The Pickens sentinel-journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1903-1906, 1904-11-30

move tue ODJectlOnoUie neck piece. But
all to no purpose.
TO his surprise, he found his arms
weighted down as if with lead. His
prosecutor coolly continued to fit OH the
collar, and finally, having done this to
MS satisfaction, pushed over his head
until the top edge of the collar cut into
his neck and was choking him.
Caruthers used every endeavor to
raise his arms. but in vain. Great drops
of sweat seemed to drain down his face
rs he tugged at his invisible bonds, and
all the time he felt the little old man
passing his hands, which were plump
and smooth, over his body, thrusting
them now into his pockets. now inside
his vest and again pulling at his fill
gers.
All at once, however. even the desire
for resistance left the dreamer, his SEN
sationS became dull and he fell again
into unbroken sleep.
His next sensation was when his eyes
began to feel the light and he slowly
became aware OF a dull, dead feeling
in his arms. fulness of the head and
dry contraction of the throat. After
while he was sensible Of the motion
of his resting place. and at last his
eyes took in enough of what was about
him to show him that this was no hab-
erdashers shop, but the inside of
railway carriage travelling at high
speed, that there was no high collar
about his neck. and that no little old
man stood opposite him.
But it was some time, nevertheless,
before his brain became clear enough
to appreciate that all he seemed to
have gone through with lately was
only dream, and that he now was in
the 7.45 express from London, and
probably-how many hours on his jour
ney3
He slipped his fingers into his waist
coat pocket for his watch. Then. with
an exclamation of surprise, he raised
himself quickly to his feet and some
what weakly stood there feeling for the
handsome hunting cssc which he could
find nowhere.
1t took him but =, minute to realize
this. and also that tie gold cuff buttons
ne had worn. and his diamond scarf
pin were gone. and that curious stone
SluuUPu TIIS luNl ulSjppcuTeu from Tue
little finger OF his left hand.
They al had gone; but where3 A
sudden recollection OF the old bent man
who had entered the compartment Just
before their departure and been his ST.
lent and apparently indifferent travel
ing companion. made Rim peer closely
into the corner in winch that figure
had been curled when he last saw him.
But the corner WIS empty NOw.
AS Caruthers' glance moved quickly
over the opposite seat. however. one OBJ
ject caught his eye He picked it up.
1t was handkerchief. innocent of any
markings, hut smelling very strongly
as he instantly Eecamc aware. OF chic
rofGrm.
The pungent Gslor told Caruthcrs all
he needed. II VAS Il complete contir-
nation OF the theory which had flashed
upon him at first. He had been robbed
and in all likelihood by the little old
man who had 2ecn his companion.
CaruthcrS pressed his face against
the window. He WAS familiar with
the country through which the train
was passing, ana he soon saw where
ho was The express was fifty miles
out Of the metropolis. nnd by schedule
must have m&dc stop at RI. about
ten miles back. 1t was there. he de
cidcd, that the thief had got out.
As soon as she guard had opened the
door of his carriage at the next sta
ton, half an hour later. Car1ithers
jumped down and. Oashing into the
telegraph office, quickly dispa tchcd a
statement 0f the fncts to the chief
of police at IL. Hts message offered
generous reward for the apprchen.
sion OF ihr rtscnl ard the recovery OF
the articles Of which ne had been
robbed, with the least possibly pub
lIcity.
Two hours Eater, arrived at his des-
tination, he i9ft tho train. took a han
som TO police headquarters and notified
them that r Gispateh addressed IN his
Dame might he received from R..
If such a dispatch did come, il was TO
Ike sent so B. Hotel he ordered.
having engaged room, turned IN and
quickly fell Rsleop.
1t was Z O'Clock III Che morning when
he was awakened by a knock on the
door Of his goom and telegram was
handed him. - was from the police
at R., and ran as follows:
"Have got thief and recovered all
articles Thtaf disguised. Young man.
Think he is cid hand ut business. Com.
munieate at oI,ce."
Caruthers stnt the servant double
quick for n aiGrning paper. and having
satisfied himself that the news OF the
robbery and az the capture OF the thief
had at least 1ot gained circulation out
side Of R, he dressed himself lels-
urcly.
Then he ate . comfortable breakfast,
lit cigar with the utmos; satisfaction
and strolled down TO police headquar-
ters.
10 his surprise lie fonEd another dis
patch from r. awaiting him there.
He read:
"Come and get me out OF this was
Inc old man who travelled with YOU and
IL n