The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-09-23


the safe. and thousands of dollars O,
/; 1t belonged to poor people who hat
Drought 1t to him and Hillyer in abso
iute raith as to Its security. Could hi
give mp their money to save his owr
. life. and
m Another quarter" said the leader O,
the men. "I'll count six, and eff he
= uon't move when I say six, pull down
together, Listenl That's the 12 O'Clock
! rain. Fire jest as it's passin', boys
We; won't take no resk on the sound
(. teGchthr outside" o
George heard the coming train. The
rumble OF 1t was felt in the walls of
the building. The mountaineer was
measuring its approach by counting
slowly: "One-two-three-
Put down your guns" said George
,33st.suckley. mo man can expect another
to sacrifice his life for little money.
I've done the best can. Put down
your gums"
That's the talk, young feller. You
arc no fool. Fora minute YOU tuck
this thing so durn cool thought you
was goiH to commit suicide. But keep
I'm covered, boys. We don't take no
chances on him, nur no other chap,
"A "You needn't be afraid" said George,
with a cold, hard smile. "You fellows
are simply too much for me. They say
very man has his price; I reckon
ouff give me part of the money. I
Vant to leave the country. They will
all say was concerned in it-because
% my father. Is that understood-Im
20 get partT
Yes, that's understood" said the
eader eagerly. Boys, we'll have to
ivide with im-he's the right sort"
The: train ratified by. George left his
tool and went to the safe. With u
and that cleaned like that of q dead
ans In the lamplight, he twirled the
molnation bolt back and forth; then
suddenly turned to them, passing
hand wearily over his brow.
Look here" he said. I'll have to |
fess that you've ratified me. III
nged the lock toS ~, and the letters
the combination have slipped NV
mind"
Ah!' snarled the man addressed
&fou can't come that OH lis. Bows. he's
ryin' to gain time. He thinks we
hyn't git in the safe. Sock it to the"-
HOLD onT George held up his hand.
E41s Mikis. can figure out the
ton In few minutes If you'll
3nly take those blasted guns off me
Ind stand back. I'm not made Of
Stone. How; can, q man get his mind
bn thing like that while you are
8ointing revolvers at him. Leave me
lone minute. I'm with you, but give
ane minute to collect myself-to think
&c out"
The leader laughed. "Boys," he said,
f'he's scared sight-wuss N he looks.
That's compliment to US. Stand out |
side the Office. I'll stay with 'im' but |
'ef you hear the slightest noise run In"
q The two men did as ordered, and
George sank. into a chair at Hillyer's
desk. He drew blank sheet of paper
Ito him and dipped pen.
4 "Now git to work." said the leader,
approaching and looking over his shoul-
der.
George glared up( !. "Not un-
less you keep away rr~-l me. Get
back" he demanded sharply, "or I'll
throy-, 1t up"
"V needn't be so tetchy," and
the - etreated to the door, where
he stoS@ faning against the wall.
George had gained bieA-nt. Under
the pretense Of trying to recall the
combination he had gained time for
something he had in, view. He was
going to write q; note to Hillyer and
& cautiously slip 1T into the old mans day
4 book on the desk. This ia what he
/. hastily penned and addressed to Hill
yer:
Three unknown men have me covered
with revolvers to force me to open safe.
They think am now studying out COM
s.bination. Escape impossible. know you
. would rather have me give In, but !
can't. The world believes the son or q
thief will steal, and It would say was
n party to the crime. I'm tired OF the
struggle anyway. I never would nave
= committed suicide. but am not averse to
this chance to prove despise dishonesty
no this ono thing for mei Ten i. u
y died hoping It would show that am ar
honest man. don't believe these mer
: can possibly get into the safe, and by
4 refusing them the combination can save
your money and the money deposited D,
many poor people who need 1t. Tell hel
the only horror I have in facing thu
thing tonight ia In leaving her to become
that mans wife. God knows ne canno
take care of her or make her happy.
discovered in Atlanta that he Is bank
rupt. Tell her that
D.. .say, are you goin' to take all nightT
/ cried the man at the door.
George deftly slid the unfinished LET
ter into the book On the desk and drew
another sheet OF paper to him. Thi
= sheet he held before his eyes as
AZ studying II as he turned to the speaker