The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-06-24
By ROBERT CARLTON BROWN
=AUTHOR OFA=
1.-THE BURDEN OF PROOF"

For three or four minutes there was
silence. Then Phil felt that his cousin
had no more to say and was ABOUT 10
go to sleep when another slgnaI De-
This time Bob queried:
"YOu distract guard. / jump win
dow. Sorry can't help you ,a
1t was a long series of taps, ana
Phil figured 1t out for fifteen minutes
before he understood it all
Then he made reply:
Cant. Death watch.
Bob started to answer directly
when there was a creak Of the guard s
chair, and the scratching stopped. For
some minutes silence, then the
scratches broke out again.
There was another sudden creaklng
of the chair, and Phil pulled the
blanket over his head as he heard
the guards soft soles padding down
The steps came to a stop between
the two cells. Phil held his breath
and hoped Bob would not be discoV-
cred.
For five minutes there was not a
sound throuShout the wing except the
heavy breathing of sleep.
Daring became Possessed with wonder
He wanted to know where the guard
was and what was happening The at
tendant might nave made his way back
To the chair without noise
Daring became very curious and at
length slowly drew back the blanket to
cautious. and as ne heard nothing, Phil
finally threw the blanket far back peer
ed out through his cell door
There stood the guard glarlng IN at
him. For several moments their eyes
were fixed on each otter.
Then the attendant broke out:
so you're the bird that's been
scratching on the wall
Phil made no reply. IT flashed through
his mind that he had better admit his
guilt if necessary, in order to avert sus-
piCiOn from Bob
Fine little mouse, you are I'm glad
the death watch is going TO take care
Of your case tomorrow
JWell, what if I did scratch on the
wdll?' slCed Phil.
Then you admit it?''
What If you did scratch on the
Wall?" tie guard repeated derisively-
I don't suppose YOU were intendin' TO
escape or nOthin'2 p
What chance have got TO escape
with the death watch coming tOmor-
row. queried Phil.
well, this IS your last night. I'm
glad you'll be off my hands after this.
With that he left the cell, and Oar
ing was happy over the fact that he
mad been able TO avert suspicion from
Bob.
Next morning two blue-clad prison
attendants entered the wing early. A
stool was provided for one OF them.
He placed &c directly in front Of Phils
door and sat down.
IN relieve you at tonight, Jack.
said his companion. as he turned away.
The remaining guard sat motionless,
looking straight ahead Of him into Phil
cell.
Daring had seen the death watch at
the doors of other cells, but never be-
fore had he fully realized the feeling
that came with the man placed over
him to see. that he did not try to cheat
the chair"
With one week in which 10 live Phil
fell silent and did not enter into the
conversation that tho others carried on
in subdued voices.
He read his Bible a good deal. thought
about Alice, the death o. his uncle,
and his quick conviction.
The DAYS slipped by; Fhii could not
distinguish Them, they were so much
alike.
one guard sat before HIS cell for
twelve hours and WINS then relieved by
another. No matter when Daring
looked out into the corridor he could
see a pair of eyes peerirE in at him,
catliSe, watching his every movement.
Five OF these long mon otonous days
passed. On the sixth came the minister
for whom Phil had sent.