The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-07-27

drawl to nicely. SS ~ 81 s3
# We slipped down the back fire escape
OF the hotel, and out into the night. "A
BRISK walk brought us to the Brown
Palace hotel. We did. not risk CROSSE.
Ing the rotunda under the inspection
Of hundred pairs OF eyes, but slipped
inconspicuously into side door and
up the stairs which Jack had discov-
cred earlier In the day. At the door, OF
our intended victims suite OF rooms we
knocked. and a pleasant voice bade u
Ieantar. u. MI.
Next moment we stood face to taco
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. ,.s 4
He whirled on Jack with a 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," Belding 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.
Whats 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, I
hope you won't make any unnecessary
delay abou. it. 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. NOW.
Tommie, get down to business"
| / 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 bellboy call
at H."
Hornbrooke shrugged, and slipped
the moose over his head. tied him
scientifically to his chair, so that he
could move neither hand nor foot.
did the same for Ashton. After I
had gagged them both 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. 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 carried with me in
1my 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. I 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" told
him hurriedly.
He nodded quietly. Then he an-
nounced without a 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
trouble
The officers stepped in. We swung
round corner into a dark alley and
out into the bright shine of the street
beyond.
Into another alley between high Of
flee blocks we went and emerged at
sixteenth. The rattle Of policeman
| in front sent us down a side street pack
Ito seventeenth. In the distance We
could hear the gong of a patrol wagon
tearing from Headquarters. re-. 3 s#.a 35%
This will never do. The whole
force Is cut after us Well have to
separate, Tommie Il, painted Jack.
They're ahemming us in Get rid Of
those whiskers and board an out-of.,5
town car. N You can come in on ans
other line later. '.s5 n
when ii finally returned toS ouIr3
hotel M 81 found Jack lying on the
sofa IA delicious q ease. smol king q.
Havana and reading the 81 evening
paper. u He looked up without the
least apparent concern as the
door opened d! he said.
sse you hnng 81 ii Al the dough. ON
ME. Good boy Nond der how the;
cops came t, Vi BE q, our liiftis