Rocky Ford enterprise., 1894-01-18
CHAPTER XI.
HE WAS A SECOND TOO LATE.

: x
The fierce Asiattc had called into play
hts dag1erltkc knife.
II 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 spacious
yard, with its gloomy shadows, after
having learned that murderous mis-
creant was crouching among the dense
shadows. The knowledge would have
made the bravest man nervous, especially
when unarmed, and it required all of tho
officers powers Of persuasion to induce
the woman to approach the building.
"Wait right here where you are for a
few minutes" said Simpson when she
stopped after q few PAGES, until slip
around among the trees. Twill be there
in twinkling, and then there is not the
slightest danger. Don't you believe
what say, Martha9'
Eyes, but-yes, will do as you say"
Spoken like the brave and sensible
girl you arel'' was the comment of the
man, who, with a 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 a 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 a long
circuit through the trees that he was sure
no ono could have discovered him, no
matter how close a watch had been kept.
It was not probable that the lurking
Asiatic would molest 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 it was
not she, but they, against whom the
prowler was seeking revenge.
Simpson, now that he was in the dense
shadow again, stealthily made his way
toward the front of the house until in the
same advantageous situation us before.
II promised to look out for her, and
will 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
It was time that she 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
comest'
But Simpson was mistaken. as he per-
ceived the next moment. The form was
that Of man approaching from the
town.
II wonder whether he intends to mix
in this business thought the officer.
"f he does, he must show his colors be.
fore I've takes hand. Ahy'
Directly behind the stranger and only
a few PAGES distant loomed the figure Of
Martha, walking at the same pace, 30 as
not to fall farther to the rear. It was
evident that, though he was unknown to
her, she was making use of his presence
as shield against that shadowy peril Of
which she had received warning.
''If that man turns into the yard, what
will she think? She will fancy that he is
the thug himself, but she sees now that
he Is not"
The individual who Just then was an
object of 80 much interest passed the
gate, speedily vanishing in the darkness
beyond, while Martha, after moments
hesitation, turned into the 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 a spectator
to be able dimly to trace persons out
lines up to the moment when he stepped
upon the front porch.
Simpson carefully concealed himself
and did not remove his eyes from tie
dim figure, which advanced with a hur-
ried but regular step. Her heart must
have been beating fast, but nothing in
her gait showed her timidity.
Half way to the porch she started to
o1ie side and uttered an exclamation Of
alright.
"How you startled mel l thought it
was that man." she called in suppressed
voice, resuming her walk.
It was indeed "that man." Evidently.
she had seen some one in the darkness
near her, but was relieved by the instant