The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-06
CHAPTER Continual


"And so do l." replied Philip. "de-
goutly wish he would before those
murderers come; but not, trust,
while the attack is making, for there's
4 carbine loaded expressly for his head,
and If they make him prisoner they
will not spare his life, unless his gold
and your person are given In ransom.
But the arms, maiden-w where are
:hey?"
Follow me-" replied Anime, leading
Philip to an inner room on the upper
floor. It was the sanctum of her
iather, and was surrounded with
shelves filled with bottles and boxes
Of drugs. In cne corner was an iron
shest, and over the mantel-piece were
! brace Of carbines and three pistols.
They are all loaded observed
Anime, pointing to them, and laying
On the table the one which she had
neld in her hand
Philip took down the arms and ex-
amlned ell the prlmings. He then
took up from the table the pistol
which Anine had laid there. and threw
open the pan. 1t was equally well
prepared Philip closed the pan, and
With a smile, observed
so this was meant for me, Amine?'
"No-not for youbut for traitor,
lad one gained admittance."
Now. maiden observed Philip Il
shall station myself at the easement
which you opened. but without light
In the room. You may remain here,
and can turn the key for your Sc
,urity."
''You little know me-" replied
Anime. In that way at least | am
not fearful; l must remain near you
md reload the arms--a task in which
am %ell practiced."
NO. no. replied Philip, you might
be hurt"
II may. But think you will re-
main aere idly when I can assist one
gho risks his life for me? know my
iuty, sir. and shall perform t."
You must not risk your life.
Anime" replied Philip; my aim will
not be steady II | know that you're in
danger. But must take the arms into
The other chamber for the time is
some."
Philip. assisted by Amino. carried
the carblnes and pistols into the adj
Joining chamber; and Anime then left
Philip. carrying with her the light.
Philip, as soon as he was alone. open
I'd the easement and looked out--there
was no one to be seen; he listened,
but all was silent. The moon was just
rising above the distant hill. but her
light was dimmed by feecy clouds. and
Philip watched for few minutes; at
length he heard whispering below.
He looked out, and could distinguish
through the dark four expected as
sailants. standing close to the door
Of the house He walked away softly
from the window. and went into the
next room to rine, whom he found
busy preparing ammunition.
airline, they are at the door. in
consultation. You can see them now.
without risk. thank them, for they
will convince you that have told the
truth"
Anime, without reply. went into the
front room and looked out OF the win
dow. She returned, and. laying her
hand upon Philips arm, she said:
Grant me your pardon for my
doubts. l fear nothing now but that
my father may return too soon, and
they seize him"
Philip left the room again to make
his reconnaissance. The robbers did
not appear to have made up their
minds strength Of the door defied
their utmost efforts, so they attempted
stratagem They knocked. and as
there was no reply, they continued To
knock louder and louder; not meeting
with success. they held another con-
sultation. and the muzzle Of a carbine
was then put to the key-hole and the
piece discharged The lock Of the door
was blown off. but the iron bars
which crossed the door within, above
and below still held It fast.
Although Philip would have been
justified in firing upon the robbers
when he first perceived them in con
slltation at the door, still there is that
feeling in a generous mind which pre-
vents the taking away Of life. except
from stern necessity; and this feeling
made him withhold his fire until hos
tilities had actually commenced. He
He now leyeled one of the carbines
at the head Of the robber nearest to
the door, who was busy examining the
effect which the discharge Of the piece
had made, and what further obstacles
interviewed The aim was true, and the
rlan fell dead. while the others started
back with surprise at the unexpected
retaliation But in a second or two a
pistol was discharged at Philip. who
still remained leaning out Of the case
mant, fortunately without effect; and
the next moment he felt himself drawn
away, SO as to be protected from their
fire. 1t was Anime, who, unknown to
Philip, had been standing by his side.
you must not expose yourself,
Philip" said she, in low tone.