The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1906-08-02


ipconspicuously into a side door and
up the stairs which Jack had discov-
cred earlier I'M the day. At the door OF
our intended victims suite of rooms we
knocked, and pleasant voice babe u
enter.
Next moment we stood face to face
with our doubles. Sir Arthur rose
from his chair and looked at us in sur
prise. He was a clean-limbed, athletic
young fellow with a strong, resolute,
good-humored face.
He whirled on Jack with sudden
divination Of something serious in the
situation-and confronted the business
end of revolver.
Easy, Sir Arthur, go easy! The
games against you. We hold the
trumps," Bedding told him quietly.
1t is perhaps hardly necessary to say
that had followed the example of my
chief in covering my man. The BUSH
ness agent sputtered helplessly and
backed to the wall in alarm.
What's the meaning of this?" asked
HOrnbrOOke CURLY.
"A little surprise party for you," an
swered Jack sauvely, his steady eyes
meeting those of the baronet.
IF it's robbery you mean, my man, l
hope you won't make any unnecessary
delay abou. it. l have an engagement
at eight" he said.
Don't worry about it, Sir Arthur.
That has been arranged for. The audi
ence will not be disappointed if we can
help it," Bedding treasured him. NOV.
Tommie, get down to business"
l pocketed my revolver and began
arranging the rope. Hornbrooke grew
rigid. you re not going to tie me?"
he asked.
Sorry to inconvenience you, but
I'm afraid it's necessary. I'll leave
word at the Office to have a bellboy call
at H.
Hornbrooke shrugged, and l slipped
the moose over his head. l tied him
scientifically to his chair, so that he
could move neither hand nor foot.
l did the same for Ashton. After
had gagged them both l brushed my
clothes carefully and rearranged my
wig in the looking glass.
My chief locked the door behind us,
and we went down in the elevator.
From the hotel We crossed the street
to Trinity church. l made my way to
the chairman of the lecture bureau
committee and remained with him for
30 minutes in the improvised box Office.
When left him l carried with me in
my hand satchel into the body of the
church $375.35 as our share of the pro-
ceeds of the lecture.
The lecture was already well under
way, and Jack had worked himself into
an actors enthusiasm that would have
deceived anybody. He looked the part
to admiration.
The church was warm, and the win
dow at which / sat CHANGED to be
open. From outside there came to me
a snatch of talk that brought me to
instant life. got up from my seat,
looked ostentatiously at my watch, and
walked to the platform. Jack stopped
to listen to my warning whisper.
For heavens sake, stop! We're
trapped, Jack. The police are watch
ing every door of the building" 1 told
him hurriedly.
He nodded quietly. Then he an
without tremor in his voice
that his business manager had told
him they had barely time to catch
their train. If the audience would
kindly excuse him he would close at
once. Yet another moment, and we
opened the side door mentioned. Two
blue-coated policemen barred the way.
They've got the fellows" Jack ex-
planned hurriedly. THE captain wants
you both to come into the church at
once. The people talk of making
The officers stepped in. We swung
round corner into dark alley and
,ut into the bright shine of the street |
beyond.
Into another alley between high Of |
Ice blocks we went and emerged at |
Sixteenth. The rattle of a policeman |
n front sent us down side street pack |
o Seventeenth. In the distance we |
,ould hear the gong of patrol wagon
earring from headquarters.
This will never do. The whole |
orce is out after us. Well have to
separate, Tommie,' painted Jack.
They're hemming us In. Get rid OF