The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1909-09-02


uupre, sred TO nnd any ono In the
| library.
For a mere second hts gaze left
Maitland and travelled on TO the girl.
then to the riied safe-taklng In the
whole significance Of the scene. Whom
he spoke, II was as II dazed.
by Godl" he cried-or. rather. the
syllables seemed 70 jump from bis
lips like bullets from gun.
The words shattered the tableau. On
their echo Maitland sprang and fas
tened his fingers around the others
throat. Carried on his feet by the
sheer fcrocity OF the assault. Anisty
gave ground a little. For an instant
they were swaying back and forth,
with advantage TO neither Then the
burglars collar slipped and somehow
tore from its stud. giving Maltlands
hands freer play. His grasp frightened
about the mans gullet he shook him
merciessly Anisty staggered. gasped.
reeled. struck Maitland once or twice
upon the chest-feoble. woightless ell.
bow jahs that went FOR nothing. then
concentrated his energies In vain
attempt to wrench the hands from his
throat. Reoling. tearing at Maltlands
wrists. face empurpllng. eyes staring
in agony. he stumbled. Mercilessly
Maitland forced him to his knees and
bullied him across the floor toward the
nearest lounge-wlth prcmedltated de.
sign; finally succeeding in throwing
him fat: and knelt upon his chest, 70
tanning his grip but refraining from
throttllng him.
AS Il was. all strength and thought
OF resistance had been choked out Of
Anisty. lie lay at length. gasplng
painfully.
Maitland glanced over his shoulders
and saw the girl moving forward. ap
parently making for the switch.
MOT" he cried. peremptorily. Don't
turn on the light-pieasel
But" she doubted.
Let me have those curtain cords, ~
you please" he requested. shortly.
She followed his gaze TO the win
dows, interpreted his wishes. and was
very quick TO carry them out In a
trice she was Offering him half a
dozen OF the heavy. twisted silk cords
that had been used to loop back the
curtains.
Soft yet strong. they were excellent
ly well adapted To MaitlaEd's needs
Unceremoniously he swung his captive
over on his side. bringing his neck and
ankles in iuxtaposition TO the legs OF
that substantial piece OF furniture. the
lounge.
His hands. the nrst TO be secured. and
tightly. Behind his back. Anisty lay
helpless. glaring yindiotively the while
gradually me recovered consciousness
and strength. Maitland cared little
for his evil glances: he was busy. The
burglars ankles were next bound to
gether and to the lounge leg: and. an
instant later. brace OF halfhitehes
about the mans neck and the nearest
support entirely eliminated him as a
possible factor in subsequent events.
Those loops around your throat. g
Maitland warned him curtly. ARE
loose enough now. but n you struggle
they'll tighten and strange you. I'm
derstand?"
Anisty nodded. making an inco-
herent sound with his swollen tongue.
A. which Maitland frowned. smitten
thoughtful with a new consideration.
You mustn't talk. you know" he
unused half aloud: and. whipping forth
a handkerchief. gagged Mr.. Anisty.
After which. breathing hard and in a
maze OF perplexity, he got TO his feet
Already his hearing. auickened by the
emergency. had apprised him OF the
situations imminent hazards. II
needed not the girls hurried whisper.
'The servants'" to warn him OF their
danger. From the rear wing OF the
mansion the sounds OF hurrying feet
were distinctly audible. as, presently,
were the heavy. excited ycices OF men
and the more shrlll and frightened
cries OF women.
Needless OF her dIspleasure. Matt.
land seized the girl by the arm and
urged her over to the open window.
Don't hang backl" he told her ner.
vously. You must get out Of this be-
fore they see YOU DO as | tell you.
please. and Wen save ourselves yeti
II we both make a run for Il. we'ro
lost. Don't you understand"
NO. WHY" she demanded. reluc-
tant, spirited. obstinate--and lovely In
his eyes.
IF he we're anybody else" Maitland
Indicated. with a Jerk OF his head to-
ward the burglar. But didn't you
see? He must be Maitland-and he's
my double. I'll stay. brazen II Out.
then. as soon as possible. make my es.
cape and Join you by the gate. Your
motors there--waitl BE ready for
me"
But she had grasped his intention
ard was suddenly become plant to his
will. You're wonderful" she told
him with a little low laugh; and was