The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-09-09

fastened on his throat in a desperate
and determined clutch that frightened
with his every effort to escape. and
brought him nearer and nearer to a
terrible DEATH.
CHAPTER XNvL.
SEARCH.
0-verpowered as he was. Godfrey
Bysshe struggled desperately but strug-
gled in vain. He was a strong man.
but he recognized that he was in the
hands of one stronger, and that in
his present position, linioned to his
bed with a grip on his throat that told
not only of iron muscle but of a deadly
purpose, he was no match for his as
sailant.
While gasping for air, for a mouthful
Of which he would nave given all the
world, the blood rushed in an angry
and outraged torrent to his brain.
beating on it with hammers of lead.
But in the midst of the ex~cruciating
pain this caused came a subtle UNI
consciousness, until the intending MUIR
derer, believing his work to be done.
relaxed his fenidsh hold; when
marshalling his forces he should strive
to free himself from and overcome this
would be assassin.
struggle and apparently lay inert.
nerveless and lifeless. For all that it
seemed an eternity before the hands re-
leased their grip of steel; but no soon
er had they done so than with a sudden
and desperate movement on which life
or death depended he wrenched himself
from the knees planted On his chest,
and with a bound was stading by his
bedside. With his first free breath he
shouted at the pitch Of his voice again
and again for help, While at the same
time he threw himself into %an-attitude
OF defense, believing he would be once
more attacked. AS, however, he was
now alert and on his feet, he feared
no man.
The expected attempt was not made
on him, but still wary he listened in
tenly that he might judge of the d.
come. While at the same time he edged
slowly round the wall until he came
to the chimney piece. when selling the
bel-knob he rang violently.
No other sound but that of the bell,
startling the silence, could be heard.
A movement Of his arm knocked a
match box from the chimney piece.
a light to find he was alone. With
candle in hand he looked under his
bed, behind the window curtains, in the
shadow of the wardrobe, but could not
see the man who had attempted his
life. A glance at the table showed that
NAS AA -
ond he was in h passage outside
shouting once more for help.
An instant later n the door oppo-
site his own was flung OPEN, when
Dunstan partially dressed, the waver-
ing flame OF his candle showing the
paused to say, good God. What is the
matter7 What Is it?'3 -
Il have been robbed and the thieiS
strove to murder me-"
T murder you?" cried Dunstan, his
terror deepening.
Alarmed by the ringing Of the bell,
theb butler. backed by the men servants,
al OF whom slept in this wing, rushed
end, while at the other Urbano was
seen to leave his room and come
stealthfly forward, in no way startled,
his piercing eyes fixed watchfully and
inquiringly on Godfrey.
Hurried explanations were given to
the bewildered butler n his followers,
Who stood staring n scared.
Robbery and murder in the house
again sir?" Roberts mutttered, looking
round in fright.
Urbano had stood still in front Of
Godfrey, to whom he raised his livid
face that seemed full of mockery. On
the instant an idea struck the barrister,
who Wishing to " confirmation of
his belief that the thief and would be
assassin was an inmate of the house,
n not one who had broken into II
called Q u to Roberts to go downstairs
and windows were locked and bolted.
Willing. at the same time to admit
that the robbery might Ave been com.
mitted by a burglar. he resolved to take
q couple of men with him and search
the house. AS he was hurriedly giving
Il Imam dirA0ffNra tina am IL F-1t--~~.
and dressing gown, was seen at the
door OF his bedroom some way down
the corridor. a terrified look on his face.
his hands outstretched as he felt his
way, while In a voice OF distress he
asked. What is this; what has hap
pened? VII no one tell me?"
Urbano started from a grim reverie.
n hurrying to him said, II was COM
Ing to your excellency. Mr.. Bysshe's
jewels w been stolen and the thief
tried to murder him."
MY God! How terrible! Is he in
jured? Is he in danger?" the count
tsssked apprehensively, his sightless eyes
trembling SO that he could not move.
mo, no. I am all right" Godfrey
answered cheerily.
Thank God, l thank God!" NUT
tered the count to himself.
The thief has escaped me, but he
cannol De Tar OIL SAID Geofrey, al
most unconsciously fixing his eyes on
Urbano. who met them with an I'M
scrutable look.
W. are going to make a search.
Have l your permission. count to lock
the doors OF the rooms 1 examine until
the detectives see them tomorrow"
Certainly. You are at liberty to do
anything and everything that will help
you. II 1 only could assist YOU"
Your bedroom will not OF course
be touched"
II will have no exceptions made" the
count replied. THE search must be-
thorough. Sleep would be impossible
now. Urbano will dress and take me
to the library. Get all the assistance
k!you n
CONTINUED Next Weekly
Excited.