The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-09-09
CHAPTER NNvI.
SEARCH.

CHAPTER NNvI.
SEARCH.
O-verpowered as he Was. Godfrey
Bysshe struggled desperately out strug-
gled in vain. He was a strong man,
but he recognized that he was in the
hands of one stronger. II that in
his present position, rinioned to his
bed with =. 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 have 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 eNcruciating
pain this caused came a subtle un-
consciousness, until the intending muir
derer, believing his work to be done.
relaxed his fienidsh hold; when
marshalling his forces he should strive
to free himself from and overcome this
woud be assassin.
struggle and apparently lay inert,
~nerveless and. %lifeless. For all that 1t
seemed an eternity before the hands re-
leased their grip of steel; but no SOON
err a they done so than with a sudden
and desperate movement on which life
OF QedlL depenCeu he Niencneu nl1lSelL
from the knees planted on his chest
with a bound "a stading by his
bedside. With his first free breath he
shouted at the pitch Of his voice again
n 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.
rection from which the assault might
come, while at the same time he edged
slowly round the wall until he came
to the chimney piece, when selling the
bell-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.
and picking it up he quickly struck
a light to find he was alone. With
candle in hand he looked under his
bed, behind the window curtains. in the
see the man who had attempted his
life. A glance at the table showed that
the Jewel box was missing. In q sec
ond he was in the passage outside
shouting once more for help.
An instant later and the door oppo-
site his vas nung open, when
ing flame Of his candle showing the
horror and alarm OF his palllA face.
hurried out, and seeing Godfrey,
paused. to say, good God. What 10 the
matter? What is 1t?
Il have been robbed and the thief
strove to murder me-"
ITO murder you?" cried Dunstan, his
terror deepening.
Alarmed by the ringing Of the bell.
the butler, backed by the men servants,
frightenedly into the corridor at one
end, while at the other Urbano was
seen to leave his room and come
stcalthily forward, in nc way startled,
his piercing eyes fixed watchfully and
inQutrinEly on Godfrey.
Hurried explanations were given to
the bewildered butler and 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 ave confirmation Of
his belief that the thief and would-be
assassin was an inmate Of the house,
and not one who had broken into It
called out to Roberts to go downstairs
Immediately and see il all the doors
and windows were locked and bolted.
Willing, at the same time to admit
that the robbery might have been COM
mttted by a burglar, he resolved to take
a couple Of men with him and search
the house. AS he was hurriedly giving
them directions, the count. in slippers
door of his bedroom some way down
the corridor, a terrified look on his face,
his hands outstretched as he felt hia
way, while In a voice Of distress he
asked, What is this; what has hap
pened? Will no n tell me-"
Urbano started from a grim reverie.
and hurrying to him said. Il was COM
ing to your excellency. Mr.. Bysshe's
Jewels have been stolen and the thief
tried to murder him."
my God! How terrible! Is he in
jured? Is he in danger?" the count
asked apprehensively, his sightless eyes
rolling in pitiful agony; his limbs
trembling so that he could not move.
mo, no, I am all right Godfrey
answered cheerily.
THANK God, I thank God!'" NUT
tered the count to himself.
THE thief has escaped me, but he
cannot be far Off" said Godfrey, al
most unconsciously fixing his eyes on
Urbano, who met them with an UNI
scrutable look.
I'VE are going to make a search.
Have I your permission. count to lock
the doors of the rooms l examine until
the detectives see them tomorrow? o.
Certainly. You are at liberty to do
anything and everything that will help
you. If I only could assist YOU"
Your bedroom will not of course,
be touched"
Il will have 10 exceptions made" the
count replied. 1.-THE search must ID
thorough. Sleep would be Impossible
now. Urbano will dress and take me
to the library. Get all the assistance
you can"
CONTINUED Next WeeLN
Excited.
New York World: John Bull ia calm.