Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-08-25
CHAPTER x-continued.

by the powers, l forgot for mo-
ment! So you thought me Maitland
Ell? Well, I'm sorry 1 didn't under
stand that from the first. You're so
quick, as a rule, you know confess
you duped me neatly this afternoon
that supposed you were wise and
only afraid that I'd give you what you
deserve. If they had sent any one but
that stupid ass, Hickey, to nab me, I'd
be in the cooler now. AS it was, you
kindly selected the very best kind Of
house for my purpose; 1 went
straight up to the roofs and out
through building round the corner"
But the shock of discovery, with it's
attendant revulsion of feeling, had
been too much for her. She collapsed
suddenly in the chair, eyes half closed,
face pallid as a mask of death.
Anisty regarded her in silence for a
meditative instant, then, taking up
the lamp, strobe down the hall to the
pantry, returning presently with a
glass trimming with an amber-tinted,
effervescent liquid.
champagne" he announced, licking
his lips. Wish l had Maitland's
means to crafty my palate. He knows
good wine. Here, my dear, gulp this
down." placing the glass to the girls
lips and raising her head that she
might swallow without strangling.
AS 1t was, she choked and gasped,
but after a moment began to show
some signs Of having benefited by the
draught, faint color dawning in her
cheeks.
That's some better" commended
the burglar, not unkindly. "Now, if
you please, we'll stop talking pretty
and get down to brass tacks. Buck up,
now, and answer my questions. And
don't be afraid; I'm holding no great
grudge for what you did this after
noon. 1 appreciate pluck and grit as
much as anybody, 1 guess, though 1 do
think you ran it pretty close, peach
ing on a pal after you'd lifted the
jewels. BY the way, why did you
do it,"
because But you wouldn't under
stand If 1 told you
Il suppose not. I'm not much good
splitting sentimental hairs. But Matt
land must have been pretty decent to
you to make you go so far Speaking
OF which, where are they?"
'"They?"
Don't sidestep. We understand one
another. 1 know you've brought back
the jewels. Where have you slowed
them"
The wine had fulfilled its mission,
endowed her with fresh strength and
renewed spirit. She was thinking
quickly, every wit alert.
Il won't tell you"
Wont Ell? That's an admission
that they're here, you know. And Won
may as we'll know propose to have
EN-. Fair means or foul, take your
pick. Where are they?"
Il have told you wouldn't tell"
I've Known pluckier women than
you to change their minds, under pres.
sure" He came nearer, bending over.
face close to her, eyes savage. and
gripped her wrists none too gently.
Tell met"
Let me CO."
He proceeded calmly to imprison
both small wrists in one strong, bony
hand. Better tell"
Let me co." she painted, struggling
to rise.
His vuacs took on an ugly tone.
'"Tenl"
She was child in his hands. but
M
applied the pressure more cruelty to
her arms she cried aloud with pain
and, struggling desperately. knocked
the chair over.
It went down with crash appalling
ly loud h that silent house and at
that hour; and taking advantage of his
instant of CONSERVATION she jerked
fr00 and Snran1 fourard kha drc. ~