Putnam patriot., 1908-05-08

NM&A Look 'em ocer. t@ooene. mv dear" nc
 continued
 Miss Harriet to the prisoner.
 .'of course. Miss Renwyck." he an swered egretfuils. 'i 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 inoriinately glad 10 see him. But-iust as you like. There is one more li.sle matter. however. which l must insisS upon" He turned to the prisoner. This young lady" he said. quietly pointing to Miss imogene. 'has paid you a somewhat exorhitant 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 paint.
 Mir. Roderick Fitzgeoree. having ae- eomplished the real object of his vls- 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 riieti the safe Without more rdo he took the money from his pocket. tossed 1t upon Lae billiard table and turned to the library door
 One moment" Richard demanded Miss Renwyck. turn this ligIt upon him. please Thank you. Now on me. l want this gentleman 10 know me if we chance to meet again.
 After a moments silent scrutiny the Texan spoke in a stern but level voice:
 My friend. I am forced 10 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 nine If you ever modest them again In any way I'll settle with you in way we make use of in Texas. You underestimate : 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 uo suspicion of an English drawl and Harriet marked il ioyonsiy, though half uncanseionslY. for the strain of fear and anxiety was now beginning to tell upon her nerves. Miss lmogebe WIS ready for complete collapse, and the two stood trembling in each others arms
 The burglar mumbled a 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 moment more was skulk ing across the lawn.
 Lord Groyland." began Miss liar riet, who had followed from the bil. Hard room with Imogene cllnging hope lessly to her arm-"Lord Croyiand. l want to thank you for
 The words died suddenly upon her lips. and she leaned for support against the wall
 "Who's theref" called voice in the darkness from the stairs In the hall.
 "Quickr' whispered Richard to the terror stricken girls 'It's your fa- tleri Go back Into tie billiard room and slip upstairs when you get the chance. There. It's all right Leave fl to ne.
 He gave them no chance 10 disobey. but pushed them through the door. while he spuefed hls brain for some good exense to account for his presence In the library at this unseefnly hour
 Who's thefeg Mir. Kenwyck called. and this time Richard answered back:
 Hello. II is l. wil-er-I mean Croyland is that you. Mr. Renwyck fss
 He grabbed book at random from one of the shelves. then drew the hall portIeres aside. 10 discover his host. revolver in hand, on the dim lit stairs arrayed fin iong white night robe. which made him look more gaunt and angular than ever
 "Oh. it's yous said Mir. Renwyck in great surprise T thought l beavd n noise-a shot or something-and got up to investigate Why in the name Of heaven aren't yon in bedf''
 ..f'm awfuly sorry to have disturbed you" the Texan answered easily. T. I-stumbled over Il beustly chair in the dark. Too bad. upon my word, You see" he explained, T couldn't sleep. so I came down here 10 take liberty and q book"
 NIT Renwyck glanced at his cos tume. which with the exception of his dress coat. which had been exchanged for house jacket was the same his guest had worn earlier in the evening. Tie fnancier thought fer moment. then descended the stairs. entered tine library and switched on tho electric light The first fhiBg to catch his eye was an open window which Richard in hls haste had failed to close.
 The Texan interpreted the blank as- fonishuenf so clearly written on Mr. reuwvck's face and proceeded to en- iiahtea hIfn