Thats all right" remarked Birch
a more. "Now the ropew
n She went TO the basket and took from
a II coil Of fine rope. The two mer
D threw mo upon my face and bound m,
~ hands and my feet securely. i made lit
Il tie resistance, but submitted in suIler
r silence.
-e Don't forget hisfevolver," said Birch
v more when this was done, and turning
Is me over they took the weapon from my
ID pocket.
), "How do You feel now, young gentle
~ many' inquired the fellow, addressing
" me with a smile. This is the result Of
d plotting TO throw unfortunate valet
into deep pits, and of flirting with strang'
h young women warned you, you Nc
" member, TO keep out Of our way, bu
81 idle curiosity has been your ruin. Kit
81 tie, put on the diamonds; he says the,
T. become you"
d. Slurlk grinned at this sally, but thu
u girl said moodilys "Dont bother tn,
= boy, Jack. He behaved like a gentle
RI man all through He'd make grea
h deal better husband than you do
n Heigho"
NJ swell, captain, = continued BirchTnore
~ addressing Slhrk in English. "what ar
I'd your orders? Shall we lower away nov
IN and be Off les nearly half past one
ID and we've a good distance to 60 befor
o three"
u Listen to me, Mr.. Gainsborough,
"a said Slurk, also speaking in English
n though with foreign accent; "we'v
got what we wanted out of you. and W
ed don't want to do you any more harr
We than Is necessary. But we must hav
time 10 get safe away. and TO do that W
rs must allow twonty-fom hours. Weshal
he leave you at the bottom Of this Pit, wit