Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-09-03
NUMBER SO.

through his active brain with lightning
speed just as the knowledge now came
that the footsteps proceeded from the
entrance to the news and not from its
extremity, while their firm regularity
betokened the advent Of some person
who had no special reason to conceal
his movements.
The boy listened breathlessly. The
onconer reached bis door, passed 1t,
stopped opposite the window, and then
another face peered over the curtain.
This time it was policeman.
For an instant their eyes met In mu.
tual astonishment. Then the police.
man came SO close that his helmet rest
ed against pane Of glass. He grinned
affably and cried:
"Hcre. want to speak to you"
Intutively grasping the essential
fact that his best policy was one Of
ready acquiescence, Philip sprang to-
ward the door and unlocked 1t. He
stood on the step. The constable APP
preached.
81 hope didn't startle YOU" he be-
gan, "but l just looked In on the of
chance
II am very glad indeed to see you,"
interrupted the boy. 81 am leaving here
tomorrow. Just now. while I was
packing some Of my belongings, very
nasty looking man came and peeped
in at me in the same way as you did"
He backed into the house. The police
man half followed him, his quick glance
noting the open portmanteau and its
array of old clothes.
Just now?" he questioned. "Do you
mean some time since"
"No, no. Not half minute-a few
seconds ago"
But where can he be? He hasn't
left the news or | must have seen
him. crossed the road. and no one
came out in so short time"
"Well, he is somewhere in the place.
He had horrid appearance-a man
with broken nose. He made me
Jump, l can assure yOu."
"a man with broken nose. BY
Jove. I'm looking for party Of that
description. \ rank wrong 'un. Rob
berry with violence and few other
little things. What sort Of man was
he? You saw his face only, | sup
pose"
The constable stepped back into the
paved court \ rapid twist Of his
hand sent vivid beam Of light dancing
over ruined tcnements, disheyeled door
ways and shattered windows.
"a tall man." said Philip, taller
than you, for | could see his chin over
the string of the curtain. He had big
face, with eyes that stuck out bold
ly"-
"Its Jocky right enough" cried the
constable. "Now, where can he have
got to? He's an ugly customer to
tackle single handed" he added be-
meath his breath.
won't you wait bit until | get
some helpi' sail Philip anxiOusly.
The man Appeared to debate the
point. The nearest comrade was an
acting sergeant, newly promoted. IL
he were summoned, the kudos Of
smart capture would be his by right
Of seniority.
NO" answered the constable stub
bornly. IF he is here, | will handle
him myself"
Again his lamp swept the small area
of the news and revealed no Twin: OBJ
ject. He quickly unfastened his belt.
took of his greatcoat and readjusted
belt and lamp again.
Now I'm ready for him." he grinned.
"Put my coat inside, boy, AMI stand
at the door yourself with the candle in
your hand. If you see anything. yell
out to me"
Philip obeyed. These preparations
for deadly struggle appealed TO his
very soul, for your healthy minded boy
of fifteen has generally ceased to be
q highwayman or pirate in imaglra'
ton and aims rather ut painting the
union jack on a glacis briJtling with
hostile cannon.