Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-10-19

feeling of satisfaction came over
me at having taken decisive step, and
my spirits rose in accordance. The
numbness and dazed condition of my
faculties had passed away, and I felt
that to rely on ones own exertions was
the better way, after all.
Leaving the station, went back to
my horse, mounted, and started up the
long hill. Arrived at the top, again
dismounted in front of Sarahs house,
and, going in the front door, raped
long and loud. In answer to my sum-
mons q voice called from an upstairs
window:
Sarah, is that you?" I asked, STEP
ping from the shadow of the porch into
the moonlight.
Zach Colt, Mel, vat is it2 the good
woman exclaimed, fear and excitement
at beholding me at this late hour caus-
ing her voice to tremble.
us your husband awaken" I con-
tinued.
mo, indeed. He schleep like log"
"Well, wake him up, and tell him to
hitch team in the double wagon.
There will be a special train come to
the station within few hours. Have
the team waiting for it. Three or four
men will get off the train; take them
up and drive them over to the old place
just as fast as the horses can go. Will
you do this for me, Sarah?"
"Vait; come down." was her breath
less reply.
was anxious to be off homeward,
but before had time to become i'm
patient at the delay the front door
opened and Sarah stepped out.
Ibid you understand what I told
Nou?" asked, hurriedly.
Zach, yes, indeed" Then she re-
peated my instructions at my request,
80 there could be no possible mistake.
"Now must hasten back. Heaven
only knows what might happen during
my absence" said, making a start for
the gate.
Zach Colt, Mel, vat is de matter, any,
ways? Tell me! Is dere any harm to
you" Sarah cried after me, in such deep
concern that, remembering she knew
nothing at all of the occurrences at my
house, came back.
II haven't time to stop and tell you
everything" I said, hurriedly. But 1
have found small portion of the Sc
curities the bank lost by the robbery.
1t was q bond, and I picked it up from
the floor of the cook-house cellar. Some
one dropped it, and when the loss is
discovered will be back after it. So l
fn In !, II 1 =, 81
Zach, he kill you, Mel! Ton't go
back! You git kilt" Sarah exclaimed.
ooh, I guess not. I'll look out for
that"
Sarah wished to accompany me, but
told her how much greater service she
could render by staying and seeing that
my instructions We're fully carried out,
which made her satisfied to remain.
AS I started homeward, the bobbing
light of lantern was moving toward
the barn, which told me Jake was doing
his part, and the old fellows unusual
celebrity seemed an suspicious begin
ming to my plan. !, I had left Sarah
seated on the porch, whence knew she
would not move until her quick ear
caught the first far-off rumble of the
special.
During the ride homeward the
thought occurred to me that perhaps
! had been too hasty In sending for
Mr.. Perry and the detectives. For if
the stolen property or portion of it
should be discovered hidden in my
house, those who believed in my guilt
might claim that I had hidden the Sc
curities myself and, becoming fearful
Of discovery or being unable to nego-
tiate sale, had now taken this course
to restore what remained to the bank.
Mr.. Perry's friendship l could possibly
rely upon; but the detectives, who had
all along believed was the real Grim
inal, might not be so easily convinced
Of the truth of my story.
| There was no recalling the dispatch.
however, and in the meantime some
thing further might arise to assist my
case. So had to be content In hoping
for the best,
stopped at the orchard below my
house and, letting down the bars, led
the horse through the long grass, up
to the barn, so that the sound Of hoofs
on the hard roadway might not serve
as q warning of my approach.
The animal had not been spared in
the Journey to and from the station;
but, pausing not to rub him down, I
slipped blanket over his reeking back
and sides and then quietly and eau
tiously approached the house.
When ! came around the corner +
was startled at discovering the dark
outlines of mans figure motionless
before the cook-house door. Istealth-
lily approached.
He must have heard me, for he
glanced around, and by his action
brought his face in the full light of
the moon.
1t was Skinner, that treacherous cc.,w.
ard. My animosity TOWARD. IN; the fellow
was not lessened ~ the fact that he was
proving about my place. and hope
God will pardon me for the murderous
spirit that arose in my heart. 1t lent
wings to my feet, and in few bounds
was upon him.
When he saw he could not escape,
no turned quickly and raised his arm
III defense. He started to say some
thing, but choked the words in his
throat. for his arms could not stop me
My fingers were steel. and closed about
his windpipe with the grip of a wise.
You scoundrel. I've got double
charge against you, and I'll take my pay
now" 1 snarled. between my clenched
teeth.