The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-04-19

IL ldluiuS p1tSA4O1no dAO nOS . oSe3
In sight. Now's our time!"
He sprang to the sidewalk as he spoke,
where he was at once joined by the
third villain, with his half dead, half liv-
ing burden.
wait here, said Sears, addressing the
hackman, and then led the way to the
house, which was separated by some dis
tance from any other.
He opened the front door by latch.
KEY, reclosing and boiling it after the re-
mainder Of the party had entered.
In what had once been the back parlor
he lighted the gas. 1t was furnished now
40 bedroom, though bookcase, side
board, dining-table, and several other
cumberous articles attested that it was
used for more purposes than one:
Lay him on the bed, directed Almon,
who appeared to be the master OF the
house
You've got snug place here, Al, "
commented the burglar, as he looked
sesrchingly around.
Yes. This is headquarters for Mart
and !. We're highly respected in the
peighborhood, can tell you. I'm re-
Rarded as an eccentric young capitalist,
and Mart Is retired pugilist, who is CIV
ing me lessons in the manly art of self
defense. never come here in the day.
time unless I'm we'll disguised, and so
there's no risk"
Stop your gossiping and get to busi-
nessl" growled the reput ed ex-prizedghter,
who had deposited his still unconscious
burden on the bed az directed.
That's the talk" assented the young
man, and having divested himself of his
coat he threw open the sidebeard and
produced case filed with bottles.
, For half an hour and more the three
men worked increasingly. Several times
Cole showed signs of returning conscious
ness, but they proved transi:ory, and he
sank again into heavy stupor.
We must have doctor, said Bloom
at length, in despairing tone.
We can't risk that!' declared Sears,
with an ominous shake Of the head.
Then you propose to let him and the
secret Of the bonds die together!" sneered
the cracksman.
Better that than TO keep them com.
pany via the gallows!"
There's NO necessity for either, an.
nounced Morris.
He spoke with such ON air Of confidence
as to bring hopeful look to the faces OF
his companions.
what do you proposea' queried Sears,
eagerly.
Il studied medicine in my youth, and
practiced for time, too"
BY Jovel that's fact! l was quite
forgetting that. But why
Haven't I brought him round? Be-
cause I lacked the means"
sRuf hou-n
Simply enough. I'll write q prescrip-
tion, and one of you 60 to the nearest
drug store and get it filed
That won't do"
why not?"
Because Mart is known in the neigh
borhood, and haven't got my disguise
here, without which I'd likely enough be
recognized in my own proper person"
Very we'll; III 60 myself"
Without more ado the banker donned
his overcost, pulled his slouch hat over
his e1es and left the house by rear door,
which Almon opened for him.
With deep solicitude the two men
watched by the bedside Of the fellow.
creature whose life they had 80 recently
attempted to take away.
For come time not word WAS spoken.
Then Bloom produced his watch.
-HaIf an hour, lackin' two minutes,
rnarled he, ss he closed it with snap.
u don't see what keeps Max 30 long.
Nor I, less it's scheme of You two
to. beat me out OF my share"
I don't mean to be, and that's the rea.
son, as told you once before Tonight,
that don't propose to be euchred out OF
my share of the pIunder."
The speaker rose from his chair, as
sumed a dogged expression and walked
nervously MP and down the room.
Then Sears, thoroughly alarmed at the
attitude Of his confederate, offered srgu.
ments to mollify his anger, and allsy hit
really unjust suspicious.
I guess I'm wrong. AL, said the bur-
glar at length, extending his hand.
You're all right, I see that, but shall
keep my eye oD Morris. By the way,
what in thunder keeps him so long?"
Cant say; he's had time enough to go
down town and back. Hal There be
comes now"
A rapping on the rear door had inter-
supted the conversation.
In q moment the yoang man had
opened it.
'-whss kept your demanded he. re-
Met some friends; couldn't got away
without 'citin s'piscion."
The voice Of the new arrival was de-
cidedly thi X, and his breath strongly
scented with liquor.
Max Morris. I'm astopished!"
'Caase I've drauk 40 much on still
"a