The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-07-18
CHAPTER Xxx.

ana our nero WlSneO the nl8nt were past,
and he were again on his way.
CHAPTER Xxx.
About nine o'clock Walter intimated
desire to go to bed. The woman lit
candle, and left the room, followed by
Walter. She led the way up rough.
implanted staircase and opened the door
of the room over the one in which they
had been seated.
Looking around him, Walter found
that the chamber which he had entered
was as bare as the room below, II not
more 80. There was not even bed
stead, but in the corner there was bed
on the floor with some ragged bedclothes
spread over it.
That's where you're to Sleep" said
the woman, pointing 1t out.
Goodnight" said Walter.
She put the candle on the mantelpiece,
for there was no bureau or table in the
room, and went out.
This isn't very stylish tavern, that's
a fact" thought Walter, taking a survey
of the room. Il shall have a hard bed,
but I guess can stand it for one night"
bled him more than the poor accommo-
datiens. The i'll looks of his host and
hostess had made a strong impression
upon his mind. The particular inquiries
which they had made about his success
in selling books, and their strong desire
for money, led him to feel apprehensive
of robbery. He was in the heart of the
woods, far away from assistance, and at
their mercy. What could he, 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 if
| 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 if 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 l do?" thought Walter.
THAT man can enter the room when l
am asleep, and rob me of all my money"
Looking about the room, he noticed a
closet, the door of which was bolted on
the outside. Withdrawing the bolt, he
| opened the door and looked in. 1t 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 he threw a few pennies upon
the floor of the closet, and then closed
the door again. Next he drew from his
pocketbook all the money it contained,
except q single five-dollar bill. The bank
notes thus removed amounted to fifty
five dollars. He then drew of his stock
ings, and, laying the bills in the bottom,
again put them on.
Walters feelings, as he lay on his
hard bed on the floor, were far from
pleasant. He was not sure that an at
tempt would be made to rob him, but the
probability seemed SO great that he could
not compose himself to sleep. Suspense
Jack would come up if he intended to.
He was tired, but his mental anxiety tri-
umphed over his bodily fatigue, and he
tossed about restlessly.
1t was about nine o'clock when be went
to bed. Two hours passed. and still there
were no signs of the apprehended inva-
sion. But, five minutes later, heavy
step was heard upon the staircase, which
creaked beneath the weight of the man
ascending. Jack tried to come up softly,
but it creaked nevertheless.
Walters heart beat quick, as he heard
the steps approaching nearer and nearer.
It was certainly trying moment, that
might have tested the courage Of one old
er than our hero. Presently the door
opened softly, and Jack advanced stealth
lily into the chamber, carrying a candle
which, however, was unlighted. He reck-
oned upon finding. Walter undressed, and
his clothes hanging over the chair; but
the faint light that entered through the
window showed him that his intended vic
tim had not removed his clothing.
The robber paused moment, and then,
stopping over, inserted his hand into
Walters picket. He drew out the peck
etbook, Walter making no sign of being
aware of what was going on.
1--WE got It," muttered Jack, with sat
isfaction, and stealthily retraced his steps
to the door. He went out, carefully clos
ing it after him. and again the steps
creaked beneath his weight
"Tm afraid he'll come back when be
finds how little there Is In It." thought
Walter. IF 20, must trust to my
plan"
The door was soon again thrown open,
and Jack strobe in, bearing In his hand
a candle, this time lighted. He advanced
to the bed, and, bending over. shook
Walter vigorously.
Whats the matter?" asked our hero,
this time opening his eyes. and assuming
look of surprise. rs it time to get
upT'
Its time for you to get up. I've got
something to say to you"
WELL said Walter, sitting up in bed,
"I'm ready"
"Where've you put the money you had
last night 2"