The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-05-01

eye lamp. Just turn II on him. please
and well look him over"
Miss Harriet complied. The light re-
yealed the countenance of Rodericl:
Fitzgc orge. alias Jack Bibbs. alias
twenty other names which have nc
bearing on this comedy. His clear cut
but dissipated features were distorted
ard sullen in his rage against. the wo-
men whom he thought had laid a trap
for him.
my. what a prize packagew observ-
ed the Texan softly. You have a bad
eye, my friend; but after all, I'm
rather glad to know you. Miss Rem
wyck, do you think you could find me
rope or piece Of good. strong
twine?"
"Oh, what is he going to do?" Miss
Imogene began to whimper. "Oh,
please. Lord Croyland, won't you let
him go? He's my friend. We let him
In the library window. and if you tie
him up everybody will know all about
It,. Oh, oh, oh!'
Once more sharp symptoms of hys-
Harriet's most persuasive powers were
taxed to avert an alarming outbreak.
Hush. dear. hushw 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 l are less nervous, perhaps
we can make you acquainted with the
reasons. For the present I beg you to
let this man go quietly. We have
nothing more to fear from him."
Richard hesitated, glancing from
Miss Harriet to the prisoner.
"Of course, Miss RenNyck," he an
swered regretfully, 81 must bow to
your judgment. though in my opinion
you would better allow me to turn this
fellow over to the police. l imagine
they would be inordinately glad to see
him. But-just as you like. There is
one more little matter, however, which
| must insist upon" He turned to the
prisoner. "This young lady," he said,
quietly pointing to Miss Imogene, has
paid you a somewhat exorbitant price
for her own rightful property. Oblige
me by returning the amount"
"Oh, no, no; let him keep itw begged
the victim, but Richard was obdurate
upon this point
Mr.. Roderick Fitzgeorge, having ac-
complished the real object of his Wis
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 rifled the safe.
Without more ado he took the money
from his pocket, tossed it upon the
billiard table and turned to the library
door.
Zone moment" Richard demanded.
"Miss Renwyck, turn this light upon
him, please. Thank you. Now on me.
l want this gentleman to know me if
we chance to meet again.
After a moments silent scrutiny the
Texan spoke in stern but level voice:
"My friend, l 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 modest them again in any way
I'll settle with you in q 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 gitr'
In Richards present tone there was
no suspicion of an English drawl, and
Harriet marked it joyously, though half
unconscously, for the strain of fear
and anxiety was now beginning to tell
upon her nerves Miss Imogene was
ready for complete collapse, and the
two stood trembling in each others
arms.
The burglar mumbled q stumbling
apology, then passed into the library
through the door which Richard open
ed for his exit. He lost no time in
stepping through the still open win
dow and in a moment more was skulk-
ing across the lawn.
Lord Croyland," began Miss Har-
ret, who had followed from the bill
lard room with Imogene clinging hope
lessly to her arm-"Lord Croyland.
want to thank you for'-
The words died suddenly upon her
lips, and she leaned for support against
the wall.
"Who's there" called q voice in the
darkness from the stairs in the hall.
"Quickw whispered Richard to the
terror stricken girls. It's your ia
Their! Go back into the billiard room
and slip upstairs when you get the
chance. There! It's all right. Leave it
to me-"
He gave them no chance to disobey,
but pushed them through the door,
while he spurred his brain for some
good excuse to account for his presence
in the library at this unseemly hour.
"Who's there" Mr.. Renwyck called,
and this time Richard answered back:
Hello! 1t is l! Wil-er-I mean
Croyland. Is that you, Mr.. RenwyckT
He grabbed book at random from
one of the shelves, then drew the hall
portieres aside. to discover his host.
revolver in hand, on the dim lit stairs.
arrayed In long white night robe,
Ill. \ IL.