The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1908-06-16
THE THIRD DEGREE
Copyright. 1905. by @. w. Dillingham;
BY CHARLES ROSS JACKSON

l"Surely it is Mr.. Oakes," she con-
tinued. Instantly realization came
to them both; they had forgotten
in it's meshes. They knew now it
must be the murderer, else why
such crowd pursuing? Why was
Cakes taking such desperate
chances? t
ITS the murderer, Jane cHied
Theodore. They expected tosar-
rest him today; he is making ibis
escape. Why did l come out here
without arms? l cannot be Of serv-
ice-see he is shooting again"
While speaking thus, Theodore
struggled to free himself from the
grasp of the girl, who was instinc-
lively trying to drag him to cover.
Then they both saw the large body
of Mirandon, for they recognized
him now, turn once again. They
saw him take careful aim, and, fol-
lowing the sharp report, the horse
ridden by Cakes lurched, plunged
and fell heavily on his side and
chest The rider, half pinned un.
derneath, pulled himself free and
then taking deliberate aim, dis
, charged his revolver twice in rapid
succession.
The dark, giant morse Of Miriam
don quivered, slowed up, and pitch
ed sideways; but the rider was too
quick to be caught. With a move
ment of surprising agility he jump
ed and alighting on his feet wheel
ed and again discharged his wea-
pom, and then dashed into the path
at his side.
He's coming up this path" cried
Jane, selling her lover and drag
cling him forcible to one side. The
two waited within the dense oak
shrub by the side of the path.
Scarce knowing what else to do,
Theodore stopped and seized a
stone at his feet-it was natures
offering as a weapon-the only one
available, the only one with which
to meet the on-rushing criminal
Jane whispered warning. BE
careful, Theodore, the last shot hit
Mr.. Cakes. | saw his left arm drop
| DOh lHONC'
| In a moment came the neavy
tread of the murderer, who was
rushing with whirlwind strength
up the incline. He was breathing
hard and his face was tense and
pale. A breast of the lovers he
hesitated, dashed on another step,
then paused-turned at right
angles and sought cover Oblivious
to the presence of the two, he sud
denly found himself face to face
with them. He uttered ihoarse
roar of surprise, which changed to
defiance, but before he could aim
or pull trigger the left arm of
Theodore was about his broad
chest and the rock descended
fiercely on his head. l.
CHAPTER XVIII
| But bravery alone was never a
match for brute strength. Miriam
don, by a mighty effort, partly
avoided the blow, and then with
laugh of revenge brought the butt
end of his revolver crashing heavily
onto the unprotected head Of The
| OuOTe. STONE huSeS QulNcICu, tHSH
slowly he pitched forward INTO the
arms of Jane; and Mirandon,
changing his mind, darted a few
steps back and fled up the path to
the deep woods beyond.
With a cry of anguish Jane NAL
ley lowered the falling body and
tried to stanch the blood that was
coming in heavy streams. Seeing
the futility of her efforts, she
quickly turned up her dress and
ripping her petticoat made from it's
upper portion a compress. and
pressing it strongly but tenderly
against the wound, succeeded in
partly stanching the hemorrhage.
With a bound and a crash and a
cry of baffied rage, Quintus Cakes
appeared at her side. A voice like
the voice of bull roared out at
their side.
Where did he go. Cakes, which
way"
IN 4