The stayer. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1896-1903, 1902-03-06

A~~fy'k"'' wv - ~
Sprague There is homely but ex-
prossivc adagc concerning the danger
of 'monkeying' with buzz saw. Why
my dear friend. did you monkey with
Mr. Sturris' buzz saw, instead of stick
ing 10 your palette and maulstick?
But fear am growing garrulous.
gentlemen. II had time, should like
TO explain TO Mr. Sturgis the details
of some Of the more important and, in
my humble opinion, more brilliant
schemes Of which have been the-ah
the promoter; for | dislike TO be
judged by the bungling operations
which have so nearly caused me to lose
this latest little game. But this can
not be- shall have to continue TO con-
fde to the pages of my journal, as |
have done for years, the interesting
events or may say, somewhat re-
markablc career, which | hope will
some day. after my death, find their
way in print to public favor. My dream
has always been that some such man
as Mr. Sturgis might ultimately edit
these memoirs; but, alas, the fondest
of human dreams are seldom destined
TO be realized,
Nov, then, gentlemen, before final
" parting with you, | wish to honor
SADLY carry out the terms OF my wager
with Mr.. Sturgis. | concede the fact
that. to all intents and purposes. he
has won the bet. and | authorize you,
Mr.. Spraguc, as stakeholder. to pay
a., l., I ,l.,,oc;+aI ,,-;.h
As have already suggested, he has
made some perhaps eNcusablc mis-
takes; but. then, as he himself stated
the other night, "a detective has life
time in which to correct blUnGer.'
\ lifetime. II is not in accordance with
Mr. Sturgis' usual practice to use so
vague 4 term. \ lifetime is not nCcCs-
sarily very long time, Mr.. Sturgis.
During this TRADE Sturgis and
Sprague had remained standing with
their eyes fixed upon the glcaming car
bunc.es which peCrCd al them from be-
hind the grated pcepholc At the top OF
The stairs. The artist seemed TO real
i2c that the fight was lost. His attitude
was that of brave man accepting.
with calm despair. an unpleasant but
inevitable doom. Tho reporter had
drawn his revolver al the first sound
Of MurdCckS voice. but had immeCi-
ately returned it to his pocket upon
realizing that the chemist was protect
cd by bu!lct-proof grating. Now, pale
and collected, he remained inscrutable.
II was impossible, even for the sharp
eyes Of Murdoch, I o determine whether
be was at last resigned TO his fate, or
whether his active mind was still on
The alert for locphole Of escape.
The bit OF candle which he held in
his hand had burned so low that at last
he was unable to hold it without risk
of burning his fingers. Whcreupon he
coolly set it down upon the stone floor
where presently the wick fell over into
pool of moldon parafIine. and the
fame sputtored noisily, sending ftful
CLEANS through he darkness.
Well" continued MurdCck's voice
1t is at any rate = great satisfaction
10 play a game with an adversary
worthy Of ones steel. You have PLAYED
well, Mr. Sturgis. think YOU would
have wen modcy'ly and you are losing
as | would myself have lost. had our
positions been reversed. Goodbye"
The cleaning eyes disappeared from
;he grating anu he sliding panel closed
with a metallic click.
Now. then" said Sturgis TO his com
panion, the last chance lies in the
speaking tube. But first help me move
this box"
What do YOU want TO do with the
box" asked Sprague, who, however.
did as he was bid.
1T may help us to gain little time.
Pat il down here
Sturgis struck a match and pointed
out the spot.
''Ou the hot-air register?'
''On what looks like hot-air regis
ter. Did you ever see hot-air regis
ter with no apparent means Of shutting
off the heat?'
Sprague, who stood almost over the
register. suddenly threw back his head
and gaspcd for breath.
you have discovered the secret of
this death trap" said Sturgis, observ-
ing him.
Gas" spluttered the artist.
Yes, he is going to asphyxiate US.
Now, quick, TO the speaking tube. The
box will somewhat retard the rush of
gas; but. at the best, il is only 9ues-
tion q minutes before the air becomes
so t>arged as 10 render respiration
impossible"
Sprague rushed TO the speaking-tube
and whistled long and loud, after
which he placed his ear to the mouth
piece.
i hear some one walking" he sud
denly exclaimed
The two men listened in breathless
silence for an answering call.
We'll. gentlemen. what can l do for
you?"
The words came in Murdock's voice.
Sprague's eyes met those of the re-
porter aud saw that the last faint glim-
mer OF hope was gone. In that swift
and silent interchange of thought
there was RESIGNATION ~ tho ippxitol,la