Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-06

hours a lifetime of sensations The rob-
berry, the discoveries at the barn, the mob
the vanishing of the fugitlves, the tragedy
Of Iona. the cave, the solution of the
century-old Heller mystery. the strange
captive-all TANNED into matter of hours
and the end not yet.
Squire Hartswick however was not phi
losophising. His capacity one idea at a
time and he drove the tragedy on with re-
lentless precision. By daybreak he had
Jim and the stranger safely imprisoned in
the Hartswick mansion and was driving
arrangements by telephone for the prelim-
mary hearing. 1t would of course be
mere matter of form and soon over, and the
sooner the better; for the prisoners must
be safe In the county Jail before night. BUT
the justice before whom the hearing was
to be held could not arrive before 10 and
the squire fretted and fumed.
BY O'Clock the space about the store
was crowded as If for farmers picnic.
Every available place for hitching. for rods
up and down the road was taken. The peo-
pie were even scattering into the Harris
wick grounds.
The morning. however, was eventless
until shortly after o. when strange hush
came over the multitude-a hush so instant
and complete that those within the house
noted it and looked out. Squire Hartswick
even ran to the porch. An unfamiliar buggy
was on the driveway and the woman by
the driver-there could be no mistake-was
Rose Hartswick. The squire rubbed his
eyes and fumbled for his spectacles Then
he hustled out to meet her.
why, Rose
What does this crowd mean. father?
Quick; what's happened?" She leaned far
over in her eagerness.
How did you get here? What are you
here for?' he blurted out almost brutally
came because I was needed. Now
tell me what you're doing. Tell me-" There
was dangerous light in her eyes.
Go to your room. Rose. I'll see you
there" He turned abruptly and started
toward the barn.
Father she called commandingly, but
he did not stop or turn. Then she saw her
mothers face at window and ran quickly
up the path.
Rosie, why. Roster
Tell me, mother, what is It? What's
happened?"
The sheriff's here and they are going to
have a trial"
What for2'
Somebody broke into the store and
they've arrested Jim Farthtng and his ia
Their
What proof have they got?" She was
fairly shaking in her excitement
They found the goods In Mr.. Farthing's
barn"
The goods stolen from fathers store?"
Yes: and they found Karls stamp book
there too"
Where's the sheriff? I must see him
this instant"
He's in the dining room. but Rose"
But she had disappeared into the dining
room where the sheriff was making prepa-
rations for the coming trial
Are you the sheriff sir?"
II have that honor. madam" he replied
Importantly.
'"Then you'll allow me to attend the trial
have important evidence"
You'll have to speak to the Judge,
madam"
"All l ask Is to be allowed to remain in
the room: Will you allow that?"
"All right; sit right here. Well be ready
IN minute" He placed a chair for her
near the window.
There was a commotlon IN the. front
hall; the justice had arrived-a forid,
stout old gentleman, with stern eve.
Squire Hartswick, who with him,
stopped short when he saw Rose, then strobe
over TO her angrily.
This amt no place for you" he whis-
pered sharply. There won't be only men
here. Go TO your room at once"
II. shall stay right where I am, father"
she replied calmly.
''what?-what's that? Indeed, you won't
stay here. I forbid IT."
you have no authority" She looked at
him coolly, and settled back in her seat.
We'll see about that Here sheriff con-
duct this lady out where she belongs"
II told her that she might stay here and
she may unless the Judge orders differ
eatly"
Squire Myers. are you going to allow
women spectators IN this court? I don't
care to have my daughter here during the
trial"
II have important testimony. very I'm
portant testimony" she said earnestly
Let her stay" The old man dropped
into his seat with a look on his face of
mingled wrath and apprehension.
The justice took his place at the head of
the dining room table. and arranged halr
dozen sheep-bound volumes before him.
let the prisoners be brought in" he said
There was a moment of silence, then the
entrance of the sheriff. the three prisoners
and the six deputies. Jim. erect and alert.
cast q curious glance about the room and
stopped short as his eye fell on Rose A
tide of color leaped to his face, and ebbed as
quickly, leaving 1t deathly pale. Rose gave
no sign. She sat motionless and impassive
Then the group seated itself at the end OF
the table opposite the Justice
Cro be continued tomorrow)