Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-08-30

whole significance OF the scene. When
he spoke. 1t was as II daZed.
by Cod" he cried--or. rather. the
syllables seemed to jump from his
lips like bullets from a gun.
The words shattered the tableau. On
their echo Maitland sprang and fas.
tened his fingers around the others
throat. Carried of his feet by the
sheer ferocity Of the assault, Anisty
gave ground q little. For an instant
they were swaying back and forth.
with advantage to neither. Then the
burglars collar slipped and somehow
tore from its stud. giving Maitland
hands freer play. His grasp frightened
about the mans gullet: he shook him
mercilessly. Anisty staggered. sasped'
reeled, struck Maitland once or twice
upon the chest-feeble. weightless ell
bow tabs that went for nothing. then
concentrated his energies IN a vain
attempt to wrench the hands from his
throat Keeling. tearing at Naitlands
wrists. face empurplins. eyes staring
In agony. he stumbled. Mercilessly
Maitland forced him to his knees and
bullied him across the floor toward the
nearest lounge--with premctitated de-
sign; finally succeeding in throwing
him fat; and knelt upon his chest re-
tanning his grip but refrainng from
throttling him.
AS 1t was, all strength and thought
Of resistance had been choked out OF
Anisty. He lay at length. gasplng
painfully.
Maitland glanced over his shoulders
and saw the girl moving forward. ap-
parently making for the switch.
MOI" he cried. peremptorily. Don't
turn OF the light-please!"
But" she doubted.
Let me have those curtain cords. II
you please" he requested. shortly.
She followed his gaze to the win
dows, interpreted his wishes. and was
very quick TO carry them out In q
tr!ce she was Offering him half a
dozen of the heavy. twisted silk cords
that had been used to loop back the
curtains.
Soft yet strong, they were excellent
~ well adapted to Maitiands needs.
Jrnccremoniously he swung his captive
over on bis side. bringing his neck and
ankles In juxtapositiOn to the legs OF
that substantial piece Of furniture. the
lounge.
His hands, the first to be secured. and
tightly, behind his back. Anisty lay
helpless, glazing vfndictively the while
gradually he recovered consciousness
and strength. Maitland cared little
for his evil glances: he was busy. The
burglars ankles were next bound to-
gether and to the lounge leg; and. an
instant later. brace OF half-hitches
about the mans Ieck and the nearest
support entirely eliminated him as
possible factor in subsequent events.
Those loops around your throat.
Maitland warned him curtly. ARE
loose enough now. but if you struggle
they'll tighten and strangle you. I'm
derstand?"
Anisty nodded. making an inco,
herent sound with his swollen tongue.
At which Maitland frowned. smitten
thoughtful with o new consideration.
You mustn't talk. you know he
unused half aloud: and, whipping forth
q handkerchief. gagged Mr.. Anisty.
After which, breathing hard and In
maze of perplexity, he got to his feet,
Already his hearing. Quickened BY the
emergency, had apprised him Of the
situations imminent hazards. 1t
needed not the girls hurried whisper.
"The servants" TO warn him of their
danger. From the rear wing of the
mansion the sounds Of hurrying feet