The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1904-12-21

i
motion of his hand. Kneeling, he put
bis hand in the vicinity Of Buckley's
heart.
:.sThat will do" he said grimly. "He's
done for. Now, git yore tools and set
to work. We can't afford to miss on
this job now"
'I reckon not" said the man called
Bill, and he hurried out into the dark
ness Of the warehouse. While he was
creeping about over the rough, grain
sreTn floor with massive, crunching
tread the remaining two stood facing
each other, their faces pallng under the
growing realization Of what had been
done.
He fetched it on hisse'f,'' said the
man with the smoking revolver. he
didn't intend to give up the comaina-
ton. He was playin' us to gain time
an done 1t well. I'll say that fer I'm"
!, BE stepped to the Office door anu
sailed out, "What in thunder are you
doin' back thar?"
A gnothered oath was all that came
to him and the jangling clatter OF a
pair Of iron floor scales, against waicn
the searcher for the tools had STUN
bled. Suddenly rapid footsteps sound
ed on the sidewalk near the front door,
and q hand was laid on the latch.
George! George Buckley! What's
the matter in there? Killing rats, old
MANI It was Bob Hanks voice.
twas the signal for fight. The man
who had gone for the tools could oe
heard unbarring the door In the rear.
The two in the Office tiptoed out into
the warehouse, and then, seeing the
door open, panic seized them, and they
ran for their lives. Bob Hanks hearo
them, and, having had no reply to his
question, he suspected foul play ana
darted at once round the warehouse
toward the back end. He was just IN
time to see three figures running at
the top Of their speed down the rail-
reay. He pulled his revolver and nreo
an Intellectual shot after them. WIN
the weapon In his hand be entered the
omen door and CROPPED toward the ngh'
In the office, calling loudly for Buck
lev. Reaching the Office, he foanc
Geosge stretched upon the floor. Turn
ing him over, he saw the wound in his
head and hastily felt his heart.
"Aly Lord, they've killed inn! he
easped. Fastening 10 the front door,
he opened it and ran out. In the nal1
moonlight down the street ne sa" q
man standing motionless.
"Whats the matter over thar: tne
man called out. "Shootin' at some
body, Mr.. Buckley"
"Buckleyis been shotr' Bob answer
ed. Run for doctor, quick!
"s1y Cod" the man exclaimed. III
be as quick as can. Dr.. Jooe,s al
home
When the physician came ten min
utes later Bob met him ct the door. .!
thought he was dead just now" hf
said, "Dut 0e SClf DEedtuuS'
..Hold the lamp for me-" SAID tne
doctor as be bent over the, wounded
man, and as Bob obeyed be quick!
made an examination Of the wound
The firm pressure Of his fingers seemed
to revive Buckley somewhat, for h'
eroaned and began to struggle.
as this all the wound ne has" Dr
Jobe asked.
II think so," said BANKS. II heart
/ only one shot,
care you sure Of that?"
"Yes, I am. was on the far corne
! Of the vacant lot going home. In
| pretty sure only one was fred"
The doctor made another exam1na
ton.
"Is it bad?' asked Bob anxiously.
Cant tell yet" said the doctor, "Du
think he has good chance to pui
through. Hes badly stunned, Dut
! don't think there's any fracture or tn
skull. We must move him up o.HA'
yer's. This is no place to nurse a nal
| as bad off as he as"