The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-01-15


there, and where were the rest? Was
a trap laid for me?
Sonntag, Skinner, Jackson, the I'M
explained and curious relation between
these three, the walled-up cellar, the
underground passage undoubtedly lead
ing to It, and SO safely guarded-what
could IL all mean? Was 1t possible
that my old house was the receptacle of
the stolen property, and Sonntag.
Skinner, even jackson, the gang, or a
portion of it, had perpetrated the rob-
berry?
If this was true, then there was an
attempt being made to furnish some
proof which would throw conviction
upon me.
Was this the mystery which sur
rounded me? Single-handed, how could
/ hope to cope successfully with it?
Jake Hunsicker and his wife were to
be depended upon as far as their judg-
ment and ability went. thought of Mr..
Morley, who, being trustee of the
bank, would naturally be interested in
the affair. But that gentleman's own
evident troubles, and the unwillingness
to add greater load to the already
overburdened man. turned me from the
idea of aid from that direction.
There was another one, and the
thought had no sooner come into my
head than proceeded to follow it up.
Stealing cautiously from the house,
I went out to the barn and saddled the
horse, mounted, and was soon tearing
down the Sidington road.
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 signif-
canoe. Some property was to be re-
moved this very night, and If the ref
erence was to anything hidden in the
cellar the removal might take place
while l was absent on my present err
rand.
The thought caused me to urge for
ward the horse to his greatest speed,
and very soon drew near the station.
Stopping short distance away, l 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 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, ran swiftly forward and
leaped upon the platform. The door of
the station-house was locked, as were
also the windows. BY the CLEAN of the
station light l 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 had at one time held
the position of stenographer and teleg
rapher. How thankful was now for
the long hard study and practice gone
through to fit myself for that positiont
7 had not forgotten how to send or re-
ceive message.
With the butt end of the pistola pane
of glass was smashed, and, reaching in
through the opening, undid the lock,
and in another moment was inside.
My fingers trembled with excitement,
as l threw the switch which connected
the instrument with the circuit, and
then handled the key.
I did not know the call for Phila-
delphia, so clicked the Authorization
Phil" few times, and was delighted
in receiving quick response.
"operator-Keep this dead secret,
and have delivered quick" wired.
The answer came back: 20. X. Go
ahead"
'Benj. F. Perry. 1889 Ridgefeld Ave-,
Phila., Pa: Come quick to Sidingon
| mr.