The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-09-09
CHAPTER NXNl
SEARCH.

SSSne struggled desperately but StfuS-
glcd 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, pinioned to his
bed with Il grip or his throat that told
not only of iron muscle but of n deadly
purpose, he was no match ful his as
l'sailant.
While gasping for air for q inouthful
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 eXcruciating
pain this caused came Il subtle UNI
consciousness. until the intending muir
derer, believing his work TO be done,
relaxed his tienidsh hold; when
marshaling his forces he should strive
to free himself from and overcome this
would be assassin.
Accordingly he promptly ceased 10
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 Il sudden
and desperate movement on which life
! or death depended he wrcnchcd himself
from the knees planted on his chest,
and with q 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
10 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, ewhi!e 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
| 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 VINO had attempted his
life A glance ut the table showed that
the jewel box was missing. In a Sec
ond he was in the passage outside
shouting once more for help.
An instant later and the door oppu-
site his own was flung open, When
| iounStan partially dressed, the Waver-
ing flame of his candle showing the
horror and alarm OF his palid face,
hurllec out and seeing Godfrey.
paused to say. good COD. What is the
| matter! What is it?'
|
| stroVe to murder me"
ITO murder you?" cried Dunstal his
| terror deepening.
Alarmed by the ringing OF the bell.
| the butler. backed by the men servants.
an or when slept in this wing, rushed
/ irlghtenedly into the corridor at one
end, while at the other Urbano was
seen to leave his room and come
| stcalthlly forward, in no way startled,
| his piercing eyes fixed watchfully and
| inqui:ingly on Godfrey.
Hurried explanations were given to
the beWildered butler and his followers:
who stood staring and scared
itopnery and murder in the house
again sir?' Roberts mutttered look I'M.
| round in fright.
Urbano had stood still in front OF
Godfrey, to whom he raised his livjd
face that seemed full of mocserv. on
the instant an idea struck the barrister
who wishing to have confirmation OF
his belief that the thief and would-bc
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 If ali the doors
and windows were locked and bolted.
Wiling, at the same time to admit
that the robbery might have been COM
united by burglar, he resolved to take
n couple OF men with him and search
the house AS he WAS hurriedly giving
ana 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 Il voice OF distress he
asked, What is this: what has hap
pened? VIII no one tell mc?"
Urbaro started from a grim reverb
and hurrying to him said, II was com
ing to your excellency. Mr.. Bysshcs
jewels have been stolen and thu. thiaf
tried to murder him"
My God! Hos terrible! Is ne in
jured? Is he in danger?" the count
asked apprehensively, his sightless evns
rolling in pitful agony; his limbs
No. no, | am all right" Godfrey
answered cheerily
Thank God. 1 thank Cod!" nut
tered the count to himself
''Th" thief has escaped me. but he
| canno> be far off," said Geofrrey. al
most unconsciousiy fixing his ewes ON
Crbano, who met them with an nm
scrutable look.
We are Soin, to make a search
! Have your perrnission count 10 loci.
the doors of the rooms I examine until
the detectives see them tomorrow"
Certainly. You are ut liberty to do
anything and everything that will help
you. Ii | only could assist you"
Your bedroom Will not of course.
be touched"
count replied. The search must he
! thorough. Sleep would be Impossible
| now. Crbano Will dress and take rn..
to the lit7ary. Get all the assistance
; you can.
CONTINUED Next Wecl.