Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1908-11-12

Is the security valid. but It shows yo
don't intend to leave a friend like myse
in the lurch if anything happens, eh?"
Never" spontaneously asserted tn
other. never finchng as he realized tn
vast treachery this transaction mediate
towards his confreres in the trust.
Nearer to the ventilating slit in tn
window frame Gideon Hope pressed hi
face. With burning glance he viewed tn
contents of the tin box gone over. Tn
cashier examined the bonds and stock /
contained. The flush on his face shove,
that he was satisfied with the securit,
offered, but he was slow and methodical
and the impatient Kane, watching hin
covertly, frequently wetted his dry. parch
ed lips with his tongue, and painted quite
and often started at the slightest strang,
outside noise. Hope read him through
! and through--at cowardly sacrifice he haC
| secured the ready means to carry him tC
the ends of the world, if he choose-and
he was anxious to start upon the journey
"All right" sonorously stated the bank
the box and setting that receptacle near
his hat and cane on a stand, as if taking
possession. Then his hand again sought
his breast pocket. Kane's eager, brilliant
eyes rustled like ferret. He stole out a
hand trembling from excitement, to seize
the coveted money.
At that moment Gideon Hope restrain.
ed himself no longer.
Hold :" he cried. Both men started
the cashier in clear amazement profound.
Kane as though voice from the grave
or the rostrum of justice-had challenged
him.
Hope pressed on one window frame. but
could not move it from the outside. This
commotion at once centered the attention
of the two occupants of the room.
whats that" sharply demanded the
cashier.
Give me the money ~ breathed Kane
"the wind, some drunken workman.
Hurry up, Wortle I'm due to make quick
train connections"
He would have snatched the cashiers
hand and the precious package it held un-
ceremonously from his breast. but the lat
Hold on-let us investigate this queer
occurrence" Wortle insisted-"heavens -
Crash . clatter-Hope had precipitated
fateful climax. He could not move the
sash. Tearing the soft flexible cap he
wore from his head. he twisted one hand
inside of it, and, his fingers thus guard
ed. dealt a smashing blow at upper light
of glass.
1t shattered to brittle nothingness. 1t
rained inside the room in noisy. scintillat-
ing fragments. Framed in this prismatic
shower, he stood revealed-a dreadful pre-
to Kane, source of vivid stupe-
faction for the bewldered bank cashier.
Don't give that man the money" man
1atorily shouted Hope.
Now, he himself was baffied. Steel bars.
light but strong. covered the inside win
low frame. He had known of their exis-
ence previously, but in the excitement of
he past few moments had scarcely been
CONSCIOUSLY aware of the formidable bar
Ter they presented.
"Who is this?' stared the astounded
asher
1.-The money !" pleaded Kane, white and
ear-flled.
mo" cried Hope. Hold him off till
he seized the bars, shook them vain
V. and gritted his teeth in futile despera-
ion.
1.-The money!" persisted Kane, now
ressing upon the cashier in a certain
way.
Listen ~ spoke Hope hotly, calling
through the bars: this man has deceived
ou He has no thought of redeeming the
is seeking only to fly, leaving {
uin behind him, and you will be involved '
you perfect this trasaction. Be warm {
d He is a criminal, fugitive, MUIR
erer." ,
Blankly the cashier stared at this
'eirdly appearing, impressive accuser.
'.The money. l tell you'll will have
'" snarled Kane.
Frenzy, murder, was in his reckless
yes. He fairly eaped upon the cash
er.
What this man says"-debated the |
ASHER, sternuously disputing forcible dis S
ossession of the money package.
Lies ~
''The truth ~ thundered Hope" "You. |
him back your money is lost, i
he secures it."
Give it upw howled Kane repulseG, ;,
nd seizing from table a heavy orna + +
rental ruler.
1t was sample of the metal product of q
le mills, and deadly as the bludgeon of a
L
He lifted it, The bar whistled through n
le air, descended. There was a sickly a
lud, a crash, as, squirting blood from a f.
,ightful cash in the forehead, the unfort- =
nate bank cashier toppled backward over =
chair, carrying it to ruins, and sinking y
ith a groan sensless to the floor u
Kane stopped over him, tore the pack. n
re of money from his still spasmodically d
enched hand, cast a last startled glance D
the face and form at the window, and
,shed from the room. i,
(To be cOntinued.) -
His Wife. RI
ln ct I,ic ii TO !