The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-22

the railway staton) hurried the door of
fiat turned the handle in vain; the door would not
AT first could not believe that the difficulty would
be than put down the bag and tried
again. with the result. Either acct
dent had happened the latch else the door had been
deliberately locked the outside.
AS the latter supposition into my head, once
thought of Sidney Weir; and this time did not
dismiss the idea that his hand in the affair Some
how he had contrived to trap here like rat He was
chuckling doubt, thought rage, and
because he believed that would have to let my
{ chance with Molly Loveland slip by Perhaps for
all could tell to sail New York the
same ship with her, knowing that could not possibly
get leave g
But, I reminded myself grimly che laughs best who
laughs last and it was yet to be seen which would do
that he or AS for me, was as determined as ever
to be at Lady Greytown's by O'Clock.
My fiat, being self contained with servants
had bell which connected with the janitors part of
the house. SO there was no hope in ringing went to the
neat little kitchen to try and find instrument with
which might force the door, but tho turned the
contents of the upside down. search I could
discover nothing had to back to the vestibue and
attempt to break thru of the door panels
Now, in fiction this is easy feat for the athletic.
hero accomplish thinks nothing of t-rather
joys the opportunity strength, fact,
ne can usually do 1t IN the presence OF the heroine
Buoyed the read
upon the door with anger tempered by hope but the
latter gradually collapsed and left the former emotion
unsupported Despite my wound which caused
Slight permanent lameness, strong Unfortu-
hately however the house been built in old days,
when no detail was sighted and the door strong
Also being of oak. When had shattered chair and
bruised foot in the effort destroy it's integrity,
in despair of succeeding and to the window
of sitting with the intention of yelling ignomin
eusy for assistance to some passerby But it close
quarter to eight and looking out found that
the street deserted Autumnal darkness had fallen
and rendered only the visible by the yeowish
light from the street lamps.
a mood to have killed Sidney Weir if he had
been within reach-and if the killing would not have
kept too long from important engagement.
AS to how he had accomplished the trick
in the dark ever; but would have staked my if,
that he had done it and meant as possible to
find out how
AS still instant to breathe after my
CLOCK chlmed
the quarter before g.. would get Lady Greytowns
before it late, I attempt, I
said to myself Perhaps by this time Sidney Weir
there telling lie other to in the eyes
girl loved. could imagine that if he had
still ray hope might her, it would
be well worth while of unscrupuloos like the dis
honorable Sidney" to scheme to snatch her from
one else. He was said to have debts, and-she
heiress.
I had no time to squander upon thinking of his
affairs; required all my attention
went into my bedroom stripped the bed of it's
erings, knotted the Sheets blankets counterpart
gether and returning to the window which had
been looking trailed out the rope had made to test
its length 1t reached within few feet of the pavement
and decided that it would do.
The next thing to arrange firm fastening near
the window. I tied end of nay manufactured rope
round the uted pillar Of old fashioned cabinet swung
my travelling bag round neck by means of leather
strap slipped thru the handle and then proceeded
1t fourth story window, and not being fire.
man sailor, I had no love for the job. still
more ridiculous than disagreeabe and the thought that
someone knew might pass just as was swinging in
mdar so distasteful that if had only
less IN love with mary Lovefand / think might
paused for time the safe side
AS it did not hesitate for instant
my arrangements complete began the descent
letting myself down my rope of sheets blankets and
counterpane, hand hand.
Until had descended about way it did not oc-
to that the knots which tested might not
have been skfully made they ought be to bear
weight. The height above which danged appeared
at this crisis of the adventure has
tened to lessen it, and the knots held.
Suddenly I discovered that I had to o. my
tether. When experimental at first
reached within eight feet the ground but I
had not cauculated for the length which would be used
In making fast the pillar tying these
knots had scarcely been might conse-
quenty found that I had a drop seven feet
1t not much, to be sure, but my still
rather stiff foresaw would get bad wrench
fell. Still there alternative let go of the
last blanket dropped. But instead coming down
the stone pavement with thud I expected felt
myself caught in pair of stout arms. mo you don't
hearty! exclaimed determined voice in while