The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-11-09

danger as plainly as though the word
had been painted upon its front. The
dark and lowering walls Of the pass
age in which the Wolf figure of Dodd-
ridge Knapp had appeared and disap-
peared whispered threats. And 1, in
my folly and carelessness, had
brought Luella Knapp into this place
and exposed her to the dangers that
encircled me. It was this thought that
for the moment unnerved me-
What does this mean" asked Lu-
ella in a matter-of-fact tone.
1T is a poor practical joke, I fear"
said lightly. l took occasion to shift
a revolver to my overcoat pocket.
Well, arn't you going to get me out
Of here?" she asked with little sug-
gesticn of Impotence
That is my present intention" I re-
piled, beating a tattoo on the door.
You'll hurt your fists" she said.
You must find some way besides
beating it down"
I'm trying to bring our friends
here, said l. They should have been
with US before now"
Isn't there another way out?" asked
/ Luella.
7 suspect there are a good many
ways out" l replied. but, unfortun-
ately, I don't know them" And I gave
a few resounding kicks on the door.
Where does this stairway 60 l
wonder?" said Luella. 1T can't be the
way out Isn't there another?"
I'VE might try the passage"
She gave a shudder and shrank to-
ward me-
NO. no. she cried in low voice
TRY the door again. Somebody must
hear you, and it may be opened"
/ followed her suggestion with a
rain OF kicks. emphasized with a shout
that made the echoes ring gloomily
in the passage.
| heard in reply sound of voices
and then an answering shout, and the
steps of men running.
Are you there, Mr.. Wilton?" cried
the voice of Corson through the door
Yes, all safe, / answered.
Well, just hold on a bit anC
we'll"
The rest of his sentence was los
in a suppressed scream from Luella
l turned and darted before her, jus
in time to face three Chinese rufian;
who were Fastening down the passage
The nearest of the trio, a tall darl
savage with deep scar across hi
cheek, was Just reaching out his hanC
to seize Luella when l sprang forwarC
and planted blow square upon hi
chin. He fell back heavily, lifted al
most off his feet by my impact, an,
lay like a log on the floor.
The other two ruffans halted irresc
lutte for an instant, and l drew my re
volyer. Their wish seemed to be t
take me alive if possible. After
moment of hesitation there was nut
tered exclamation and one of the des
peradoes drew his hand from hi
blouse
oh" cried Luella. Hes got
knife"
Before he could make anothe
! movement | fired once, twice, tire
times. There was a scramble an
scufHe IN the passageway, and tn
smoke rolled thick in front, blottin
out the scene that had stood in 81
houettte before US.
Fearful OF rush from the Chimes,
| threw one arm about Luella ant
keeping my body between her an
possible attack. guided her to the stai
that led upward at nearly right angle
from the passage. She was tremblin
and her breath came short, but he
spirit had not quailed. She shoe
herself free as l placed her on the fir:
step.
Have you killed them?" she aske
quietly.
I hope so" l replied, looking ca
tiously around the corner to see til
results of my fusilade. The smob
had spread into a thin haze throug
the passage.
There's one fellow there" I sal
But It's the one l knocked down"
Can't you see the others?" inquire
Luella.
NO more ia sight" said I. after
holder survey. They've run away"
"Oh, I'm glad" said Luella.
g should have seen them always if yc
l had killed them Why did they q
tack u.s."
! Before I could reply to Luella's que
ton, tattoo was beaten upon Il
J door and a muff1ed shout came fro
J the other side. I stepped down fro
I the stair TO listen
9 Are you hurt?" shouted Corso
! Whats the natter"
:. No damage. I returned. Il dro'
y them off,
| Corson shouted some further word
e but they were lost in sudden MI
mur of voices and a scufle of feet tn
2 arose behind.
I Look OUT" cried Luella perempte
s ily. Come back here!"
have said that the passage open'
into a little court. and at the end
: lamp save light to the court and Il