Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1909-06-19

unprepared To find any one in the
library.
For a mere second his gaze left
Maitland and travelled on to the girl,
then to the rified safe-taking in the
whole significance of the scene. When
he spoke. it was as if dazed.
by God," he cried-or, rather, the
syllables seemed to jump from his
lips like bullets from a gum
The words shattered the tableau. On
their echo Maitland sprang and fas-
tened his fingers around the others
throat. Carried OF his feet by the
sheer ferocity of the assault, Anisty
gave ground 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 Maitland's
hands freer play. His grasp frightened
about the mans gullet; he shook him
mercilessly- Anisty staggered, gasped,
reeled, struck Maitland once or twice
upon the chest-feeble, weightless ell
bow jabs that went for nothing. then
concentrated his energies in a vain
attempt to wrench the hands from his
throat Keeling, tearing at MaitlaAd's
wrists, face empurpling, eyes staring
Maitland forced him to his knees and
bullied him across the floor toward the
nearest lounge-with premeditated de-
sign; finally succeeding in throwing
him fat; and knelt upon his chest, re-
tanning his grip but refraining from
throttling him.
AS it was, all strength and thought
OF resistance had been choked out of
Anisty. He lay at length, gasping
painfully.
Maitland glanced over his shoulders
and saw the girl moving forward, ap-
parently making for the switch.
mol" he cried, peremptorily. Don't
turn off the light-please!"
But" she doubted.
Let me have those curtain cords, If
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
trice she was Offering him half
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 Maitland's needs
UnceremOniously he swung his captive
over on his side, bringing his neck and
ankles in juxtaposition to the legs of
that substantial piece of furniture, the
lounge.
His hands, the first to be secured, and
tightly, behind his back, Anisty lay
helpless, glaring vindictively the while
gradually he 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, a brace of half-hitches
about the mans neck and the nearest
support entirely eliminated him as a
possible factor in subsequent events.
Those loops around your throat"
Maitland warned him CURLY, "are
loose enough now, but if you struggle
they'll tighten and strange you. I'm
derstand?"
Anisty nodded, making an inco-
herent sound with his swollen tongue
At 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
maze of perpleXity, he got to his feet
Already his hearing, quickened by the
emergency, had apprised him of the
situations imminent hazards. 1t
needed not the girls hurried whisper,
1.-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 voices of men
and the more shrill 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 back" he told her ner-
vously. You must get out of this be-
fore they see you. Do as 1 tell you,
please, and we'll save ourselves yet!
If we both make a run for it, we're
lost Don't you understand"
NO. Why?" she demanded, reluc-
tant, spirited, obstinate-and lovely in
his eyes.
IF he were anybody e1se,'' 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 it out,
then, as soon as possible, make my es-
cape and join you by the gate. Your
motors there-wait, 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 little low laugh; and was
gone, silently as a spirit.
The curtains fell behind her in long
straight folds; Maitland Stilled their
swaying with a touch, and stepped
back into the room For a moment he