Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1895-04-01

y
a lucky chance, you have found out
that he is living in private lodgings
under an assumed name, makes it
none the less risky for us two alone to
attempt his capture"
1t was in q decidedly dissatisfied
tone that Mr.. Roche, the detective,
urged upon his superior officer the
hazardous nature of the business they
were upon; but Arnold Bond merely
smiled good humoredly as he re-
sponded:
Whatever risk there may be,
Roche, I think 1 shall face. And as
expect to take our man entirely by
surprise, in the very bosom of his
family, I don't anticipate much resist
ance. Still, I am prepared for it, and
don't think that he will easily give us
the slip. For the rest, you will simply
carry out my instructions.
The two detectives knocked at the
door of an unpretentious looking
house in quiet street of the east end
of London.
Almost Immediately, q respectable
looking woman opened the door, and,
stepping back, said, before Bond could
speak: ......
"Ah, sir. 1 don't believe they ex-
pected you again tonight; but it's
well you've come, for the poor mite is
very bad, they say"
With the ever ready wit of shrewd
detective, quick to take advantage of
the slightest error, Bond instantly
checked the exclamation of surprise
which sprang instinctively to his lips,
and, stepping in, quietly observed:
'Indeed l am sorry to hear that.
Our usual friend could not come him
self, bnt, as his partner, 1 thought it
advisable to look in again. Let me
see-Mrs. Sutton, second floor, is it
not?"
Neither Of the detectives scarce ven
tured to breathe as they anxiously
waited to see the result of this rather
haphazard remark.
"Oh, 1 took you for DIR. Dalton his
self, sir Yes, second floor. It's
rather dark, but daresay you can
find your way up. Lori 1 never
knowed before as how the doctor had
q partner.
"This gentleman is merely friend
of mine. If you don't mind, he will
wait for me in the passage. 1 don't
suppose l shall be many minutes, :"
Bond said, inwardly chuckling with
satisfaction at the lucky mistake which
had, undoubtedly, saved him and his
companion no little at the outset.
Leaving his subordinate-who had
previously received careful instruc-
tions-Arnold Bond, with heart beat
ing little faster than usual, cautiously
mounted the dark, narrow staircase
and tapped at closed door facing
him.
Then, without waiting for any
reply, he instantly opened it, and as
quickly stepped into the room and
shut the door after him again.
''Surrender yourself my prisoner.
Michael Vaughan, alias Ralph SUIT
ton," he said, sternly, as tall,
bearded man sprang hastily to his
feet with startled exclamation, and
confronted him.
A momentary pauze; then, with an
oath, the coiner snatched up chair,
and raising it above his head, was
about to hurl it at the detective; but
as quickly dropped 1t, as his eye
rested on the revolver steadily levelled
ut him.
Trapped" !" he calculated, savagely,
glaring at the officer. "And in this
tom fool fashion, too. But there's
treachery here" he added, fiercely,
"and if /"
Michael, Michael" interposed a
woman's voice, in pleading tones,
you're forgetting poor little Jess.
You know the doctor said she must be
kept perfectly quiet"
"Ah, Jess, poor mite," said the
colner. "No, wonder forgot every-
thing, when Bond himself jumped np
before me like magicl We'll, I'm
fairly nabbed; but if it wasn't for
her, he added, with q bitter empha-
sis, pointing to bed in corner of
the room, you'd never take me in
this squeamish fashion"