The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1908-06-03
CHAPTER VI.
A Nioht At Borton'S.


Room Is was a plain, comfortable
Office in a plain, comfortable building
on Clay Street, not far from the heart
of the business district. 1t was on
the second floor, and its one window
opened to the rear, and faced desc
late assortment of back yards, rear
walls, and rickety stairways. The
floor had a worn carpet, and there
was q desk, few chairs and a shelf
of law books. The place looked as
though it HAD belonged to a lawyer
in reduced circumstances, and / could
but wonder how it had come into the
possession of Doddridge Knapp, and
what had become of the former Occu-
pant.
tried to thrust aside spirit OF
melancholy, and locked narrowly to
the opportunities offered by the room
for attack and defense. The walls
were solidly built. The window-case
ment showed an unusual depth for a
building of that height. Inc wall hal
been put in to withstand an earth.
the hall. the door into Room 1S, and
the window furnished the three ave
nues of possible attack or retreat.
The depression of spirits that pro-
crossed with my survey of the room
deepened into gloom as flung myself
into the armchair before the desk,
and tried to plan some way out of the
tangle il; which l was involved. How
was l, single-handed, to contend
against the power IF the richest
man in the city, and bring home
to him the murder of Henry Wilton:
l could look for no assistance
from the police. The words OF
Detective Coogan were enough to
show that only the most convincing
proof of guilt, backed by fear of pub
lie sentiment, could bring the depart
ment to raise finger against him.
And how could l hope to rouse that
public sentiment? What would my
word count against that of the King
of the Street?
Where was the motive for the
crime? Until that was made clear ]
could not hope to piece together the
scraps of evidence into solid struc
ture of proof And what motive
could there be that would reconcile
the Doddridge Knapp who sought the
life of Henry Wilton, with the DOdd
ridge Kncpp of this morning. who
was ready to engage him in his con
nj - hoI hn
right to accept any part in his bust
ness? ...
Fatigue and loss of s.eep deepened
the detection of mind that oppressed
me with these insistent questions. and
as l vainly struggled against it, car
dreamless slumber.
The next | knew l was awaking to
the sound of breaking glass. 1t was
dark but for feeble light that came
from the window. Every bone in my
body ached from the cramped position
in which l had slept, and it seemed
an age before l could rouse myself to
act. 1t was, however. but a second
before / was on my feet. revolver in
hand. with the desk between me and
a possible assailant.
Silence. threatening, oppressive,
surrounded me as l stood listening.
watching, for the next move.
Il thought the transom was open,
said a low voice, which still seemed
to be struggling with suppressed
laughter.
Il guess it woke him up" said an
other and harshcr voice. Il heard a
noise in there.
You're certain he's there?" asked
the first voice with another chuckle
Sure, Dicky. l saw him go in
and Porter and have taken turns tC
watch ever since"
Well it's time he came out said
Dicky. He can't be asleep after that
racket. Say" he called, Harry!
What's the matter with you? If you're
dead let us know"
They appeared friendly, but l hes
itated in framing an answer.
tTO BE CONTINCED)