The Lamar register., 1901-11-06
CHAPTER XVI, continued


stolen bonds to some secret hiding place
of your own and thereby depriving me
of my share would compel me to ac-
cede to your demand for my daugh-
ter's hand ?' asked Mr.. Morley, in great
scorn.
"Partly that. There wns another rea-
son, too. hnd an idea that some one
was on our track. and it was my pur-
pose to throw proof on the one who was
universally considered the guilty party
in case it became too hot for U.S."
"Too hot for you," quietly interposed
Mr.. Morley.
mo, for us. Do you suppose have
been such fool as to place myself SO
completely in your power that my safe
ty should depend on your whim? Not
much! If am found out. be sure you
go down with me, in spite of your high
standing and incorruptible honor"
jackson hissed out these words with
venom.
"This conversation is fruitless. We
will change it," remarked Mr.. Morley,
in tones wherein great effort Mt self
control was evident. "Now, restore my
portion of the bonds, and you have my
word that l will not molest you. Re-
fuse, and I'll grind you down in the
dirt, where you belong"
"Bluff! all bluff" exclaimed Jack
son, with n derisive laugh. "There was
a time when was afraid of you, but not
now, not now. You've been so very kind
as to tell what you'll do; now let me
have my say. You'll give me your
daughter, or I will dcnounce you. You
T L.. "a II \ I>,, ,1.,+, ,f,
which will astonish the world, you bet.
Don't answer just yet. Think over
what am saying. ! know well must
fall when you do. My showing you up
necessarily includes that. But you
are such senseless old fool in re-
fusing me your daughter that II would
be q pleasure to show you up. Besides,
do love Florence, and II / can't have
her don't care what happens to me-"
There must have been something in
Mr.. Morley after this speech which dis
turbed jackson, for he gave vent to n
nervous laugh and backed away, so that
could not see him.
''Now. don't act like . fool, old man,
and do anything"
Before jackson could finish pistol
shot rang out.
This was Immediately followed by
two other reports. Mr.. Morley had evil
IDENTIFY missed the first time, and his
second shot sounded simultaneously
with Jackson's return fire.
Then Mr.. Morley staggered before the
passageway. His arms were appraised,
and the hands worked convulsively.
He made a great effort to speak, but
no sound came from his lips, except
deep groan as he fell forward full
length. And there he lay, motionless,
his face resting on the hard floor.
In moment jackson was bending
over him. The look of horror. of fear,
of dread in his face as he arose from
beside the PROSTATE body told tale of
murder.
With nervous haste he picked up the
papers which had fallen from his hand,
and, throwing hasty glance around,
seized the lantern and entered the pas
sageway, intent on instant flight.
Too Mortified to think what course to
pursue, 1 backed away from the door
and took position near the stairs.
jackson entered the cook-house eel
lar, and, placing the lantern upon the
floor, closed the door. Then he turned
and peered about. The start he gave
and the alarm on his face told me I
was discovered. He had his pistol still
in his hand, and started to raise his arm.
mo, no." I cried; keep that hand
DOWN." He saw had him covered with
my revolver, and he obeyed my COM
mand for the moment. But knew that
he was desperate man and would not
hesitate to throw his life away in the
endeavor to escape. Therefore hastily
followed up the advantage.
you'll throw that pistol to me-" I
continued. Instantly, you damned
villain, you murderer, or, as sure as
Heaven"
But my words were interrupted. he
had backed up against the door, his
eyes staring fixedly at me. There was
movement of his arm, and was about
to pull the trigger to forestall his pur-
pose of firing at me, when report
sounded out from behind him, as he
leaned against the wall and door, and
with loud cry he sprang forward,
came down oil in n heap, rolled over on
his back, and lay there, dead-dead, and
by his own murderous device for guard
ing his hiding place.
Hurried footsteps were crossing the
room above. and hastily took up a new
position of defense.
"Stop!" yelled. as the feet began to
descend THE stairs are covered by my
pistol"
There was pause, and hurried con-
sultation upon the landing.
as that you down there, Mr.. Con-
way?" inquired a voice which reco9-
nized.
Eyes, it is; and. as do not know
whether you are an enemy or friend,
Mr. SonntaQ, guess won't run any