The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-09-03
But, though the convict in the great prison
entered in the books as Exham, the widow and
son were known as Murray

ness would soon settle over ALL
Through the driving mist which was now
ing to rain. man approached the house. For
last ten minutes he had been lying beneath the
ping shelter Of Portugal laurel. Now, at the sc
OF distant voices, he had crept from his hiding p
He looked round in despair. Through the thicke
gloom he could just discern the house. Above
lower windows heavy string course ran; it
HIM an idea; there were but few more minute
daylight left; If he could climb up there he w
be safe for the next eight hours or so. He tn
1t seemed possible; there was waterspout and
fairly stout vines of Virginia creeper. The V0
came nearer; he sprang forward, and after mil
OF wild exertion lay full length upon the stone e
painting for breath
The voices We're close by; he had been jus
time
I'm here you saw him, eh?
cay, measter! / sin mum bout quarter
agonew
"In here men Spread yourselvesp
Fright, oh!'
1.-TWO of you to back Keep sharp lookout n
You stay along O. me, Thompson!"
pealing ring at the door bell, then silent
Ing
The man on the ledge listened. holding his bre.
"Now. young woman. who lives here?'
"Mrs. Murray. officer-wili you kindly sp
softw
Then mans voice.
whats this-what do you want?"
want enough, sir. One of the convicts esca
this afternoon and was traced here"
Here
"Yes, sir-seen only few minutes ago. In
come ill., please and search the house"
"That you can't do-my mother lies dangeroi
afraid we must, though"
Then another voice.
'Ah, Sergeant Makepeace! Look here, it's
possible, you know. 1 shant allow you in With
a search warrant. wouldn't answer for
patients life. Mrs. Murray is dangerously ill-dy
1 fear
We'll Dr. Stewart, you see, sir. it's seri
business-and you a magistrate"
Eyes Makepeace; and for that reason l tell .
to get a warrant-if you can. Why man, the z
oner wouldn't be such fool as to come here
81 don't know, sir-tbey generally runs
some silly place or other-besides he was seem
"Ah. well-youll have to stay outside the ID
and that's all about it. If we find him inside, wh
shall know what to do with him."
The doctor could not have explained what M
him hesitate in the middle of his speech. An abs
ghost of an idea had crossed his mind that
wretched convict might have hidden there after
The sergeant and his men turned reluctaIi
away as the door closed softly behind them. Nj
had fallen, and the thick drizzle made it dark a.
grave. A..t
Hell be off sure as gun. Well search
outhouses and keep a watch anyhow. This II
hasn't beer falling long enough to soften the grOu
There'H be no tracks to follow. I'll get a wars
though" i,,.
AS they walked away the hunted creature
the ledge drew breath of relief. and, letting
head lie on his arms, heard through the silence
the night the soft hiss of the rain as it fell
around him. At any rate he had time for conside
ton.
Fer half an hour he lay there in the darknt
his head buried in his arms. perfectly secure
thankful for the breathing space. He was think
hard what he should do next. The soft, warm 81
mer drizze envelOped him and melted him to the 81
At last it began to chill him. In discomfort
raised himself from his warm place, and shivel
ray OF light shot out into the darkness in front
nina Window He crept toward it; then, cautlo
ly raising his head, he peered in. An empty b
room-a mans room by the garments hanging on ,
door, He might climb in and steal a suit of cloth
1t was easement window and unlatched. BE
almost screwed his nerve up to this venture Wi
he heard a voice; another window had been ope'
further along He shrank against the wall. :
voices ceased.
''In see who they are" he said. and again
crept onward. With infinite care he raised his he
and found ne could look right into the room past
edge of the blind Two stood with their bae
toward him They were locking down upon sc
one in bed They spoke in low murnurs. Presei
the younger turned so that his side face came II
view The watcher with sudden gasp shra
back.
Chris he whispered. astounded.
-.
what WAS that? Did you hearf''
mo heard nothing" said the doctor.
s.What is it?p murmured the sick woman.
Nothing mother; but I fancieti 1 heard so
one call Chris.
The man outside had again laid himself fiat
the stone LEDGE he was trying to gather his seattle
wits.
Chris. BY all that's mercifuI. they've
here to be near mel That man at the door said
Murray was I'll, Can 1t be mother under ia
name? If so. I'm safer ,
For sudden Illumination had come; he had
cided what to do.
He crept backward to the window into which
had first looked
by George! I'll chance 1t, anyhow" he sa
and, listening moment. raised himself and climb
it, Then he closed the window and drew down
blind.
Quickly he stripped himself of every stitch
oIo+I,;ng Hnyinp If under the he'd Then no went