The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1894-01-11
CHAPTER XII.
uK WAS A SECOND TOO LATE.

The fierce Astaftc had called into plat
his ddggcrlike knife
If the language of Mr.. Folsom Simp.
son IN addressing Martha may seem
rather more affectionate than was neces.
sary, it must be remembered that it was
made thus with a purpose. Martha, as
the only servant in the household ut the
time of the burglary Of the rajah's ruby
must be the repository OF some interest
ing secrets which the detective was hope
full Of securing from her.
ANY young woman might be pardoned
for shrinking from entering the spacions
yard, with its gloomy shadows. after
having learned that murderous mis-
creant was crouching among the dense
shadows. The knowledge would have
made the brayest man nervous. especially
when unarmed. and it required all of the
officers powers Of persuasion to induce
the woman to approach the building.
wait right here where you are for
few minutes" said Simpson when she
stopped after few PAGES. until slip
around among the trees. will be there
IN twinkhng. and then there is not the
slightest danger. Don't You believe
what say. Martial"
Eyes. but--yes. viii do as you say"
Spoken like the brave and sensible
girl you arei' was the comment Of the
man. who. with few more words OF
counsel, vanished In the darkness, with
the purpose OF keeping his part OF the
agreement with the young woman. who
seemed to have formed n sudden and
strong faith in him.
Well aware that the sepoy was some
where In the grounds. and that he would
be on the watch for the return of the
servant. Simpson took extra precautions
against discovery. making such long
circuit through the trees that he was sure
no one could have discovered him. no
matter how close watch had been kept
1t was not probable that the lurking
Asiatic would modest the woman on her
return to the house Quickly as he might
move. he could not prevent an outcry on
her part. which would warn the couple
within Of their danger. Besides II was
not she. but they. against whom the
prowler was seeking revenge.
Simpson, now that be was in the dense
shadow again. stealthily made his way
toward the front of the house until in the
same advantageous situation as before.
II promised to look out for her. and
win keep my pledge. but she does not
seem to be in a hurry"
Peering through the gloom toward that
part Of the lonely street which was dimly
lit up by the lamp. he saw nothing OF her.
1t was time that abe made a move for
ward. and he feared her courage had
given out now that the crisis was before
her.
''She may have gone back for help or
has decided that she won't run the risk,
despite my pledge to her-ah. there she
comesr'
But Simpson was mistaken. as he per-
ceived the next moment. The form was
that of man approaching from the
town.
81 wonder whether he intends to mix
In this business thought the officer.
"If he does. he must show his colors be-
fore he takes hand. Abr
Directly behind the stranger and only
g few PAGES distant doomed the figure Of
Martha walking at the same pace, SO as
not to fan farther to the rear. 1t was
evident that, though he was unknown to
her, she was making use Of his presence
Is shield against that shadowy peril Of
which she had received warning.
'sIf that man turns into the yard, what
viii she Think She viii fancy that be Is
the thug himself, but she sees now that
he is not"
The individual who just then was an
object of so much interest passed the
gate. speedily vanishing in the darkness
beyond, while Martha. after moments
hesitation. turned into tho yard and
came forward between the trees along
the walk to the front door.
The lamp threw enough of its rays in
the direction of the house for q spectator
70 be able dimly to trace persons out
6Eea NJ e the moment when he stepped