Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1904-09-09
CHAPTER xxvI,
sEARCH.

CAA~hA LII - W. ~
SEARCH.
Overpowered as he was. Godfrey
Bysshe struggled desperately but strug-
gled in vain. He was a strong man,
but he recognized hat he was In the
hands of one stronger, and that in
his present position, piaioned to his
bed with a 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 10 his brain,
beating on 1t with hammers Of lead.
But in the midst OF the excruciating
pain this caused came a subtle un-
consciousness, until the intending muir
derer, believing his work TO be done,
relaxed his flenfdsh hold; when
mar5halling his forces he should strive
to free himself from and overcome this
YOU'D be assassin.
Accordingly he promptly ceased to
struggle and apparently lay inert.
nerveless and lifeless. For all that 1t
seemed an eternity before the re-
leased their grip of steel; but no soon
err had they done so than with a sudden
and desperate movement on which life
or death depended he wrenched himself
~ tAI@ ~ RAgNAANNA 80
and with a 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, while at the same time he edged
slowly round the wall until he came
to the chimney piece, when seizing the
bell 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 lon With
candle in hand he looked under his
bed, behind the window curtains, in the
a of the wardrobe, but could not
see the man who had attempted his
life. A glance at 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 oppo-
site his own was flung open, when
Dunstan partially dressed, the waver-
ing flame of his candle showing the
horror and alarm of his pallid face,
hurried out, and seeing Godfrey,
paused to say, good God. What is the
matter? What is it?'
Il nave been robbed and the thief
strove TO murder me-"
ITO murder your" cried Dunstan, his
terror deepening.
Alarmed by the ringing of the bell.
the butler, backed by the men servants,
all of whom slept in this wing, rushed
frightenedIy into the corridor at one
END, while at the other Urbano was
seen to leave his room and come
stealthily forward, in no way startled,
his piercing yes fixed ~watchfuliy and
inquiringly on Geoffrey.
Hurried explanations were given to
the bewildered butler and his followers,
who stood staring and cared
Robbery and murder in the house
again sir?" Roberts mutttered, looking
round in fright.
-IIrhana he'd s.ccS ST.. II fTont 81
Godfrey, to whom he raised hts iivid
face that seemed full OF mockery. On
the instant an idea struck the barrister.
who wishing to have confirmation OF
his belief that the thief and would-be
assassin was an inmate OF the house,
and not one who had broken int II
called out to Roberts to go downstairs
Immediately and see IL ali the doors
and windows were locked and bslted.
Willing, at h same time to admit
that ther robbery might have been coma
mttted by q burglar, he resolved to tahe
a couple OF men with him and search
the house. AS he was hurriedly giving
them directions, h count, In slippers
n 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 a voice OF distress he
asked, What Is this: what has hap
pened? VIII no one tell me?
Urbano started from a grim reverie,
and hurrying to him said. Il was COM
Ing TO your excellency. Mr.. Bysshe'S
jewels nave been stolen and the thief
tried to murder him."
MY God! How terriblei Is he in
jursd2 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.. am all right" Geoffrey
answered cheerily.
Thank God, / thank God!" NUT
tered the count to himself.
THE thief has escaped me, bgt he
cannot be far off, said Godfrey, al
most unconsciously fixing his eyes on
Urbano, who met them with an UNI
scrutabIe look.
are going to make a search.
Have | your permission. count to lock
the doors OF the rooms I examine Until
the detectives see them tomorrow r,
Certainly. You are at liberty to do
anything and everything that will help
you. II ] only could assist you.'
Your bedroom will not or course.
be touched"
X will have nc exceptions made" the
count replied. The search must Be
thorough. Sleep would be Impossible
now. urbano Will dress and take me
to the library. Get all the a~ssistanncs
you can.
(continued Next WsskA