Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1897-09-09

MS 1 started nomewnrd, the Dopping
| 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. l had left Sarah
seated on the porch, whence knew she
would not move until her quick ear
caught the first far-of 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 II
should be discovered hidden in my
house, those who believed in my guilt
might claim that / had hidden the ser
curities myself and, becoming fearful
of discovery or being unable to nego-
tate a sale, had now taken this course
to restore what remained to the bank.
Mr.. Perry's friendship could possibly
rely upon; but the detectives, who had
all along believed I 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 uwarning 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 reel1ing back
and sides and then quietly and eau
tiously approached the house.
When came around the corner I
was startled at discovering the dark
outlines of mans figure motionless
before the cook-house door. / stealth
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 cow
ard. My animosity toward the fellow
was not lessened by the fact that he was
prowling 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
1 was upon him.
When he saw he could not escape,
he turned quickly and raised his arm
in defense. He started to say some
thing, but I 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" snarled, between my clenched
teeth.
He squirmed and struggled, his hands
clutching my wrists, in the vain en-
deavor to tear loose from my grasp.
Soon one of his arms dropped to his
side, and he seemed to be nearly over.
come, for I felt his body gradually sink
ing down. The next instant there was
cold object thrust against my temple.
and an ominous click sounded In my
ears. Anyone who has had the muzzle
of a pistol meaning business thrust
into his face will understand my sensa-
ton.
I instantly let go my hold and fell
back few steps. So sudden had been
the change in Skinner from the de-
fensive to the aggressive that for
moment 1 forgot about my pistol. When
1 did think Of it and got through
fumbling in my pocket, the rascal had
fled around the side Of the house,
whittier I followed. He succeeded in
GLIDING me, however. Even had dis
covered him, 1 would not have fired. 1t
was not my purpose to raise disturb
ance just then. For some reason Skin
ner also was unwilling to attract at
tention to the spot by shooting, for, If
he really wished to put Inc out of the
way, he would never have had a more
favorable opportunity than when he
so cleverly got the drop on me.
Whether the fellow was about to
enter the cook house when came upon
him so suddenly, or was standing guard
to give warning to some one who was
already inside, l could not determine.
If the last idea was the correct one, why
had he not given the warning?
My sudden attack taking him so un-
awnres might be accountable for this,
and he might return at any moment
and sound an alarm.
Invent quickly back to the cook house,
determined to take advantage Of his
I 117T11