The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-11-10

from me at a time like this?' pro
tested George Augustus
only uni morning replied
Bangham. I'll be here bright and
early to ask for news
stay here tonight" clamored
George Augustus. You can sleep in
Ruus bed and if Rufus comes he
can get in with me-
EanghLm agreed and during the
rest OF that nisnt he was KEEP
awake by ihe proving Of George
Augustus first al the hail Dor and
.Aen at the window. If George Au-
gus.us opened the hall door once
he d a dozen times, thinking he
heard Rufus trying to Ee. in; and
when he looked out the window
he WAS hoping to see Rufus wander
ing up and down the block, once
more at sea and tlying TO find the
right house.
About five o'clock the sa.esman
sank into troubled slum5er, and
when he aroused himself at eight
he heard some one Il. the Dpor As
he bounded ON, of bed, he Jaw Il
letter beng pushed under the door
and into he room.
Has he come, SMITH inquired
Banghlm from the a,coye.
no such good uck, Bingham,
answered George Augustus, wearily.
ITS the mail, first delivery. The
hailboy just pokeS in letter.
Look at it. Maybe it's from Ru-
fus.'
George Augustus hadnG thought
of that possibility. Now that it was
suggested to him he pounccd upon
.ie let er an tore the end off the
enve'ope.
AS he read his body grew rigid
and his eyes staring, and when he
had finished reading the letter
dropped from his stftened fingers
Was it from Rufus" asked
Hangham.
George Augustus mumb'ed incOher-
emily and fell dciec,eIly in o a
chair.
What's wrong" demanded Bang
ham, pushing into the room.
Rufus is done for" chattoreI
George Augustus; they've got Ru-
fus and they're going to kill him.
"Oh, come now!" objected Bang
ham. They're not so desperate as
ali THAI. The scoumdrels wouldn't Gu,
him off in his youth and bloom
and run the risk of getting the po-
lice after them. Anyhow, Smith,
they wouldn't write and tel you
about it, even if that WAS their
plan"
George Augustus pointed tragical-
ly to the letter.
Read it, Bangham!" he said
hOarsely; read the damning evi-
dence."
Bangham went over the damn
ing evidence" calmly. and very caro-
fully.
Lets smoke" said he, somewhat
irrelevantly, when he had finished.
Not before breakfast-I never
smoke Sefore breakfast"
Il merely suggested it, Smith,
said Bangham, because a good ci-
gar is prime aid to right think
ing. However, well dispense with
tobacco, and endeayor to get az
the proper dimensions OF his tanSie.
In the first place Rufus is not
done for. The letter merely con
tains a threat
That's It," murmwed George Au-
gustus, but it's savage threat,
Bangham You can see for yourself
how savage 1t is"
Then, again, It's demand for
ransom"
He made sudden jump for the
telephone. I'll
Bangham grabbed at the sleeve
of his pajamas and held him back.
What are you intending to -o?'
Bangham inquired
Ask for an officer" palpi'ated
George Augustus. I'm put this in
the hands of the police.
We'll, think twice before YOU do
that, Smith. The letter says. indi-
rectly that if any recourse is had
TO the police department the fate
OF Rufus is sealed. I'm beginning
to think that Jhis gang is composed
OF men who are desperate 10 the
last degree"
They are" walled George Au-
gustus, tossing his arms
Men," proceeded Bangham, dra
who are SO deeply sleep-
ed in crime that they will not