The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-06-23
lighted which shone on strange com.

pany
Kneel'ng on my chest and binding
me with "A yigor which i'll accorded
with her assumed character was the
'sick, countess" whom l had seen
carried on board.
Helping 10 hold me down was the
tall maid who who had walked by
her side, while cover ng me with the
shining barrel OF revolver was the
girl who had induced me 10 open
the doors horrid grin on her face
in place OF tears
There yoI are, friend Dutton,"
said the countess, who was no
other than Red Jem himself II
think you will do Eow, for the few
minutes We shall require you What
pity IL is that your people have
been so smart You see that nice
new lock compelled us 10 get you TO
be so obliging as 20 open the door for
us. Look alive with the pigments,
Bill. and get on with your makeup"
was half dazed with the sudden
ness OF the attack, but my senses
were rapidly clearing, and | was be-
ginning 70 appreciate the value OF
"a t Temples electric bell. What
ever happened TO me, 1 thought, the
boxes would be all right-the alarm
would ring directly they were
touched.
was soon TO be undeceived. /
was held against the wall by
the powerful hands OF Red
Jem, looking strangely fantastic in
his feminine dress.
The "tall maid" who had been ad-
dressed as Bill rapidly divested her
self OF her top clothing. Then my
clothes were taken from me, and Bill
put them on, standing revealed at
last in his proper character OF neat
ly built young man OF about my own
height
AS soon as he was dressed in my
clothes he took up an actors paint
box and proceeded TO make sundry
alterations in his face. Bit by bit
the likeness grew. till in front OF me
stood counterpart OF myself-a
counterpa that my mother might
have mistaken for the original
Now, Mr.. Dutton," said Red
Jem, "you see our little game per-
haps My friend Bill will relieve you
of your duties and will see the bonds
Sd ely ashore. Katie will take Bits
place as much more appropriate
maid and will escort me-the sick
Comptesse de Brune-back to her
cabin while the coast is clear. Neat,
isn't it?"
Yes" said, "but what are you
going To do with me-"
"Ah, my dear friend" he replied,
with horrible grin on his painted
face, that is the sad part Of IT,
You have got 70 die. DuttCn. I'm
sorry. but -, 600. 900 is worth a mans
life.
"Bill, where's that knife? No
body would be likely 10 hear the pistol
down here, but it's best TO he sure"
My counterfeit drew glstening
dagger from the clothes he had re-
moved and gave IL TO Red Jem.
There was but one chance for me.
and that was TO ring the electric bell
To shout would be TO incur certain
that out Of the way place, amid the
rush OF water and the nose OF the
paddles, no one would hear my cry.
But how to get free in time!
'1 suppose you will give me two
minutes 10 make my peace?" | said.
''Oh, yes, II you think it wor h
while TO prolong the agony" said the
chief. "Only be quick about it."
lit may seem odd 10 you, but /
have scruples about these matters"
said. Would you object TO loosing
this strap round my legs SO that 1
can kneel? You see that it Is i'm.
possible TO escape with the door
locked and three OF you here"
"Fm the best natured fellow in
the world replied the bloodthirsty
scoundrel, and he stopped and un-
buckled the strap. There, get 10
your prayers and don't be long about
it. You can use your precious bond.
boxes as desk. il you like"
In those last words he sealed his
own fate and that of his companions.
Outwa dly acalm, but in reality
sumed a devotional attitude in the
corner OF the goldroom, resting my
elbows on the top OF the uppermos
box With my knees 1 gently pushed
the lower one so as TO bring strain
on the wire.
Once. twice, thrice, / p essed II
and then knelt down in prayer which
1t is very certain was not at all make
believe.
Red Jem and his companions we're
whispering by the door, and from
the scraps OF conversation that
reached me ] lea ned that my body
was TO be thrown overheard.
Now, young man, times up"
said the principal william at length,
advancing TO where | knelt, but as he
did 30 / knew that ! was saved
There was hurr ed rush OF many
feet outside, the door was thrown
open and Captain Temple, pistol in
hand. and followed by half dozen
men, burst in.