The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-02-02

drained that decanter TO the dregs, my
new-found friends and myself cordially
separated. and unless I'm much mis-
taken, when ! shook hands with
CLARA" there was tremulous pressure
OF the fngers-but no matter. Fritz
now thoroughly realized the gravity OF
the situation. and as he conducted me
TO the apartment was to occupy for
the night we were closely followed by
my two guards. with whom (havins
first double-locked the door, he depart
ed, leaving me>to the contemplation Of
my prison house.
|; was n miserable box room rather
than bedroom, in which a truckle bed
stead. small wooden table and chair
did duty for furniture, and the sole EN-.
bellishment OF which was a piece OF
broken looking glass nailed against the
wall by some departed scullion OF the
establishment who probably slept
there. A small piece of candle in very
grimy candlestick had been placed on
the ,able.
My first consideration was, naturally,
some possible means of escape. The SEN
tries on duty at the rear of the build
ing en- which my window looked out,
made this utterly impossible in that di-
rection, death being the inevitable end
of the escaping spy. To undress would
have been absurd. must be ready for
any eventualiiy, specially MS my small
modicum of candle was already flick
ering in its socket. So sat and watched
the dull thud of the top-booted night
watch as they paced below, when pres
entity, with splutter, my expiring
light went out altogether, and left me
awaiting developments in utter dark
ness. Now it was possibly between one
and two in the morning when not al
all as anticipated, these came abou.
My attention was first aroused by the
distinct but distant sound of footsteps
coming apparently downstairs.
Then, suddenly, through the obslurity
and the keyhoe, ray of lighi shot
across my place of Observation-Disclosures
der the crack of the door-across the
bare floor OF the room, and then
Who's there?" queried.
And the reply came in sweet, music
al voice. Are you the English prison
er?" which, by the way, brings me TO
The opening words of this curious per
sonal experience, which is yet another
evidence of fact" being stranger than
fiction"
My mysterious visitor was evidently
woman in some considerable consterna
iion lest she should be heard or seen
Then came scraping noise, and
somewhat bulky envelope was with dit
ticulty thrust under my door, which |
with equal difficulty, succeeded in pui
ing ,hrough; but l was more in,sni o.
the personality of my wouldbe deliver
er than her packet, and (Fritz. as ian &C
ditional precaution, having taken the
key with him) was now mainly occu-
pied in peering through the kcyhole
There, looking furtively TO right and
left, wrapped in woolen dressing
gown, stood for one second-one, TO me,
precious second-the young American
girl, TO the lovelight of whose bright,
bewitching eyes | had few hours be-
fore fallen an easy victim.
"Miss-" | hesitated-"Claral IL
don't know your other name" said. in
fear and trembling lest should defeat
her object and my own by arousing
some sleeping Cerberus; do tell me"
Bul there was no reply-her mission
was over-the light disappearel-th
footsteps grew rapidly fainter-aod the
next moment was again in utter dark
ness. had not. however. now icng to
wait. Morning was not far off; and
with its earliest light examined the
contents of my mysterious communica
ton. 1t was a note in pencil. and ran Is
follows:
have improvised out OF ribbon. ctc., a
small union jack: II may assist your es-
cape. Under the protection of the colors Of |
their country others have done so before. |
Back and front are closely guarded. There |
Is way through the kitchen at foot Of |
stairs, which leads to outhouses; it's your
only chance. We shall hear II you have es-
capped. We shall be very anxious.
CLARA CARRINGTON
And there, worked by Clara's deft fin
gers. was a small union jack, which. as
it happened. was TO be the tuning point
on which my future life was to revolve.
Which of the fates was il (Lachesis, |
think who carried a pair OF scissors
with which to clip or trim the thread of
life? Surely mine used a needle and
thread. Personally | felt very much
inclined 10 waive the advantages of lib
erty for the prospect of again seeing
Cla-! But again felt
should defeat her object and mine; and