Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-10-09
the alert for loophole of escape.

lily aiSi = ici q loopiloie Ol escape.
The bit of candle which he held in
his hand had burned SO low that at last
he was unable to hold it without risk
of burning his fingers. Whereupon he
ccolly set it down upon the stone floor,
where presently the wick fell over into
pool OF molden paraffine, and the
flame sputtered noisily, sending ftful
CLEANS through the darkness.
WELL" continued Murdocls voice,
ut is at any rate great satisfaction
to play game with an adversary
worthy of ones steel. You have played
well, Mr.. Sturgis. l think you would
have won modestly; and you are losing
as I would myself have lost, had our
positions been reversed. Good-bye,"
The cleaning eyes disappeared from
the grating and the sliding panel closed
with metallic click.
"Now, then" said Sturgis to his com
panion, 1.-THE last chance lies in the
speaking tube. But first help me move
this box"
What do you want to do with the
box?" asked sprague, who, however,
did as he was bid.
ut may help US to gain little time
Put it down here"
Sturgis struck match and pointed
out the spot.
ION the hot-air register"
ION what looks like a hot-air regis
ter. Did you ever see hot-air regis
ter with noapparent means of shutting
off the heat?"
Sprague, who stood almost over the
register, suddenly threw back his head
and gasped for breath.
you have discovered the secret of
this death trap" said Sturgis, observ-
ing him.
"Gas!" spluttered the artist.
Eyes, he is going to asphyxiate us.
Now, quick, to the speaking tubel The
box will somewhat retard the rush Of
gas; but, at the best, it is only ques-
ton of minutes before the air becomes
so charged as to render respiration
impossible"
sprague rushed to the speaking-tube
and whistled long and loud, after
which he placed his ear to the mouth
piece.
II hear some one walking" he sud
denly exclaimed.
The two men listened in breathless
silence for an answering call.
well, gentlemen, what can 1 do for
you?"
The words came in Murdocks voice.
Sprague's eyes met those of the re-
porter and saw that the last faint glim-
mer of hope was gone. In that swift
and silent Interchange of thought
there was resignation to the inevitable
doom and the final farewell of two
brave hearts.
The spluttering candle gave It's last
flicker and went out, leaving the pris-
oners in utter darkness.
The room was rapidly filing with
gas and they were beginning to feel it's
effects.
1--WE can at least complete our task
before we die,' said Sturgis, with grim
determination.
"Our task!"
Eyes, and insure MurdocR's convic-
ton for our murder"
What chance is there that anyone
will ever discover our bodies, since they
are destined for Murdocll's oblivion
tank?"
Give me your hand" Sturgis re.
piled; there is box of matches. ]
place it here, between us. within easy
reach. l want to write few words
to the superintendent of police to en-
plain matters. BY that time there
will be enough gas in the room to
produce terrific explosion, when we
strike u match. We can thus succeed
in wreclling this place and calling at
tention to 1t. If l should succumb
before you do, do not fail to light
the match"
While he was speaking the reporter
had taken from his pocket pad and
pencil and had begun to write as
rapidly as he could in the darkness.
Sprague's head was beginning to
swim and his ears We're ringing, but
the thought of Agnes Murdoch was
uppermost in his mind
FAN explosion" he exclaimed; mo,
no; that must not be. What of
Agnes? She may be hurt ?"
Sturgis continued writing.
ut is the only chance there is of
bringing Murdoch to justice" he said,
firmly.
but Agnes is Innocent of his
crimes" urged the artist, in a thick
voice. His tongue Glove to his palate;
he felt his consciousness ebbing.
"Why should she suffer? ! am GO
ing, old mani cannot hold out any
longer-Promise ME that you-that
you will not-strike-the match
He staggered and fell against the
reporter, who caught him in his
arms. His own senses were reeling.
Promise" pleaded the half-uncon-
scious man.
81 promise" answered sturgis after
an instants hesitation.
1t struck chill to his heart to see
his friend dying in the prime of youth.
strength and happiness.
Suddenly thought flashed upon
him.
Brace up, old fellow. All is not
yet over. The speaking-tube leads to
fresh air. Here, put your lips to it
and breathe through your mouth"
The artist heard the words and
made an effort to obey these direc-
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