The Wilmington daily Republican., 1900-04-03

voice, shrill and powerful though It was.
couldn't penetrate that brick wall. Della
Mann looked about her in the gloom.
The telephone!
1t was evident that the robbers hadn't
noticed It beneath the shrouding shawl.
Could she get to It? With q violent mus
cular effort-and Della was q strong girl
she managed to hitch the chair little
to one side; again and yet again. Slow
ly but surely she was approaching tho
phone. The cords cut her ankles. but she
forced one foot down so the toe 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 1t 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 it fell with a convulsive
jerk. and then push Of the chair
brought her lips to the mouthpiece.
Her heart beat thick and fast. Her
lips were parched. She fainted little.
Then she spoke, and her voice was soft
and distinct.
"Listen, for the love of heaven" she
began. NO; | don't want no number.
Only listen. This is Della Mann talkn-
yes. Della Mann. Never mind how
spell It. It's Della Mann at 2O21 Oxford
avenue. Get II right-2O21 Oxford ave-
nue.. Yes. Thurston's. Get 1t right.
Thopafo rohhSro IN, tha bouca-uau h
bers. ! can't spell it, an I'm tied hand
an fut. Do you get it? They're up stairs
rummagin-yes, up stairs. I'm In the
Telephone closet tied hand an fut. Sind
the police-sind the police. Do you get
that? An be quick. too-2O21 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 off,"
&c. having cast her extraordinary mes
sage upon MI unknown sea, as it were.
Della Mann put her aching head back
and waited.
The steps overhead softly came and
went. The clock In the kitchen struck 8.
Time was passing slowly in the little
blUltitvll. HtI Ccilu luHCleu Sut
somebody walking cautiously around to
the rear of the house. A moment later
there was quick clang, cang 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 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 heaIt
rejoiced. Then she dimly wondered when
she would be released. She was cold and
numb. Her head was heavy, and It
ached. 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
handsome pile as the officers stacked it
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 ! were leaving the Office
that my house was being robbed. and we
caught the first electric car and came
out. How did you know about itY'
Message from the telephone central"
replied an officer.
"By the way" said the younger Of the
rascals, with q bow to Alice Thurston,
"you will find your girl of all work in
there" and he indicated the storcroom
with his manacled hands.
GaOroa ThurStop appopU fo fha door
turned the key and flung it open.
"Here!' he cried, and 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 tiny glass Of brandy, which
she swallowed with grimace.
"And what were you doing In the
storeroom, Deia?" cried Alice, who was
close to the verge Of Mysteries.
"Tellyphonin," replied Della stolidly.
"Well. III be jammed," said the young.
pr prisoner.
"Good girl" growled the big policeman.
But Alice and George only looked at
one another.
81 s'pose it's all up with me-" said De.
10 mournfully.
"What do you mcan?" cried Alice.
"On account of me breakin that last
plate, ma'am," said Della.
Then Alice, still gently stroking tho
Scared wrists, laughed until she cried
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