The Delta independent., 1897-12-31

! mao Doen 700 nasty IN tenO1ng for
Mr.. Perry and the detectives. For II
the stolen property or . portion Of il
should BE- discovered hidden in my
house, those who believed in my guilt
might claim that l had hidden the Sc
curities myself and. becoming fearful
of discovery or being unable to nego-
tiate 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 was the real GRIM
inal, might not be 10 easily convinced
Of the truth of my story.
however. and in the meantime some
thing further might arise to assist my
case. So had to be content in hoping
for the best.
I stopped at the orchard below my
house and. letting down the bars. led
the horse through the long grass, up
10 the barn, 20 that the sound Of hoofs
on the hard roadway might not serve
a. . 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. /
slipped q blanket over his reeking back
and sides and then quietly and eau.
tiously approached the house.
When 1 came around the corner T.
was startled at discovering the dark
outlines of a 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
l 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 wise.
"You scoundrel, I've got double
charge against you, and I'll take my pay
now," snarled. between my clenchcd
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 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 o pistol meaning business thrust
into his face will understand my sensa-
ton.
1 instantly let 90 my hold and fell
back o few steps. So sudden had been
the change In Skinner from the de-
fensive TO the aggressive that for Z
moment forgot about my pistol. When
I did think Of it and got through
fumbling In my pocket. the ruscal hAd
Ned around the side Of the house
whittier followed. lie succeeded Ia
eluding me, however. Even had dis.
covered him, l would not have fired. II
WINS not my purpose To raise disturb
ance Just then. For some reason Skin
ner also was unwilling to attract Mt
tention TO the spot by shooting. for. II
he really wished TO put me out Of the
way, he would never have hal n more
favorable opportunity than when he
30 clcverly got the drop on me.
Whether the fellow was about 70
enter the cook house when I came upon
him SO suddenly. or was standing guard