Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-02-18
rs your husband awake ?" oon.

ss~AAA~SP Z
wen, wake him up, and tell hin, :,
hitch team in the double VICE..
lhere will be special train come to
tne station within a few hours. Have
the team waiting for it. Three or four
men will get off the train; take them
up and drive them over to the old nlacc
just as fast as the horses can 90. WIN
you do this for me, Sarah? ?"
wait; come down." was her breath.
less reply.
was anxious to be off homeward
but before I had time to become ;n'
patient at the delay the front door
opened and Sarah stepped out.
Did you understand what 1 told
your / asked, hurriedly.
ZACH, yes, indeed.' Then she "a.
peated my instructions at my request,
SO there could be no possible mistake.
NOW l must hasten back. Heaven
only knows what might happen during
my Absence" said, making start for
the gate.
Zach Colt, Mel, vat is de matter, any
ways? Tell me! Is dere any harm to
YOU" Sarah cried after me, in such deem
concern that. remembering she knew
| nothing at all of the occurrences at nv
house, I came back. .- .a
II haven't time to stop and tell YOU
everything" I said, hurriedly. But I
have found 4 small portion of the Sc
curities the bank lost by the robbery.
1t was bond, and picked it up from
the floor of the cook-house cellar. Some
! one dropped it, and when the loss is
discovered will be back after it. So I
want to be there and see who it isl
Zach, he kill you, Mel! Ton't go
back! You git kilt" Sarah exclaimed.
"Oh, I guess not. I'll look out for
that"
Sarah wished to accompany me, but
told her how much greater service she
could render by staying and seeing that
my instructions were fully carried out,
which made her satisfied to remain.
AS I started homeward, the bobbing
light of lantern was moving toward
the barn, which told me Jake was doing
his part, and the old fellows unusual
celebrity seemed an suspicious begin
ming to my plan. I had left Sarah
seated on the porch, whence knew she
would not move until her quick ear
caught the first far-off rumble of the
special.
During the ride homeward the
thought occurred to me that perhaps
had been too hasty in sending for
Mr.. Perry and the detectives. For if
the stolen property or Il portion of it
should be discovered hidden in my
house. those who believed in my guilt
might claim that had hidden the Sc
curities myself and, becoming fearful
of discovery or being unable to nego-
tate 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 so easily convinced
of the truth of my story.
There was no recalling the dispatch,
however, and in the meantime some
thing further might arise to assist my
case So had to be content in hoping
for the best.
stopped ut the orchard below my
house and, letting down the bars, led
the horse through the long grass. up
to the barn, SO that the sound Of hoofs
on the hard roadway might not serve
as 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, I
slipped blanket over his reeking back
and sides and then quietly and eau
tiously approached the house.
When I 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
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 III take my pay
now" 1 snarled, between my clenched
teeth.
lie squrmed and struggled, his hands
clutching my wrists, i'll 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 I 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 mlzzle
of pistol meaning business thrust
into his face will understand my sensa-