The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-06-11

TTbIn the lDOlllCIt set NNCo VH Hlh
at Dartport | knew there d be trouble with
No SO. Ii wasn't only the size and
strength of the man, but certain nasty
look about his eyes that told me this.
Nor was | mistaken. for he proved to be
one of the most unmanageable hrutcs we
ever bad. He soon took Il particularly
strong dislike to me, for, as i'll luck would
have it, | was the first to have to report
him for misconduct, and it WAS through
ME that he had his first taste of the cat.
When | went into his cell that night, he
broke the strict rule of silence, and Kissed
out
's'You devil of Il turnkey, III kill you
before I've finished with you.
1T was threat | had heard more than
once before, and it didn't affect me very
much at the time, though | had good
reason to remember it afterwards
1.-Two years passed, and No. SO showed
no signs of improving. He had a mar
velous physique, and the prison diet
seemed in no way to diminish his strength.
He had to be most carefully watched in
the quarries, and in fact always for he
had nasty knack of being dangerous in
more ways than one. At length, towards
the end of the summer Of the year Of
which I am speaking, he suddenly turned
over a new leaf, and became quiet and
tractable. | felt less sure of him than
ever. nevertheless, for | had seen some
thing of this phase of character before, and
| knew it generally meant mischief. Nor
was [ mistaken, for one afternoon, when
foe had come on rather unexpectedly, the
sharp crack of a rife betokened the escape
of No. &c. Taking advantage Of the mist,
he had suddenly struck the nearest warder
to the ground, hurled biz bit of stone
with deadly aim at one sentry, completely
bowling him over, taking the chance Of a
bullet from another-and was off.
1T was between nine and ten o clock
at night that I, in company with several
other members of a search party, halted
for a little consultation just by the en-
bankment of the railway, the main West
Southern, line to London, that runs
through the desoate bit of country some
five or six miles north of Dartport prison
IL wonder whether it 5 any use hay
ing look at Westmoor station. SAID our
chief.
.:Westmoor station was about two
miles up the line from where we were
standing.
AYE, | replied, it's just possible
that he might be lying around there,
looking out for train; though it's my
belief that he making northward- any
rate, it's more likely
q We'll, Davis, said the chief, after 4
moment or two's thought, suppose you
go to Westmoor. 1t may be worth try
ing. | think We ought to go on to Hart
well, or that direction. What do you
say?'
q I'm willing to do as you suggest, [
answered. It's just as we'll to see the
station master, [ think.
so | started off along the line. 1t
was a very dark night, though the fog
had lifted, and it was some moments be-
fore l got used to the track. After bit,
however, | made pretty fair progress,
walking between the down pair rails on
the right hand side, so that | could see
the headlights of any train coming towards
me. | hadnt gone far before [ did a
very foolish thing | slung my rife over
my shoulders, so as to leave my hands
free.
''I had gone about half mile or mere
up the line when great longing for ii pipe
came over me. hadn't had a pipe all
day, and as you re smoker, sir, you
know pretty we'll how | was feeling As
1 walked along | took out my pouch, filled
my pipe, and then felt in my pocket for a
match After nearly turning it inside
ont found one solitary wax vesta. Now,
there was a bit Of wind blowing over the
moor and fearful lest | should waste my
precious match. | refrained from striking
it until | could get behind some shelter,
The desired object presently appeared,
looming through the darkness, in the shape
of little plate-layer' hut on the same
side of the line as [ was walking, the door
facing towards the rails Getting into the
shelter of the doorway, struck the match,
and was just about to light my pipe, when,
as leaned against the door, to my as
tonishment it opened inwards with my
weight, almost precipitating me to the
ground, and before | could recover myself
the light of the vesta revealed to me the
hideous face of No. 3G, who was hiding
within.
''With Il snarl he was upon me, and
had clutched me by the throat with his
strong, bony hands. 1t was all done so
suddenly that | had scarcely time to think
of what was happening, and had hardly
realized the situation, when | found my
self sprawling on my back with the ugly
brute on the top Of me. Of course, |
made mighty effort to defend myself,
but was quite powerleSs in his strong
grip.
'''Ah, he growled, with curse, as
he held me pinned to the ground, it s
you, is it? Well, I've got few old ac-
counts to settle with you, and | don t
think there could be better opportunity.
q You brute p l calculated, trying to
twist myself out of his grasp.
CAT this moment something flashing
bright in the dim starlight fell out of my
pocket and changed on the gravel ballast
of the railway track.
q Good, said No. 80, making snatch
at it; these bracelets were meant for me,
1 suppose. Perhaps they prove as good
fit on your wrists. At any rate, we'll
try. And as we haven't cell handy to
fix you in, we'll fasten you down to some
thing secure-do you hear?
sAnd putting forth all his strength, in
spite of my desperate struggles, he half
dragged, half rolled me on to the down
track close beside us. Then, kneeling on
my chest he forced my right hand be-
tween the sleepers, and my left arm over