Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-02-25

There must 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
l could not see him.
and do anything"
Before Jackson could finish pistol
shot rang out.
This WIS Immediately followed by
two otler 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 convulsively.
He made Il great effort to speak, but
no sound came from his lips, except IL
deep groan as he fell forward full
length. And there he lay. motionless,
his face resting on the hard floor.
In moment Jackson was bending
over him. The hook 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 hasty glance around,
seized the lantern and entered the pas
sageway, intent on instant flight.
Too Mortified to think what course to
pursue, I backed away from the door
and took position near the stairs.
Jackson entered the cook-horse eel
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 I
was discovered. He had his pistol still
in his hand, and started to raise his arm.
mo, 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-" I
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 Mt me. There was
4 movement Of his arm, and was about
to pull the trigger to forestall his pur-
pose of firing at me, when report
sounded out from behind him, as he
leaned against the wall and door, and
with a loud cry he sprang forward,
came down all 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 a new
position of defense.
''Stop!' I yelled. as the feet began to
descend. 1.-THE stairs are covered by my
pistol"
There was pause. and hurried con-
sultation upon the landing.
us that you down there, Mr.. Con-
way?" inquired a voice which I recog-
nized.
eyes, it is; and, as I do not know
whether you are an enemy or friend,
Mr.. Sonntag, guess I won't run any
risk. You'd better stay up. You have
me in your power. penned up here in
this hole; but if I've got to die some
one else goes with me-
Again there was hurried conversa-
ton in low tones between Sonntag and
some other party. who I surmised was
Skinner.
"Perhaps YOU will not object to my
approach, Nelson" a voice called out
as second pair Of legs came down.
1--WE are all friends, true friends" it
continued.
There was something so familiar in
the sound of the voice that I hesitated
in again uttering a remonstrance.
1--WE are all friends" the man said
again, as his head reached below the
level of the floor. Dim though the light
was upon the stairs, recognized him
Immediately, and with a loud call
sprang toward him.
MFR. Perry! Oh, thank God. you
have comet" I 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," I remarked, as the warning voice
again sounded out, just as though its
services were longer needed.
Il know it cannot" Mr.. Perry re.
marked, with smile. Here Sonntae
and another man brushed by us, and
went to Jackson's PROSTATE body.
"Win you look here, sir?" Sonntag
called, motioning for Mr.. Perry to ap'
proach.
"My God! 1t is Jackson! How terri.
BILE: Is he dead? Who did it," asked
Mr.. Perry. glancing up at me. "Were
you compelled to shoot him, Nelson: ~
NO, I am thankful that no mans
blood is on my hands. Although
came very near shooting him."
Then I explained how Jackson had
been killed. I told nothing about Mr.
Morley's connection with the affair
They listened intently, and then Som
tag, carrying a jimmy, went to the door
"Will you two stand to one side .
Sonntag called out. THAT shooting ap
paratus might go off again in getting
the door OPEN"