The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-07-13

some time" Then he pointed to some
dark red stains on the garment, shak-
ing his head slowly.
Hilgerd had taken a cigar from his
case, and was approaching Sanders to
borrow a match when the latter ut
tered a startled grunt and half rose to
his feet, staring in dumb surprise over
his shoulders. Hilgerd turned swiftly.
The door was still standing open as
they had left 1t, and right in the CEN
ter. framed in the deep black OF the
outer night, stood the burly form OF
man. over his shoulder the light fell
upon the delicate face OF woman
whose large blue eyes opened wide IN
astonishment.
In a. few seconds that passed 1t was
impressed upon Hilgerd that the man
was roughly dressed, and that his mead
was covered with black felt hat But
was the evil face that stamped ITS
image most clearly. Astonishment
was depicted in every feature Beneath
,,nkempt hair glared loweringly a pair
of treacherous eyes. For brief sec
ond he stood like a statue. Then Hill
gerd caught the gleam OF a hght ON
long. blue barrel as his arm swung
swiftly upwards. There was a deaien-
inx crash-another, and yet another'
almost blending in continuous roar
The smoke hung( thickly, but through
n we saw Wharton's 1.-the shape bound
ing toward the door. and two more re-
norts rung out in quick succession.
Sanders was standing up uninJured'
the same bewildered look upon his race
CLEARLY. the pace was too swift Tor MS
sluggish nature. 1t was all over IN a
moment, and then Wharton came Ill.,
Sitting an exclamation OF disgust
"Reddy Simms." he exclaimed d
had man. but a worse shot. The gang
rohatlv forgot something and he came
back for It. hence the little surprise. !
need not ask II you were hurt, for there
is one bullet in that log and the otner'
with which I had a passing acquaant-
ance. YOU will find about three feet to
the night, Just grazing that nail"
"Eut the other shot. Phil Hiigera
cried. surely I heard three. ana
what is that bright read streak doing
on your hand?"
.sThe second was mine," answered
Wharton. briefly. Its pity 1t went
wild. He Is badly winged at any rate,
for he dropped his gun just outside the
door. and It bears evidence of a dis
abled owner. I heard him leap on his
horse. but could see nothing. Was that
your daughter. Professor" turning
suddenly upon him.
ut was, and she'll fix YOU for this,
too" came the answer, with q positive
nod and a Elarce Of deep cunning
Wharton looked at Hilgerd and they
stepped out Of the door,
"Paul," he said, "this Is beyond me,
and I cannot understand 1t. He Is
either lying or I have been greatly de-
ceived. I am entirely at sea about
Newell. Come. we must secure the
boat, as 1t Is our only way out OF this
rat hole, arid the gang will be here now
in short order"
As they rushed down to the landing
| the sound Of splashing oars struck dis
may to their hearts. Dashing through
the thick brushes they arrived just In
time to see their boat moving rapidly
away. A woman's form was swayine
with the oars and woman's laugh
came floating mockingly back, across
the space.
A Hash. a sharp report. and Hilgerd
felt the blood tricklihg down his arm
which the bullet grazed.
I'VE are in for It now, Paul." criet
Wharton. ''There ID only one way ou
Of this trap by land, ana that u aioni
the trail those devils took; come!" HI