The Press., 1909-05-12


 brown and strong and we'll kept. An nie Jane liked good hands.
 Suddenly she uttered a little shriek and tucked her feet under her rufied skirts.
 The prisoner shifted his gaze from her charming face to the bright rag carpet. What is the matter?" he queried
 ''Such a horrid rat!' quavered Annie Jane, pointing to where a small, gray body slid along the floor.
 "Give me the revolver and I'll pot him." he suggested eagerly.
 ''No, oh, no; can't let you out" sob bed Annie Jane historically.
 Nonsense! I'm not going to have you frightened to death," retorted the prisoner authoritatively.
 "I am afraid of it-but promised to keep you locked up cannot break my word," murmured Annie Jane. with an attempt at valor.
 Once when she was a little child a rat had bitten her hand, and since then the mere sight of one would send her into mysteries.
 | from which every trace of color had fled, and, with a muttered exclamation, he turned away from the little open ing.
 A minute later came the sound of.a window being raised, and presently the prisoner walked into the room through the back door Without word he seized poker. There was rush of steps, sharp squeak and then silence. The door opened and closed.
 The chauffeur washed his hands at the sink "I shall return to the pantry now," he began, when the outer door opened again and the harsh voice of the sheriff boomed through the house.
 Annie Jane sprang to her feet. whiter, If possible, than before.
 He's locked in the pantry, justice, and Annie Jane's been a-watching him!' said Peter Lamson triumphantly.
 MT. Justice Smith, stout, rosy and iovial, withal he had been aroused from his bed, entered the room in ad vance of the sheriff, and his genial glance alighted on the prisoner, who was calmly drying his hands on the roller towel
 Hello, Wainwrightv' he cried. "SO you got here after all. Lamson says he went over to your place, but your serv- ants said you were out in the machine chasing scorchers, suppose! Now, Miss Annie Jane, have out the prison CT, and we'll each land him heavy fine, eh, Wainwright?'
 Justice Wainwright swept the room in a keen glance that noted Peter Lam sons chagrined face and the pitiful entreaty in Annie Jane's eyes.
 Sorry, sheriff. It's all my fault, but your prisoner has escaped" he said carelessly.
 "Shucksy' exploded Peter Lamson. with sincere relief.
 Your treat, sheriff." laughed Smith comfortably. Let it be some of that old russet cider. I'll go down with you and hold the lamp.
 When the discomfited sheriff had pre- ceded Smith down the cellar stairs, the late prisoner approached Annie Jane, who stood disconsolately before the stove. ...-.
 You were very kind, indeed, MT. Wainwright" she stammered with em- barrassment T know father will be hurt and mortified to realize he has made such blunder-that he treated you so unkindly."
 "You were very kind to the prisoner. Miss Annie Jane," said the justice, with a tender note in his pleasant voice. Under those circumstances 1t was very strange that he should try to escape, wasn't itY'
 Annie Jane's eyes dropped before the warmth in his gaze, but she made no reply.
 T don't believe-he escaped. after all," unused Wainwright thoughtfully.
 And subsequently it was proved that he did not