Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1899-05-05
md knew he was in the passage and

and knew he was in the passage and
obstructing window. 1t was now GER
tain that there was no light, save Of
the stars, and this must be the reason
why the guard had not as yet per-
ceived him. He turned, for l caught
the narrowing of his shape. and imme-
diately the window was free again,
and now he had surely advanced down
the passage.
I slipped alongside the captain, and
he looked at me, the wonderment on
his face coming out in the faint light.
We were now close to the top of the
flight, but as yet could not command
the passage, the continued wall cut
ting us off. Of a sudden heard a soft,
long step, and, the window above dark
ening. looked up and saw Mr.. lynn.
"All's we'll" he said, in sharp whis-
per full of relief. "The coast is clear"
This was such brave news that for
an instant it fairly brought the cap
tain and me to standstill. Yet only
while one might catch his breath. We
made straddling bound of it to the
top, Mac Ivrach close behind.
1--WE must improve the opportunity"
went on Mr.. lynn, as soon as we were
fairly beside him. "Yonder is the
door; Master Ardick, do you hail the
senorita. and then proceed as speed
lily as you can with the breaking in"
The business wanted no more dis
cussion, and quickly we were all be-
fore the door. A very faint bit of light
came from the open keyhole, but all
within was quiet. To make quite GER
tain that the door was locked, first
gently tried it, but found, as I ex-
pected, the bolt shot. STOPPING then
to the keyhole, spoke the senorita's
name, raising my voice as high as I
dared.
There was little stir, and present
~ the lady's voice, low and shaken, an
swered: -
"Who is there?"
Friends lady. Capt. Sel!nger and
others that you wot of. We have come
to deliver YOU"
heard her give little cry, and she
seemed to have come up close to the
door.
eve are about to break in," con-
tinued. Yet, stay-are you dressed 2"
Eyes. senior. All, the saints have
heard my prayers!"
"She understands the matter" said
back to my companions. "Hand me
the pry, Mac Ivrach."
The Scotchman had fetched along
this implement-a short bar of iron,
with one end flattened into a splay-
and now passed it over. l damned it
in midway up, near the lock, and gave
-heave. The door was of wood, but
heavy and strongly set, and this first
effort only made it strain and crack
Growing impatient and anxious, I
punched again, and this time threw
my weight against the bar. The bolt
instantly snapped and the door swung
quivering open. The light within
single candle-hardly brought out
the place with distinctness, yet one
glance resolved nearly all. just with
in the entrance stood the senorita,
pale, and with her yellow hair falling
down her shoulders. At her back
were the details Of the room, mainly
q little cumbrous furniture and the
scant drapery of the barred windows.
AS soon as the poor creature got
the light fairly upon us, and espe-
cially as soon as she made out the cap
tain, she ran forward and fell on her
knees at his feet.
"Oh, senior, may Christ reward you!
I had all but given up hope!'
"Why, it is all right, senorita,"
said the captain, awkwardly. He for
got that the lady did not understand
his English. He gave her his hand
and she rose, looking sweetly and
gratefully at the rest of us.
But this was no time for sentiment.
We Immediately withdrew little and
took counsel together. ''There seem.
to be no new phase to the natter
said Mr.. lynn. "The senorita' 5 disguise
will still serve"
Say the captain and 60 first" said
Mr.. lynn. "The lady and you, Ardick,
Ivrach can bring up the rear. We
must all take care to stroll along care
lessly.'
We fell into the understood order
accordingly, and in silence passed out
into the passage. Mac Ivrach fingered
little. and took the precaution to
close the door, and we were thus, for
the time, in comparative darkness, the
stars fetching the place out only in
a faint glimmer.
l touched my elbow to the senorita's
to encourage her, and in this fashion
we slipped softly along, and without
hearing an alarming sound reached the
head of the stairs. Here Mr.. lynn
halted, but after glance began to
descend, and we, catching the noises
now palmer from below, but still moth
ing menacing, quietly followed. AS
before, we found this rearward hall
safe and deserted. Mr.. lynn gave
glance back at us, as though to see
that all were ready, and with a bold
step passed on and turned in at the
door. Capt. Sellinger fell careless
pace or two behind and followed. I
did not hesitate, but as felt the lady
tremble whispered to her to take
heart, for there was but small danger,
and so saying pressed her arm hard
with mine, and with that we passed in.
All was as we had left it. The buc-
cancers were still sitting or lying
about, save he who nursed his arm and
walked up and down, and the haze