The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-12-07


door had closed on the last OF those who
preceded him. and the town lay deserted
in the dawn. he suddenly became trans
formed Casing a keen glance right
and left 10 be sure OF his opportu' itv,
he turned and hurried recl1lessly back
over the logs TO the centre booms There
he knelt and busted himself with he
chains
In his ziezag progression over the jam
he SO blended with the morning shadows
as to seem one Of them. and lee would
have escaped quite unnoticed had not q
sudden shifting Of the logs under his feet
compelled him to rise for moment to MS
full height. So Wallace Carpenter pass
irg from his bedroom. along the porch. 10
the diningroom, became aware of the man
on the logs.
t3is first thought was that something
demanding instant attention had happen
ed to the boom. He therefore ran at once
to the mans assistance, ready to help MIN
,,ersonaiIr or TO call other aid as the eA-
icency demanded Owing to the pre-
calious nature of the passage. he couid
rot see Beyond his feet until very close 10
tie workman. Then he looked up TO md
The man. squatted on the boom, contem-
plating him sardonicaily.
DYER he exclaimed.
"Eicht my SON, said the other cooiIy'
What are you 1oing?
'If Won want to know. l am fling TINS
chain"
Wallace made one step forward and so
became aware that at last firearms were
taxing a part in this desperate game.
You stand still" commanded Dyer from
l,ellird the revolver. Its unfortunate for
-oD that YOU happened along. because now
You'll have to come with me tit lhis htbe
row, is over. You won't have TO stay long;
vo,,r legs'fl so out in an hour. III just
f,t,I,hlo YOU to go into the brush with me
for while"
the weakened link.
WHAT have you against us, anyway,
Dyer?r asked Wallace. His quick mind had
conceived q plan. AT the moment. he was
standing near the outernost -eGge OF the
lam. but now as he spoke he stepped quiet
IN to The boom log.
Overs black eyes cleaned at him sus-
picfousiy. but the movement appeared
wholly naturally in view OF the return TO
"rorhing." he replied. II didn't IKE
your gang particularly, but that's moth
" .smhy do you take such nervy chances
10 in5ure u.s." querfed CARPENTER.
because there's something in II"
snapped the scaler. Now about face,
rnosey!'
Like flash Wallace wheeled and drop
ped into the river. swimming As fast rs
pozsi.5le below water before his breath
should give out The swift current hur-
ried him away When az last he, rose for
air. the spit OF Overs pistol caused him
no uneasiness. a moment-late he struck,
out boldly for shore
What Overs ultimate plan might be.
he could not guess. he had stated con-
ian would nreak lin
an hour He might intend to start il
with dynamite Wallace dragged him
self from the water and commenced
breathlessly to run toward the boarding
house
Dyer had already reached shore. Wal
lace. raised what was left OF his voice in
a <,esnairine shout The scaIer mockiagly
waved his hat. then turned and ran swift
~ and easily toward the shelter OF the
woods At their border he paused again
70 how in d6riston Carpenters Cry
brought men to the Clearinghouse door.
From the shadows OF the forest two vivid
flashes cut the dusk. Dyer staggered.
turned completely about, seemed partially
10 recover. AMI disappeared. An instant
later. across the open space where the
scaler hal stood, with rifle ATRIAL. the
Indian leaped in pursuit
what is it?" What's the natter
What the hens up" Whats happen
ed?.. burst on Wallace in a volley
It's Dyer, gasped the young man i
found him on boom He held me up
with a gun while he fled the boom chains
between the center piers. TheYr re just
ready to 90. got away by eiving.a Hur-
nv ard put in new chain; you haven't
much tine!
Hes a gone-er now" interjected Solly
crir1ly-"Charley is on his trail-and he