The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1907-09-06
CHAPTER IN.

the gloomy alO01neSS OF Johnson
Mews-lent a sinister aspect to an ap
partition formidable enough under any
circumstances, but absolutely threaten
Ing and full Of danger to one situated
as he at that moment.
He never remembered seeing the man
before. not that this repellent physiog-
nomy was of type to be soon forgot
ten. A bullet head, with prominent,
bioodshot eyes, strong, cruel mouth,
huge nose, badly broken-a certain
strength of character in features de-
based by drink and criminality-these
were the tokens writ leglbly on the
countenance glaring intently at the boy
from without.
The two gaZed at each other for an
appreciable time. The mans face wan
dered from Philips face to his costume
and then rested on the open portman-
teau at the boys feet. There was in
lis expression an air of astonishment-
a certain gloating bewilderment-as OF
one who had stumbled unawares upon
some object of such potential value
that the finder could hardly believe it
to be true. He was thinking, wonder
ing, debating, with himself. The cog.
gle eyes seemed to see more than the
brain was inclined to credit
Philip despite his alarm felt that the
right course was to resent this imperti-
nent prying into his affairs.
"Hello, your he shouted. what do
you want?"
The man grinned. He seemed to be
about to answer when he suddenly
turned his head and looked down the
yard toward the entry.
Instantly he swung round and van
ieEed noiselessly with the silent alert
ness of a cat, for the boy heard no
sound. He simply disappeared in the
darkness, and Philip, who knew every
inch Of the ground, realized that his
most unpleasant visaged spy had not
only dived Into the further obscurity
OF the news, which formed q Guide
sac. but also was either in his stocking
feet or wore something over his boots to
Geaden any possible clatter on the paw
ing stones.
Here was nice thing, his habitat
discovered by some tramp or criminal
skulking in the untenanted building
marked out for the house breakers
within few days. 1t was too bad.
He was sorely annoyed that he had
not thought sooner of the potentialities
of the window when the interior of the
house was il.umined by candle and
rudy fire. How long had the man
stood there watching him? He had
certainly seen some portion of the con-
tents of the last portmanteau. Had he
also witnessed the removal of the 9th
ers to the pantry?
Philips experience as a newspaper
vender told him that all london was
now familiar with his own personal
as well as with the SEM
blance and value of his meteoric dia
monds. The white stones, the clumps
Of iron ore, had been described minute
ly by clever journalists, who supple
mented Isaacstein's clear statement by
facts Cleaned from encyclopedias and
interviews with biologists.
Most probably this man had read
long articles about him, for the story
was such as to bring watery curses to
the lips Of every pennile3s vagrant in
the kingdom. Indeed, the careful scru-
tiny bestowed on his face and clothes
bore out this suspicion. Had he not
changed his garments the stranger
would have known his identity beyond
all question. AS it was, the man was
puzzled and disturbed at the very mo.
ment he was about to say something. /
What had happened to cause him to
run away? What had he seen or heard?
Above all, how much did he know of
Philip and his affairs?
Well, the door was locked, and It
would be folly to go out again that
night. The house was absolutely un.
save by the front Philip
resolved to remain awake until day
break. O'Brien's spade stood against
the fireplace. 1t was a formidable
and he would not hesitate to
use it If forcible entry was attempted.
He must sit quietly In the dark, listen
ing for each sound and threatening
boldly when he heard any one endeav-
bring to open door or window.
He sighed, for he was very tired, but |
the vigil was imperative.
He dropped the drugget and scissors |
md bent again over the portmanteau. |
The packing operations might as we'll |
be finished now, and indeed when the |
light was extinguished it would be bet
ter to keep away from the window.
through which sudden thrust with |
In implement might do him an injury.
He took his discarded clothes and ar
'anged them on top of the last parcels
II ore and diamonds. Then he reached
tut for the small bundle of documents
'esting on the chair behind him, in
ending to place them In little pocket
n the flap which already covered one
lalf Of the bag.
At that instant he again heard foot
teps. OF course a very few seconds
lad elapsed since he first caught sight
4 the living specter without. The
deas recorded at such length whirled
through his active brain with Lightning
peed lust as the knowledge now came