The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1907-03-07
CHAPTER xv.-continued.

trihed with. He came in rapidly,
closed the door, advanced toward
ogledon
Nov, sir" he began, II don't want
you to compromise yourself about this
matter; but business is business, and
the law is the law. Touching this mat
ter OF Dandy Chater-this matter OF
murder"
He got no farther, as Ogledon, with
4 cry, turned swiftly and made toward
the door, Tokely turning, too, in his
establishment. DR.. Cripps, dimly and
lrunkenly realizing that his patron
was in danger, caught up the nearest
weapon, which happened to be heavy
decanter, and, with shrill scream,
hurled himself upon the inspector and
brought the decanter down with all his
force upon that gentleman't head. The
unfortunate officer, with groau,
dropped fiat and lay motionless.
For moment or two Ogledon stood
staring down at him, scarcely knowing
what to do, while Grips, nightly
pleased with his performance, danced
all round Tokely's PROSTATE form,
waving the decanter and chanting a
species OF dirge. But, the seriousness
Of the position dawning rapidly upon
Ogledon, he seized Cripps by the arm,
wrenched the decanter from his grasp,
and buffeted him into a sense OF the
enormity of his offiense.
you idiot" he whispered, hoarsely;
"a pretty thing you've done now. |
might have stood and braved the thing
out: there's no proof against me, and
suspicious are useless. But now, after
this, there's nothing for it but to make
bolt for it! | suppose it's my own
fault for having anything to do with a
drunken little worm like yourself.
Quick! there's no time to be lost; We
must clear out of this. Comet"
Going to the door he listened eau
tiously for a few moments, and then
swiftly opened II. There was no one
In sight, and he darted across the hall
and caught up his own and the doc
tors hats and coats and went back
noiselessly. Tokely still lay without
movement, and Oggledon dragged
Cripps into his coat and crammed his
shabby hat on his head, put on his
own outdoor things, and prepared 10
leave the place.
Nov, attend to me-" he said TO
Cripps. II shall lock this door on the
inside, and take the key with me;
well go through this window on to the
terrace. III this fellow ever wakes
again--of which am extremely doubt
tul-it won't be for an hour or so; and
that will give us fair start. Now,
come quietly. This has been deuc-
eddy unlucky night. and 1t promises to
be an unlucky day. thought myself
so safe don't like the turn things
have taken at all"
Strolling quietly, until they were out
of sight of the windows OF the house.
the two got clear away, Ogledon keep
ing tight grip Of the arm OF his sway
ing companion. Indeed, 1t Is possible
that, before many hours had elapsed,
the little man deeply regretted the
part he had played in the recent ad-
venture; for Ogledon walked him on,
without mercy, mile after mile, and
without paying the slightest attention
to his many piteous entreaties to
pause at notwithstanding public
houses for rest and refreshment.
Later in the day they came to small
station within easy distance Of LoE-
don, and dusty. weary, footsore, and
lll-tempered, Cripps was glad To get
into the corner of third-class railway
carriage and fall asleep.
Arrived at the terminus, Ogledon
cooiIy announced to his companion
that they must part. Il shall drive
across London. get some dinner, and
catch the night express for the Cont
nent. You will not. in all probability,
hear from me for some time. Good
by!"
But what--what is to become of
me?" asked the little man, in dismay
I'm sure | don't know = and I'm
equally sure ] don't care respond
ed Ogledon. You've got yourself and
me into this trouble; I'm going to get
out Of it--you had better do the same.
But I've no money said Cripps, ap-
pealingly.
"Ah, you should have thought of
that before knocking policemen on the
head with decanters. If you will be so
giddy, and youthful, and frolicsome,
you must take the consequences.
Good-by, again; hope they won't
catch you!" He turned and made his
way out of the station. Grips saw him
jump into cab and disappear In the
press Of traffic In the streets.
Meantime, another traveller fugi-
tive like himself-had set his face In
the same direction, with no settled
purpose in mind. save to hide. until
such time as he could formulate a
plan of action. Not daring to trust to
the railway, lest his description should
have been telegraphed and men should
be on the lookout for him. Philip Cha
ter had started of to walk to London
Coming, long after the sun was up
into staggering suburb. which YET
had some faint touches of the country
left upon 1t. he sat down on bench
outside a small public house, ord<rec
some bread and cheese and ale, and
ate and drank ravenously.