The Huttig news., 1909-01-09
CHAPTER XIV. pa+r;t,u4;o.

l pleasantly-the hard and unyielding laugh of brute man brutishly impas- stoned
 This silly ass, Maitland" he ob- served. isn't really as superfluous as he seems. I find him quite convent ence, and 1 suppose that ought to be totted up to his credit since it's be- cause he's got the good taste to re- semble me. .. Consider his l thoughtfulness in providing me this cabi What'd I've done without 1t? To tell the truth I was quite at loss to frame it up, how to win your coy consent to this giddy elopment, back there in the hall. But dear kind Mis- ter Maitland, bless his innocent heart, fixes it all up for me. ~. And so,' concluded the criminal with ironic relish--"and so I've got you, my lady,
 He looked at her in sidelong fash ion speculative, calculating, relent- less. And she bowed her head, as- senting. Yes" You're dead right, little woman. Got you. Um-mmm'
 
 made none aside from raising an out cry. although now she was regaining something of her shattered poise, and with it the ability to accept the situa- tion quietly. for a little time (she could not guess how long she could endure the strain), pending an oppor- tunity to turn the tables on this, her perseeutor.
 What is it. she said presently, with some effort-"what is it you wish with me?s
 T have my purpose" with a grim smile.
 You will not tell me?"
 You've guessed it, my lady; I will not-just yet. Wait bit'
 She spurred her Tagging spirit until it flashed defiance Mir Anisty!"
 "Yes?" he responded with a curling lip, cold eyes to hers.
 "I demand"
 No you don't," he cut her short with a snarl. You're not in a position to demand anything. Maybe it would be as well for you to remember who you're dealing with
 "And-?" heart sinking again
 And I've been made fool of just as long as I can stand for it. I'm crook-like yourself, my lady, but with mort )backbone and some pride in be- ing at the head of my profession. I'm wanted in a dozen places; I'll spend the rest of my days in the pen, if they ever get me. Twice today I've been within an ace of being nabbed-kind- ness of you and your Maitland. Now I'm desperate and determined. Do l you connect?"
 What" she asked. breathlessly
 1 can make you understand, fancy Tonight, instead of dropping to the backyard and shining over the fences to safety. I took the fire-escape up to the op-fat-something copper would never think of-and went through to the hall. Why? Why, to interrupt the tender tete-a-tete Matt land had planned Why again? Be cause. for one thing, I've never yet been beaten at my own game and 1 I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks. l Moreover, no man yet has ever laid hands on me in anger and not regret ted it. The criminals voice fell note or two, shaking with somber pas sion. .1il have that pups hide yeti" he swore.
 The girl tried to nerve herself 'It it doesn't seem to strike you" she argued. controlling her hysteria by sheer strength of purpose, that I have only to raise my voice to bring all Broadway 70 my rescue"
 For by now the cat had sheered off into that thor-,ughfare, and was rock ing rapidly ss.uth. between glittering walls of light A surface car swooped down upon them. and past. making light hideous with gonp and drum ming trucks, and drowning Anisty s esponse. For which reason he chose o repeat it, with added emphasis.
 You try it on. my lady, and see what happens.
 She had no answer ready, and he proceeded, after waiting a moment: But you're net going to be such a fool. You have no pleasure in tle prospect of seeing the inside Of the Tombs, yourself; and besides. you ought to know me we'll enough to know.
 "What?s she breatled, in spite of herself
 Anisty folded his arns. ttrusting the right hand beneath his ccat
 Maitland got only one of my guns" he announced. ironically. He'd we got the contents of the other, only he chose to play the fool and into my hands. Now guess you understand and turning his head he fixed her with an infiexible glare. chill and heartless as steel-'that one squeal out of you will be the last. Oh, i've got no scruples: arrest to me means living death. I'll take short course, by preference, and-I'll take you with me for company
 You-you mean you would shoot me?' she whispered, incredulous.
 Like dog" he returned With unetion.
 You. man. would would shoot a n@+