The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-03-26

her don't care what happens TO me-"
There AUST have been something In
Mr.. Morley after this speech which dis
turbed Jackson, for he gave vent to a
nervous laugh and backed away. SO that
/ could not see him.
"Now, don't act like q fool. old man,
and do anything"
Before Jackson could finish pistol
shot rang out.
This was Immediately followed by
two other reports. Mr.. Morley had evil
IDENTIFY missed the first time. and his
second shot sounded simultaneously
with Jackson's return fire.
Then Mr.. Morley staggered before the
passageway. His arms were appraised,
and the hands worked convulsiyely.
He made a great effort to speak. but
no sound came from his lips. except a
deep groan as he fell forward full
length. And there he lay, motionless,
his face resting on the hard floor.
In a moment Jackson was bending
over him. The look of horror. of fear.
of dread In his face as he arose from
beside the PROSTATE body told tale OF
murder.
With nervous haste he picked up the
papers which had fallen from his hand.
and. throwing a hasty glance around.
seized the lantern and entered the pas
sageway. intent on instant flight.
Too Mortified 10 think what course TO
pursue. i backed away from the door
and took position near the stairs.
Jackson entered the cook-house cell
lar, and, placing the lantern upon the
floor, closed the door. Then he turned
and peered about The start he gave
and the alarm on his face told me
was discovered. he had his pistol still
In his hand, and started TO raise his arm
"No, no." / cried; keep that hand
down." He saw had him covered with
my revolver, and he obeyed my com
mand for the moment. But knew that
he was desperate man and would not
hesitate to throw his life away in the
endeavor TO escape. Therefore hastily
followed up the advantage.
you'll throw that pistol TO me-"
continued. Instantly, you damned
villain, you murderer, or. as sure as
| Heaven"
But my words were interrupted. He
had backed up against the door, his
eyes staring fixedly at me. There was
movement of his arm, and was about
to pull the trigger to forestall his pur-
pose of firing at me, when a report
sounded out from behind him, as he
leaned against the wall and door, and
with n loud cry he sprang forward,
came down oil in a heap. rolled over on
his back, and lay there, dead-dead, and
by his own murderous device for guard
ing his hiding place.
Hurried footsteps were crossing the
room above, and / hastily took up new
position of defense.
"Stopl" 1 yelled. as the feet began to
descend. THE stairs are covered by my
pistol"
There was pause. and a hurried con-
sultation upon the landing.
"Is that you down there, Mr.. Con-
way?" inquired a voice which 1 recog-
nized.
Eyes. IL Is; and, as i do not know
whether you are an enemy or n friend,
Mr.. Sonntag, guess / won't run any
risk. You'd better stay up. You have
me in your power, penned up here in
this hole; but IL I've got TO die some
one else goes with me-"
Again there was hurried converse
tion in low tones between Sonntag and
some other party, who l surmised was
Skinner.
Perhaps you will not object TO my
approach, Nelson" voice called out
as a second pair OF legs came down.
"We are all friends. true friends" IL
continued.
There was something so familiar In
the sound OF the voice that hesitated
In again uttering a remonstrance.
eve are all friends" the man said
again, rs his head reached below the
level OF the floor Dim though the light
was upon the stairs, recognized him
Immediately, and with n loud call
sprang toward him.
"Mr. Perry Oh. thank God, you
have comet" / stepped unthinkingly
on the plank at the bottom. and he
came down TO me and grasped my hand.
don't mind that It cannot hurt
you," remarked. as the warning voice
again sounded out, just as though its
services were longer needed.
81 know IL cannot" Mr.. Perry re-
marked, with a smile. Here Sonntng
and another man brushed by us. and
went 10 Jackson's PROSTATE body.
"Wnl you look here, sir?" Sonntag
called, motioning for Mr.. Perry to APP
proach.
my God! II Is Jackson! How terri
BILE! Is he dead? Who did it?" asked
Mr.. Perry, glnncing up Mt me. 'Were
you compelled 10 shoot him, Nelson ?"
"No. / am thankful that no mans
blood is on my hands. Although I
came very near shooting him."
Then / explained how Jackson Ind
been killed. / told nothing about Mr..
Morley's connection with the affair.
They listened intently, and then Sonn-
tag, carrying jimmy, went TO the door.
"Will you two stand 10 one side?"