The Washington herald., 1909-07-18
The Nations Pawn

nan was waiting in the hallway
"Take him into the library" Lester
said, and stopped To hll his pocket with
cigars lie also took pains TO slip a pis-
tOl into his pocket, smiling scOrnfuly at
the precautlOn as he did so. AS he en-
tered the library he was met by a clean
eyed man, who carelessly displayed his
badge as he came forward although It's
evidence would have been unnecessary, as
no one could have passed the sentry In
front without an official pass.
Ibid you get Mr. HollbrOOkT the Pres
ident-elect asked:
"Yes he is waiting In the machne
which Is around the corner the secret
service guard answered. II thought IL
best TO stop I'm the shadows, because one
cannot exercise too much caution I'm
times like these, and, If a crank were
on any automobile that stopped before
your gate this evening lie would scarce
ly expect person OF your Importance TO
go anywhere on foot tonight. So, We
lie laughed as though the idea OF a
crank were hardly TO be worried over.
Lester got his oyercoat from the den,
and they passed out. The sentry was
steadily pacing TO and fro before tho
gate, ana saluted them as they passed.
Wonder where they're going now" he
said, as they turned the corner. Hes
fool TO go running around the streets
this way; but they say Lincoln did the
same thing during the war, and l guess
he's no bigger than Lincoln was with
that. he shrugged his shoulders and re-
sumed mis- march, wishing that the time
on duty were over and the hour of re-
lief at hand
M IDwAY in the block around the corner
AVA stood the big closed electric automo-
bile which the President used for his own
needs. AS they approached, a heavily
built man started from 1t, and toward
them, as IL to halt and challenge them
ITS u.s. Williams" the Presidents mes.
senger said, and the man lifted his hat
advanced
Good evening Mr.. HOLLYWOOD" the vice
president said sleepily from the shadows
within. He fumbled for switch, which
threw on light inside, revealing himself
In it's glare as man having the appear.
ance of one who had but lately vacated
Pardon me, Mr.. Holbrook," said the
guard, who had followed inside and seat
ed himself. I'm sorry You discovered
from where flashed the light before. IL
is better that we leave II turned OF, al.
though l have. the curtains drawn. My
charges are Of too much Importance C
take chances he concluded apOlOgetiCal-
ly as he switched Off the incandescent
They heard the guard ana the chauffeur
mount outside. the machine sprang for
ward, and they were whiled nolselessly
away SO smooth and silent was their
progress that they could have but little
idea of their speed. They came TO
sudden easy malt, heard the outer guard
dismount and speak to someone, whom
they presumed to be one OF the soldiers
on duty before the Presidential residence.
Then, as suddenly as they had stopped,
the doors on both sides were thrown
Open and the guard at Testers side
threw one arm around him, completely
piuionlng him, and put an unOccupied
hand over his mouth.
The President-elect started to struggle
but he had barely made move whcu
the man holding him was reinforced by
another equally powerful while from the
other side came the sounds OF another
fierce struggle, where the Vice President
elect was being subdued. The very voice
lessness OF the combat rendered II more
terrifying for there was no sound what
ever beyond the mad rustic OF straining
muscles and garments. 1t was OF short
duration. In a few seconds, both Lester
and Holbrook found themselves pinioned
I'm the roadway with the enyeloping folds
of silken scarfs muffiing their mouths eff
fectually. Finally they ceased to strug-
gle and looked around, discovering that