Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-12-24

Once more sharp symptoms of hys terics threatened to develop, and Miss Harriet's most persuasive powers were taxed to avert an alarming outbreak.
 Hush, dear, hush!" she whispered soothingly, then turned to Richard Lord Croyland," she said, "there are circumstances connected with this strange affair which prevent me from explaining fully. Tomorrow. when Imo- gene and are less nervous, perhaps we can make you acquainted with the reasons. For the present beg you to let this man go quietly. We have nothing more to fear from him."
 Richard hestated. glancing from Miss Harriet to the prisoner.
 "Of course. Miss Renwyck." he an swered respectfully. II must bow to your judgment. though in my opinion you would better allow me to turn this fellow over to the police. imagine they would be inordinately glad to see him. But-just as you like. There is one more little matter, however, which I must insist upon." He turned to the prisoner. This young lady" he said, quietly pointing to Miss Imogene, has paid you somewhat eXorbitant price for her own rightful property. Oblige me by returning the amount"
 "Oh. no. no: let him keep it." begged the victim, but Richard was obdurate upon this point.
 Mir ROderick Fitzgeorge. having ac- complished the real object of his vis- it, was glad to be released at any price, especially as the disposal of the letters was merely device for enter ing the house and holding the ladies while his confederate rihed the safe. Without more ado he took the money from his pocket, tossed it upon the billiard table and turned to the library door.
 "One moment" Richard demanded. Miss Renwyck, turn this light upon him. please. Thank you. Now on me. want this gentleman to know me if We chance to meet again."
 After moments silent scrutiny the Texan spoke in stern but level voice:
 My friend, am forced to let you go this time, though sadly against my inclination You owe your release to the kindness of the ladies. The next time the affair will be mine If you ever molest them again in any way I'll settle with you in a way we make use of in Texas. You understand? You are marked. my friend. I'd know your bad eye in Jericho. Yes, and I'd follow you there, too, for the pleasure of wringing your worthless neck. Now apologize to these ladies. then git!'
 In Richards present tone there was no suspicion of an English drawl, and Harriet marked it joyously. though hali unconsciously. for the strain of feal and anxiety was now beginning to tel upon her nerves. Miss Imogene was ready for complete collapse. and the two stood trembling in each other: arms.
 The burglar mumbled a stumbling apology, then passed into the library through the door which Richard open ] cd for his exit He lost no time 1T stepping through the still open win dow and in Il moment more was skulk ing across the lawn.
 Lord Croyland." began Miss liar ret. who had followed from the bil Hard room with ImoGene clinging hope lcssly to her arm-"I.Ord Croyland, want to thank you for
 The words died suddenly upon he lips. and she leaned for support agains the wall.
 Who's there;" called voice in tn darkness from the stairs in the hall
 "Ouick-' whispered Richard to th terror stricken girls. Its your ia ther. Go back into the billiard roon and slip upstairs when you get th chance. Tbere. It's all right. Leave tome"
 lie gave them no chance to disobey but pushed them through the dooT while he spurred his brain for som good excuse to account for his presenc in the library at this unseemly hour.
 Who's there" Mir. Rcnwyck called and this time Richard answered back:
 Hello: It is |. Wil-er-G meal Croyland. Is that you. Mir. Renwyck? He grabbed book at random fro1 one Of the shelves. then drew the hal portieres aside. to discover his host revolver in hand. on the dim lit stairs arrayed in q long white night robe which made him look more gaunt an angular than ever.
 "Oh. it's you." said Mir. Rsnwyck il great surprise "I thought heard noise-a shot ar sOmething-and got u to investigate. Why in the name O heaven aren't you in bed: I'm aWfuIIy sorry to have disturbe' you" ihe Texan answered easily. "l- , I-sfumbled over a beastiy chair in th dark Ton tad. upon my word. YOI . sec he explained. 'I couldn't sleep. g came down here to take a liberty an book-
 Mir. Renwyek glanced at his eos tune. which. with the exception of hi dress coat. which had been exchange for a house jacket. was the same hi guest had uoTn earlier h the evening The fnzncfer thought for a moment then desceuded the stairs. entered th library and switched o1 the eIectri Hzht Tbe first thing to catch kis ey was an opea wintov. which Richar in his haste had failed to close The Te1z1 interpreted the b,znk as