The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-04-03


e. Ssts Ssn''A'ss to 'l'''~T''' 'A''' '''''-
Presently she opened her mouth to It's
widest limit-and Delia's was a generous
wouth-and when the gag sank in she
seized what she could Of II with her
sharp, white teeth. She gnawed and tore
at II and presently had the satisfaction
Of feeling the severed ends drop from her
face. Should sbe cry out7 She knew an
outcry would probably have but one re-
subtitle robbers would hear and come
back and silence her more efectuallt.
The window was double one, and her
voice. shril and powerful though it was,
couldn't penetrate that brick wall Della
Mann looked about her In the gloom.
The telephonel
II was evident that the robbers hadn't
noticed II beneath the shrouding shawl.
Could she get to III With violent mus
cular effort-and Della was a strong girl
--she managed to hitch the chair little
TO one side; again aud yet again. Slow
ly but surely she was approaching the
phone. The cords cut her ankles, but she
forced one foot down SO the too Of her
shoe touched the floor. Inch by inch she
came nearer and nearer. She heard soft
footsteps In the room above her. She re-
doubled her efforts and presently, leaning
forward. caught the black shawl between
her teeth and dragged II down. Then she
paused to get her breath.
A moment later she was hard at work
trying to crowd the receiver from its sup
porting prongs with her sleek, round
head. Finally II fell with convulslve
Jerk, and then push OF the chair
brought her lips to the mouthpiece.
Her heart beat thick and fast. Her
lips were parched. She tainted a little.
Then she spoke, and her voice was soft
and distinct.
Listen, for the love OF heaven" she
began. mo; don't want no number.
Only listen. This is Della Mann talkln-
yes, Della Mppp. Never mind how |
spell it. It's Della Mann at 202l Oxford
avenue. Get It rght-2021 Oxford ave-
nue.. Yes, Thurston's. Get It right.
There's robbers In the house-yes. rob-
bcrs. | can't spell 1t. an I'm tied hand
an tut. Do you get it? They're up stnirs
rummagin-yes, pp stairs. I'm In the
Telephone closet tied hand an tut. Sind
the polce-slnd the police. Do you get
that? An be quick, too-2021 Oxford
avenue-an fer the love of heaven don't
you dare to say lines busy"
She paused and caught her breath.
Then she added;
That's ALL an | can't ring OF.
So, having cast her extraordinary mes
sage upon an unknown sen, as 1t were.
Della Mann put her aching head back
and waited.
The steps overhead softly came and
went. The clock in the kitchen struck 3.
Time was passing slowly in the little
storeroom. Then Della fancied she heard
somebody walking cautiously around to
the rear OF the house. A moment later
there was a quick clahS, clnng from the
street and the sound of rumbling wheels.
There were hurried footsteps. too, on the
front stairs and In the hall and through
the dining room. Then came a quick
command, the sound of struggle, a
smothered oath or two and silence.
Della knew that the police must have
neatly trapped the robbers, and her heart
rejoiced. Then she dimly wondered when
she would be released. She was cold and
numb. Her head was heavy, and it
nched. She dropped her chin upon her
breast and dozed.
Thus it happened that she did not hear
the policemen when they brought the cap
tured rascals into the dining room and re-
lieved them of their booty. 1t made quite
a handsome pile as the officers stacked 1t
on the table. And then suddenly in rush
ed George Thurston and Alice, painting
with haste and excitement.
Got 'em, eh?" cried George. Good.
Somebody telephoned me-just as Mrs.
Thurston and l were leaving the Office
that my house was being robbed, and We
caught the first electric car and Tine
out. How did you know about II
Message from the telephone central"
replied an officer.
by the way" said the younger of the
rascals, with a bow to Alice Thurston,
you will find your girl of all work in
there" and he indicated the storeroom
with his manacled hands.
George Thurston sprang TO the door,
turned the key and flung it open.
"Herew he cried, and a policeman fol-
lowed him into the apartment. A moment
later they reappeared carrying the limp
Della on her chair. As soon as she could
be united Alice Thurston fell to chatting
her benumbed wrists, while George
brought her a tiny glass of brandy, which
she swallowed with grimace.
And what were you doing in the
storeroom, Della Z" cried Alice, who was
close to the verge of Mysteries.
"Iellyphonin," replied Della stolidly.
"Well, I'll be jammed," said the young
er prisoner.
Good girl" growled the big policeman.
But Alice and George only looked at
one another.
II s'pose it's all up with me-" said De-
liza mournfully.
what do you meanY cried Alice.
"On account OF nue. breakin that last
plate, ma am" said Della.
Then Alice, still gently stroking the
SCARED wrists. laughed until she cried
Cleveland Plain Dealer.