The Lamar register., 1901-10-30

long hill. Arrived at the top, I again
dismounted in front of Sarah's house,
and, going in the front door, raped
long and loud. In answer to nv sum
mons n voice called from an upstnirs
window:
Sarah. is that your" asked, step
ping from the shadow of the porch into
the moonlight.
Zach Gott. Mel. vat is it?" the good
woman exclaimed. fear and excitement
at beholding me at this late hour caus-
ing her voice to tremble.
"Is your husband awaken" con-
tinued.
mo. indeed. He schleep like log"
"Well, wake him up. and tell him to
hitch a team in the double wagon.
There will be n special train come to
the station within a few hours. Have
the team waiting for it. Three or four
men will get off the train; take them
up and drive them over to the old place
| just as fast rs the horses can go. Will
you do this for me, Sarah?"
"vait; l come down." was her breath
less reply.
I was anxious to be Oft homeward,
but before had time to become inn
patient at the delay the front door
opened and Sarah stepped out.
"Did you understand what told
your 1 asked. hurriedly.
"Ach, yes, indeed" Then she re-
peated my instructions Mt my request,
so there could be no possible mistake
Now l must hasten back. Heaven
only knows what might happen during
nj, ~ 4 4 IL. R--.
the gate.
"Ach Gott. Mel, vat is de matter, any
Ways? Tell me! Is dere any harm to
your" Sarah cried after me. in such deep
concern thnt. remembering she knew
nothing at all of the occurrences at my
house. ! came back.
II haven't time to stop and tell you
everything" I said. hurriedly. "But
have found small portion of the &C.
curities the bank lost by the robbery.
1t was a bond. and picked it up from
the floor of the cook-house cellar. Some
one dropped 1t, and when the loss is
discovered will be back after 1t. So
want to be there and see who 1t is.'
Zach. he kill you. Mel! Ton't go
backl You git kilt" Sarah exclaimed
"Oh. guess not I'll look out for
that"
Sarah wished to accompany me, but
I told her how much greater service she
could render by staying and seeing that
my instructions were fully carried out,
which made her satisfied to remain.
| As I started homeward. the bobbing
light of a lantern was moving toward
the barn, which told me Jake was doing
his part. and the old fellows unusual
celebrity seemed an auspicious begin
ming to my plan. had left Sarah
seated on the porch. whence I knew she
would not move until her quick ear
caught the first far-of rumble of the
special
During the ride homeward the
thought occurred to me that perhaps
1 had been too hasty in sending for
Mr.. Perry and the detectives. For II
the stolen properly or portion OF it
should be discovered hidden in my
house. those who believed in my guilt
might claim that had hidden the Sc
curities myself and. becoming fearful
of discovery or being unable to nego-
tiate sale, had now taken this course
to restore what remained to the bank.
Mr.. Perry's friendship could possibly
rely upon; but the detectives, who had
all along believed was the real GRIM
inal, might not be SO easily convinced
of the truth of my story.
There was no recalling the dispatch.
however. and in the meantime some
thing further might arise to assist my
case. So 1 had to be content in hoping
| for the best.
stopped at the orchard below my
house and, letting down the bars, led
the horse through the long grass, up
TO the barn, SO that the sound of hoofs
on the hard roadway might not serve
as a warning of my approach.
The animal had not been spared in
the journey to and from the station;
but, pausing not to rub him down, /
slipped n blanket over his reeking buck
and sides and then quietly and eau
tiously approached the house.
| When / came around the corner +
was startled at discovering the dark
outlines of mans figure motionless
before the cook-house door. stealth
lily approached.
He must have heard me, for he
glanced around. and by his action
brought his face in the full light of
the moon.
1t was Skinner. that treacherous cow
ard. My animosity toward the fellow
was not lessened by the fact that he was
prowling about my place. and hope
God will pardon me for the murderous
spirit that arose in my heart. 1t lent
wings to my feet, and in a few bounds
was upon him.
When he saw he could not escape,
he turned quickly and raised his arm
in defense. He started to say some
thing, but I choked the words in his
throat, for his arms could not stop me.