The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1908-12-24
CHAPTER X.

| Walter. She led the way up a rough
implanted staircase and opened the doc
Of the room over the one in which the
had been seated.
Looking around him. Walter founl
that the chamber which he had entere'
was as bare as the room below. il no
more So There was not even a bed
stead. but In the corner there was beS
on the floor with some ragged bedclothe'
spread over il.
That's where you're to Sleep" said
the woman. pointing il out.
Goodnight" said Walter
She put the candle on the mantelplecel
for there was no bureau or table in the
room. and went out.
This isn't 3 very stylish tavern. that's
fact" thought Walter. taking survey
Of the room Il shall have hard bed.
but | guess I can stand il for one night. "
There was something else that trou-
bied him more than the poor accommo-
dstions- The III looks Of his host and
hostess had made a strong impression
upon his mind. The particular inquiries
which they had made about bis success
In selling books. and their strong desire
for money. led him 10 feel apprehensive
Of robbery. de was in the heart Of the
woods, far away from assistance. aud at
their mercy. What could he, a boy of
fifteen. do against their combined attack
He would have preferred to sleep In the
woods without a shelter. rather than
have placed himself In their power.
Under the infunce of this apprehen-
sion. he examined the door to see II
there was any way of locking it. But
there was neither lock nor bolt. There
had been bolt once. but there was none
now. Next he looked about the room to
see II there was any heavy article Of
furniture with which he could barricade
the door. But. as has already been
said there was neither bureau nor table.
In fact, there was absolutely no article
OF furniture except a single wooden chair.
and that. Of course. would be Of no SER
vice
What shall I DOT" thought Walter
That man can enter the room when I
am asleep. and rob me of all my money"
Looking. about the room. be noticed
closet. the door Of which was bolted on
the outside. Withdrawing the bolt. be
opened the door and looked in. IL was
nearly empty, containing only a few
articles Of little or no value A plan of
operations rapidly suggested itself to Wal
ter in case the room should be entered
while he was asleep. In pursuance Of
this plan be threw a few pennies upon /
the floor Of the closet. and then closed
he door again Next he drew from his 4
Dockefbook ali the money it contained. |
except single 6ve-dollar bill The bank 4
1otes thus removed amounted to fifty /
i've dollars He then drew Off his stock
ngs. and, laying the bills in the bottom.
lgain put them on
Walters feelings, as be lay on his
lard bed on the floor, wers far from
pleasant. He was not sure that an at
empt would be made 10 rob him but the
seemed 50 great that be could
lot compose himself to slsep. Suspense
vas so painful that be almost wished that
lack would come up If be intended 30.
lie was tired. but his mental anxiety tri-
IMPLIED over his bodily fatigue. and be
ossed about restlessly.
1t was about nine o'clock when be gent
o bed. Two hours passed, and still there
Tere no signs Of the Appreciated inva-
ion. But, Ave minutes later, [ heavy
tep was heard upon the staircase. which
reaked beneath the weight Of the man
scending. Jack tried to come up softly.
ut il creaked nevertheless.
Walters heart beat quick, as be heard
be steps approaching nearer and nearer.
t was certainly a trying moment, that
hight have tested the courage Of one old
r than our hero. Presently the door
pened softly. and Jack advanced stealth
y into the chamber, carrying a candle
fhich, however, was unlighted. He reck-
ned upon finding Walter undressed. and
Ia clothes hanging over the chair: but
be faint light that entered through the
rfndow showed him that his intended vic
i'm had not removed his clothing.
The robber paused moment, and then,
topping over. inserted his hand into
Walters picket He drew out the pock-
tbook, Walter making no sign Of being
ware OF what was going on.
1--WE got IT," muttered Jack. with sat
lfacxion, and steaIthily retraeed his steps
, the door He went out, carefully clos
az Il after him. and again the steps
reaked beneath bis weight.
''Tm afraid hs'iI come back when be
nds bow little there is In IT," thought
Walter. eff so. must trust to my
LAM
The door was soon again thrown open,
I'D Jack strobe in. bearing In bis hand
candle. this time lighted. He advanced
, the bed, end, bending over. shook
Walter vigorously.
whats the mattsr1T asked our hero,
bis time opening bis eyes, and assuming
look Of surprise. us # tirae to get
pT'
tits time for you to get up. I've got
omething to say to you"
well said Walter, sitting up in bed,
I'm ready"
"whsrs'vs you put the money you had
LIST nlghtY
Walter put bis hand 10 his pocket
ut was in my pocketbook," be said;
but It's gone"
Here is your pocketbook,- said Jack,
1t.
ibid you take IL out of my pockst7
That made you take III Do you mean
, steal my money!
"Yes. ! do; and the sooner you hand IT
zen the better"
ear kmwm moxxn ss.<wm ys~<wa~ ala xWmf- !