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 t
ing to rain, man approached the house For
last ten minutes he had been lying beneath the {
ping shelter Of a 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 a heavy string course ran; it s
HIM idea; there were but few more minute
daylight left; IL he could climb up there he w,
be safe for the next eight hours or so. He thz
1t seemed possible; there was waterspout, and S
fairly stout vines of Virginia creeper. The vo
came nearer; he sprang forward, and after mil
or wild exertion lay full length upon the stone le
painting for breath.
The voices were close by; he had been jus
time
In here you saw him, eh?"
SAY, measter! 1 sin bout quarter
agonew
SIN here men! Spread yourselves"
Fright, oh!'
"Two of you to back Keep sharp lookout n
You stay along O. me, ThompsonI"
A pealng ring at the door bell, then silent "
The man on the ledge listened, holding his bres
"Now, young woman, who lives here"
"Mrs. Murray, oficer-wiii you kindly SD
soft?
Then mans voice.
Whats this-what do you wantT'
"Want enough sir. One of the convicts esca
this afternoon and was traced here"
"Here!"
"Yes, sr-seen only few minutes ago. 1 D
come in. please and search the house"
"That you can't do-my mother lies dangerot
ILL.,"
Afraid we must, though"
Then another voice. =
"Ah, Sergeant Makepeaee 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.
l fear"
We'll Dr. Stewart, you see. sir. it's sen
Dusiness-and you a magistrate"
eyes, Makepeace; and for that reason l tell
to get warrant-if you can. Why, man, the r
oner wouldn't be such fool as to come here
81 don't know, sir-tbey generally runs /
some silly place other-besides. he seem"
"Ah. well-youn have to stay outside the dc
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 idea had crossed his mind that /
wretched convict might have hidden there after 4
The sergeant and his men turned reluctaI
away as the door closed softly behind them. Nj
had fallen, and the thick drizzle made it dark as
grave. A..4
He'll be off sure gun. Wen search
outhouses and keep a watch anyhow. This n
hasn't been falling long enough to soften the grou
Thcre'I be no tracks to follow. I'll get wars
though" ar.
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.
For half an hour be lay there in the darkn,
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 drzzie enveloped him and melted him to the 81
At last it began to chill him. In discomfort
raised himself from his warm place, and ShlYel
ray OF light shot out into the darkness in front
nina Window He crept toward it; then, cautio
Iy raising his head he peered in. An empty
room-a mans room by the garments hanging on
door He might climb in and steal suit of cloth
1t was easement window and Cnlatched. BE
almost screwed his nerve up to this venture vi
he heard voice; another window had been ope'
further along He shrank against the wall .
voices ceased.
'1'H 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 tie blind Two men stood with their Dat
toward him They were locking down upon sc
one in bed They spoke in low mur1nurs. Preseh
the Younger turned so that his side face came Il
view The watcher with sudden gasp. shra
back.
'.Chris!" he whispered. astounded.
*-*
what WAS that? Did you hearf'''
mo, heard nothing" said the doctor.
ssWhat is itYy rnurmured the sick woman.
Nothing mother; but fancied L heard so
one call Chris.
The man outside had again laid himself fat
the stone LEDGE he trying to gather his seattle
wits
Chris! BY all that's merciful. they've C
here to be near me! That man at the door said -
Murray was i'll. Can 1t be mother under a ia
name? If So I'm safe!'
For sudden illumination had come; he had
cided what to do. s
He crept backward to the window into which
had first looked.
'sBy George! III 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
clothing ffinging IL under the bed Then he went