The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1901-12-06
A DETECTIVE STORY.
CHAPTER NXI.-CoYr1NuED.

CHAPTER NXI.-CoNTINUEp.
Sprague rushed to the speaking tube
and whistled long and loud, after I
which he placed his ear to the mouth
piece.
Il hear some one walking" he sud I
denly exclaimed.
The two men listened in breathless
silence for an answering call.
'sWell, gentlemen, what can do for
ysu2"
The words came in Murdock's 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 filling with
Has and they were beginning to feel its
effects.
Eve can at least complete our task
before we die" said Sturgis, with grim
determination.
sour task"
eyes, and insure Murdock's convic-
Hon for eur murder"
what chance is there that anyone
viii ever discover our bodies, since they
are destined for Murdock's oblivion
Z tankP"
"Give me your hand" Sturgis re-
Piled; "there is box of matches. 1
place it here, between us. within easy
reach. / want to write few words
TO the superintendent of police to ex-
plain matters. By that time there
will be enough gas in the room to
produce terrific explosion, when we
strike match. We can thus succeed
In wrecking this place and calling at
tention to It. If should succumb
before you do, do not fail to light
the match"
While he was speaking the reporter
had taken from his pocket a pad and
pencil and had begun to write as
rapidly as he could in the darkness.
Sprague's head was beginning tc
swim and his ears were ringing, but
tho thought of Agnes Murdoch was
uppermost in his mind.
San explosion" he exclaimed; mo
no: that must not be. What o.
Agnesf She may be hurt3"
sturgis continued writing.
SIT is the only chance there is o
bringing Murdoch to justice" he said
firmly.
"But Agnes is innocent Of hi
crimes" urged the artist. in thicl
voice. Els tongue Glove to his palate
he felt his consciousness ebbing
s1Why should she suffer- am go
ing. old mani cannot hold out an.
! longer-Promise me that you-tha
you will not-strilse-the match"
He staggered and fell against tn
reporter, who caught him in hi
arms. His own senses were reeling.
sePromise-" pleaded the half-uncor
scious man.
~ promise" answered sturgis, afte
IN instant's hesitation.
It struck a chill to his heart to sc
his friend dying in the prime of youth
strength and happiness.
ouuOeHly d ohouSho Ai"'hN ~
him.
"Brace up, old fellow. All is nc
yet over. The speaking-tube leads
fresh air. Here, put your lips to
and breathe through your mouth"
The artist heard the words an
made an effort to obey these dire
lions. With sturgis' assistance
managed to place his lips to Il
mouth-pieoe of the speaking-tube.
few whiffs of comparatively fresh a
sent the sluggish blood coursir
through his veins and gave him ne
hold on life. With renewed Wig
came the animal instinct to fight
che last for existence.
III AS the shadows of death which h
been closing in upon him receded.
became conscious of Sturgis vol
beating upon his ears in broken al
scarcely audible tones.
cit is-the last chance-St;ck-
The tube-When he comes-surpri
y him-your Observation-Disclosures
The reporter was clinging unstea'
8 ~ to his friends shoulder. Sprag
suddenly realized that Sturgis in
turn was succumbing to the effects
che gas. He sprang back in time
catch the staggering man In
arms
.-selfish brute that I ami" he
claimed. "Here; 1t is your turn