The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-02-26

woman 10 keep her IRON f1II-
i'm to the floor he played di-
rectly into the hands Of very material
agencies under her control. The next
instant something struck him in the
face. Then with a fierce jerk this same
object frightened about his neck
a moose had been dropped over his
mead. AS he was pulled backward his
startled, bullying eyes swept the cci1-
ing Above him a square opening had
appeared in the ceiling. Two ugly,
bearded faces We're leaIIing over the
edge, and strong hands were graspinS
thick rope. He was strangling
Frantical!y he grasIed the rope, lifting
himself from the floor in the effort
to loosen the moose with his free hand
A hoarse laugh broke upon his DINING
ears, the leering faces drew nearer,
and then as everything went black a
heavy yet merciful blow fell upon his
head
Not many minutes passed before con
seriousness, which had been but par
TALLY lost. returned to him 1t was
pitch dark, and the air was hot and
close. Not sound came to his throb-
bling ears. With characteristic ire
preSsibility he began to swear softly,
but articuiately. \ gruff voice, star
tlingly near at hand, interrupted him.
''Spit it out, young fellow, Swear
like a man, not like a blamed canary
bird"
The hidden speaker was unquestion-
ably an \ merican.
where am l." demanded the cap
tive
You're here, that's where you are
was the sarcastic answer.
Are you an Americana
NO; l am Chinaman. l was born
in Newport'-as an afterthought-
"Kentucky."
"This is the worst high handed out
rage I've ever
Better save your breath, young fell
low. You won't have it very long, SO
save what you can of it"
You mean l am to stop breathing
altogether?' asked the prisoner.
''Something like that"
"Why?"
You'll find out when the boss gets
good aud ready. You wanted to get
poke at the old mans eye, did you:
By thunder that's like an American
never satisfied to let things alone. See
what it got you into:'
THE old mans eye? What old
man."
That's for you to find out, if you
can. You've made a poor start at it,
How do YOU, an American, happen
to be mixed up in a deal like this
Its healthier work than making bar
rels at was going to say Sing Sing
but l hear they've changed the name.
prefer outdoor work
Fugitive. eh?'
You might call it that. I'm wanted
In seven states. The demand for me
is great
That he had fallen into the hands of
q band of conspirators was quite clear
to King. Whether they were brigands
or more important operators against
the crown he was of course in no posi-
ton to decide. Time would tell.
1t was enough that they expected to
kill him sooner or later This in itself
was sufficient to convince him that be
was not to be held for ransom. but to
be disposed Of for reasons best known
to his captors.
Like a shot the warning of Olga
Platauova flashed into his brain. His
guard had mentioned the old man.
Good heavens. Could he mean SpantZ
The cold perspiration was standing on
Kings brow. Spantz. He recalled the
wickedneSs in the armorers face. But
why should Spantz wish him evil:
The anarchists, The reds! Olga was
an avoWed anarchist. BY CAD. they
think | am a detective!" he exclaimed.
light coming to him with a rush.
What's that?" snapped the other.
Truxton could almost feel the other 5
body grow tense despite the space be-
tween them. Are you Il detective
Are you: If you are. I'll finish you up
right here. You
No. They're on the wrong scent.
BY Jove, the laughs on old man
Spantz."
Ohio. So you do know what's W.
then? SpautZ. ehE Well. what you've