The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-04-25

Il. I will think over what 1 can do
20 help you. No, you needn't thank
me; it's for your sisters sake, not
yours. She's a girl one cannot but
respect"
They were nearing the Grange as
he spoke. The moon was looming big
on the horizon as it neared its setting,
and faint shadowy light rested oa
the horse and on the little town be-
low. and the quiet gray sea beyond.
The Doctor was walking his horse eau
0ously down the steep descent when
he broke into low, soft whistle.
by Jove! there's something wrong
there! I'm certain there's a man
about the place! Hold hard for min
ute. will you?" And he handed the
rains to Neville.
Let me come. too" implored Ne
vitls.
"No. wait out here; and, II shout,
leave the horse and come after me.
It may have been policeman march
ing round.
NsVilfe's ears strained to catch ev-
cry sound; bue there was nothing to
be heard. for the Doctor was making
his way coiselessly across the grass
to the drawing room window. from
which, sure enough, a man was eau
eious1y descending with bag in his
hand.
He did not either see or hear the
Doctor, for his back was turned to-
wards him. so he was unprepared for
the sudden, cat-like spring that the
Doctor made upon Kim. With an GA b
ne dropped his bag and turned furi-
ougly upon his assailant. They were
unequaliy matched, for Doctor Drake
sas OF slight build and small in stat
Ore, whilst the man whom he tried to
hold was bread and proportionately
strong.
The burglars hand sought his pock
ct: but Doctor Drake was too quick
Tor him. With ole hand he kept a
steady grip on the mans collar, with
the Other lie sought and found the re-
volver that Was concealed in his coat
pocket. and threw it far away from
him Oh the grass, and two rapid SHIFTS
In quick succession showed that it had
exploded.
With desperate effort he freed
himself, hurried the Doctor to tie
eruund with stunning force, and made
for the gate; Luz the shots had brought
Neville rushing to the rescue. The
horse. finding himself abandoned and
frightened by the quick shots, trotted
OF towards home; whilst Neville dr. w
Gaek to let the man pass, and spranG
Upon him with the determination of q
bulldog not to relax his hold until
others came to the rescue.
His 1.-THE arms chung tightly about
Che burgtar's neck, and he was sh ut
Ing at the top OF his voice as he clung
-"3elpi help. murder!"
The words reached the Doctors ears
as he rose to his feet, dazed but net
disabled by his fall, and he gave an
answering shout.
Hold on, Howard, I'm here!" But
as he uttered the words there was q
thud and q fall and heavy groan. and
up the hill the sound Of footsteps run
ming as II life depended on it.
Neville lay a crumpled heap by the
gate: and IN the rapidly fading light
the Doctor saw that the poor fellow
was STEPPED in blood.
Give chase-he's done for mel" sail
Neville. with clenched teeth. Hes
aade off up the hill" And scarcely
knowing what re did, the Doctor did
SO.
AS toy, he had been famous for
his running, and his training stood
him In good stead now Even now he
was conscious; that he was gaining on
The man whom he pursued. He could
beard his heavy breathing AS he
reached the top of the hill he saw the
dark figure in front Of him running
along the dim, white line Of road on
top of the cliffs, and the Doctor
thought with fierce delight that he
had his prey safe enough. IIe could
turn neither to the right nor left he
was committed to the road before
aim
Doctor Drake would breathe himself
bit, and then he was pretty certain
to prove the better man OF the two,
for he could see by the way the bur
siar swayed from side to side that he
was getting spent. They must have
run for mile when the man gave
fearful glance behind him, like hunt
ed animal: and the Doctor answered
the glance by wild halloo Of triumph,
He was rot more than a hundred PAGES
from him
Suddenly the burglar stopped ran
tu the edge OF the cliff, looked over it
Tor an instant. and the next had
thrown himself upon his hands and
Knees and was letting himself eau
'ttousiy over the edge. AS his head
disappeared the Doctor came up to the
spot, and, III Mortified establishment,
looked down over the cliff. The bur
Elar had evidently felt that his one
chance of escape lay In making his
WY down its face
There was drop OF twenty feet
from the level of the road to a pro
fectfng ledge of rock b. .ow. altar that