Crawford avalanche., 1900-01-04

snake Bill and his kind. But still she
felt that she was far from being salts
factory representative OF the Ceilings
worths In her aunt's eyes. and many a
time. after every one had retired and
| the house was still, white-robed girl
would steal softly down the broad stair
case and into the den to have u quiet
cry all by herself. with Rattles' head
on her lap as he watched her with his
deep-set. solemn eyes.
1t was on one of these nights that
the great event happened which
changed the whole aspect of things so
far as Tony was concerned. She had
been in disgrace that day. There had
been a swell function of some kind, and
the twins had been summarily called
| from the den to appear before a select
company. But instead of two pretty
figures In black velvet and point lace
there had come forth two full-fedged
Indian braves in feathers and war
paint, bubbllng over with laughter and
all ready for powwow.
| OF course. Tony was blamed. and she
| would not have cared IL only dismal
| wall OF woe from the nursery had not
told her that others shared her punish
ment. so 1t was a great relief that night
to steal down to the den to have the
usual cry, with Rattles as chief con-
soler.
The hour was very late. Tony heard
the clock in the library chime II and
then half-past, and Rattles moved un-
easily once or twice, his head raised In
the air as IL he scented danger, but the
girl was too tired and heartsore to no.
tice him, and at last, with parting
pat on Rattles' nose. Tony left the den
and started through the long, dark cor
t-ridor toward the stairs. when, all at
once, she noticed that the door OF her
uncle's private room and study was
ajar and saw a faint, wavering glim-
mer of light shine through the aper-
ture.
Alert and soft-footed as one OF her
own Wyoming wildcats. she tiptoed
across the hall and looked in. broad
mahogany desk stood in the center of
the room, and just beyond this was
small safe, light steel one, in which
Mr.. Collingsworth kept his papers and
all articles Of value. On the desk was
a carefully wrapped bundle suggestive
Of silverware and other things portable
as well as valuable, and kneeling on the
floor in front Of the safe, with his back
to the door, was a man working stead
lily at the combination lock.
Tony hesitated an instant, her first
impulse being to run upstairs and tell
her uncle. The burglar alarm was at
the front door and another at the draw
ing-room windows opening on the We
randa, and she thought that while she
was trying to reach them her presence
might be discovered and there would
he trouble. And. besides. she suddenly
remembered Aunt Henrlette's nervous
condition. She would have Mysteries
or something just as dreadful If she
heard a commotion downstairs. Tony
decided. and with a new idea in her
head she turned and went back to the
den.
Rattles was settled on the rug. and
with q long yawn stretched himself
when he saw the familiar figure; but
she did not rouse him. Taking the
lariat from its peg, she withdrew on
tiptoe. leaving the door unlatched.
There was a little smile on her lips as
she stood again outside the study door,
This time with Rattles crouching by
her side and with the long rope coiled
in Rattlesnake Billie's favorite style in
her left hand. After ALL 1t was such
a ioke for her to be using 1t here In
Chicago. Just as 1t might have been
thrown about the throat Of any half
breed or criminal off on the plains. and
sbe wished in that moment Of hesitancy
that her father were there to see her
throw Then noselessly she moved the
door omen. and her heart beat faster
as the dark head raised bit higher
over by the safe. The next moment
there was a swift swish as the long,
curling rope cut the air with true, sure
aim: then the quick, tightening jerk as
II drew taught about the mans neck.
tighter and tighter. for it was not
Marion's slim. soft hands that were
pulling on the other end. but pair of
strong. firm ones that had made sew
eral self-respectng bronchos come to
their senses before now.
Tony knew that the burglar III
struck the corner of the big desk whN
the lariat jerked him backward, and as
the dog leaped forward with growl,
she stepped into the room to see how
matters stood. The burglar was lying
as he had fallen. his face darkening to
dull red. his eyes closed. and all at once
natural girl!sh fear swept over her,
and before she knew 1t she had slipped
out and shut the door, leaving Rattles
on guard.
A few seconds later Mr.. Ceilings
worth was awakened by a soft tap on
his door.
Its me; Tony" said low voice that
shook trifle. 81 want to see you,
uncle"
I'm awfully sorry to wake you up"
she went on when he had slipped on q
dressing gown and met her. bright-eyed
and pale. But I've caught a man
down therein the study-oh, it's all
rightw as he gave a quick exclamation
and turned back for q weapon. IL
lassoed him. you know. and Rattles Is
watching him."
Mr.. Collingsworth looked down an
instant at the face upturned to him, and
his tone was unsteady as he said,
quietly: -
go to your room. dear. I'll do the
rest
But. as the twins said when ther