The Holly chieftain., 1898-09-09
CHAPTER xv.-CoNr1Nuxp.

CHAPTER Xv.-CoNr1NuEp.
The conversation which Sonntag and
myself had noted this morning in our
endeavor to solve the mystery of the
voices in my bedroom and up in the
attic seemed OF the greatest signifi-
canoe. Some property was to be re-
moved this very night. and II the ref
erence was to anything hidden in the
cellar the removal might take place
while was absent on my present err
rand.
The thought caused me to urge for
ward the horse to his greatest speed,
and very soon l drew near the station.
Stopping short distance away. 1 tied
the horse to the fence, and then eau
tiously approached, being careful to
keep in the shadows as much as pos
sible.
The station was standing out bold
and distinct in the bright moonlight.
There was not sign of a human be-
ing anywhere around. The signal light
in front of the place cast sickly glow
against the windows, in contrast to the
white moonlight.
With pistol ready for immediate use
in my hand, 1 ran swiftly forward and
lenped upon the platform. The door of
the station-house was locked, as were
also the windows. By the gleam of the
station light could see the telegraph
instrument inside
The bank in which had been en-
ployed was equipped with private tel
egraph wire. In the gradual climb to
the tellership 1 had at one time held
the position of fstenographer and teleg-
rapher. How thankful / was now for
the long hard study and practice gone
through to fit myself for that positionl
] had not forgotten how to send or re-
ceive a message.
With the butt end Of the pistol pane
of glass was smashed. and. reaching in
through the opening, undid the lock,
and in another moment wns inside.
My fingers trembled with excitement,
as threw the switch which connected
the instrument with the circuit, and
then handled the key.
did not know the call for Phila-
delphin, SO clicked the abbreviation
phil few times, and was delighted
in receiving a quick response.
"Operator-Keep this dead secret,
and have delivered quick" wired.
The answer came back: 70. K. Go
ahead"
BENZ. F. Perry, 1459 Ridgefield Ave,
Phila., Pa: Come quick to Sidingon
on j. g. NJ. division Mid-Trunk Ry. Get
special train; bring detectives. Re-
covery of stolen funds and arrest of
thieves in question. Do not fail. Am
all alone. Nelson Conway"
l followed this up by another re-
quest to have it delivered Immediate
ly. to which the short but gratifying
response came: you bet. Good
luck!"
The operator evidently comprehended
the full meaning of my. dispatch. In.
deed, anyone who had resided in Phila-
deIphia at the time OF the robbery, read
ing that message, would know its mean
ing.
The short term expressing good will,
received in answer to my request to
rush, coming from one had probably
never seen, encouraged me greatly.
Then, too, knowing Mr.. Perry's en-
ergctic nature, I was confident that
gentleman would be up and doing i'm
mediately upon the receipt Of my dis
patch. A man Of his standing would
have no difficulty in procuring special
train, and, allowing the time necessary
to obtain the officers Of the law, in two
or three hours could expect Mr..
Perry's arrival.
could not repress a smile as pic
tured to myself the president of the
Safety Security company riding, not
in the coach, but on the engine to which
1t was attached, and urging the en-
gineer to greater speed. 1t was GER
tain in my mind that that special would
travel MS fast as steam could drive the
wheels.
A 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 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 Sarah's house,
and, going in the front door, raped
long and loud. In answer to nv sum-
mons q voice called from an upstairs
window:
Sarah. is that your I asked, step
ping from the shadow Of the porch into
the moonlight.
"Ach Gott, Mel, vat IL itr' the good
woman exclaimed, fear and excitement
at beholding me at this late hour caus-
ing her voice to tremble.
: ''Is your husband awake?" l con-
tinued.
'.No, indeed. he schleep like log"
well, wake him up, and tell him to
hitch a team in the double wagon
There will be special trair come to
the station within = few hours Have
the team whiting for It. Three or four
men will get OF the train; take them
up aud drive them over to the old place
just as fast a. the horses can 20. Will
you do this for me, sarah?"
"vait; I come down" was her breath
less reply.
I was anxious to be of homeward.
but before had time TO become i'm
patient 1t the delay the front door
opened and Sarah stepped out.
"Did you understand what I told
your" asked, hurriedly. |
Zach, yea, indeed" Then she re-