The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1910-05-19

bear our burden for the present. You
have lived down your early disgrace
and proved yourself a repentant man."
But the law doesn't recognize that"
bitterly complained the broken down
capitalist. IF l escaped from prison
before my time expired I'm still a
criminal in the eyes of the law. oh, if
had been patient little longer"
Alice comforted him with words of
caressing affection. but the iron had
entered his soul, and he continued to
cry out:
ITO think this drunken brute should
have his freedom without fear of cap
ture or exposure! I'll kill the wretch
if
mo, dear, you won't do any such
thing-for my sake"
Jacks excuses became so disgust
ing in time that even sweet Alice's
patience and endurance were sorely
tried. Her faith in her sense of duty
was showing signs of wavering when
suddenly without warning Jacks skel-
etOn kicked open the closet and fell
sprawling on the floor.
The key was held by quiet, thick
set man of dark complexion, who
called one evening to interview Mr..
Westlake in the quiet OF his study.
Alice was there and hung ever her
husband rs if to protect him.
Mi. WestIalle." announced the quiet
stranger. you have in your employ
man of the name of Jack Lecon, be-
lieve:'
Beverly WINGED little at the word
"employ," and he was inclined to laugh
at the irony OF the thrust Yes, he
was in his employ, but a rather eX-
pensiyc employee. He nodded. with Il
smile, to Indicate his comprehension.
'Wel, sir continued the stranger,
this man is Il convict-escaped from
the federal prison some months ago"
Beverly Westlake saw all kinds Of
pink and white spots, and he glanced
up to see if the electric lights had
changed their colors. Incidentally he
felt the straugulating construction Of
his wife'S arms around his neck. He
realized that he was pale and that his
heart had almost ceased to beat.
"There is nothing to fear, Mr.. West
lake The house is surrounded, and
we will capture him without any out
cry. He is a desperate character
killed his guard when he escaped-and
we have made special plans to capture
him without danger to you or your
l,,r,,1I,,1l I 70
prepare your wife for any struggle
that may follow. You understands"
Yes. Beverly understood, and Alice too.
Alice, he said slowly, you had
better retire to your room. I will go
with-with this man to find Jack"
Intuityely she caught his meaning.
She hesitated but a moment and then
kissed him as if to withdraw.
Il don't think we shall need your
services" the officer said, with con-
fident air Our plans are all carefully
laid, and by this time Jack Lecon
should be a prisoner l came here
partly to engage your attention while
my men secured him. l think now"
consulting his watch. the struggle
must be over. We will go and see
They passed through the great hall
in solemn procession and then turned
to mount the broad stairs to Jacks
room. He lived in comfort and luxury
away from the servants as a man set
apart for special favOrs.
But they did not ascend the stairs.
A swift figure glided down the polish
ed marble and Intercepted thcm-a fig
ure that halted but an instant and
then would have passed on with in
sistent purpose. The officer. startled
by the movement, turned hurriedly
and asked;
What is it, sheldon? Anything
wrong?"
The gliding figure came to reluc-
tant halt and replied respectfully:
Yes, sir; he escaped and jumped
out of the window. But Jansen and
Holden must have him. They were
below"
There was hurried exit from the
house, and Alice forgot her dignity
and scant footgear. The moon was at
its zenith outside. and the crisp win
try air made the blood Jingle. The
frozen ground was as hard as rock,
and little frost bulbs gathered on ey-
cry tree and shrub.
A voice from out of the mutiled 81
lence of the night smote their ears as
they turned a corner of the house.
I'VE have him. sir" it said calmly.
He jumped and fell on his head
hurt a little, l guess
They gathered around dark heap
on the silver frosted ground where
the twisted limbs of a man were
Sprawled like the four corners of Il
star. There was a queer limpncss to
the neck when the head was raised,
and Alice covered her eyes and shud-
dered If she OWNED the meaning Of
it she did not confess it even to her
self. 1t was Jansen who pronounced
the verdict.
Neck broken. l guess" he said cool
ly. Yes. sir, and dead as doornail"
The leader of the men knelt over the
PROSTATE form of Jack Lecon, and aft
er a close examination he said with
fnality in his voice:
Eyes, he's dead
Turning toward the Westlakes. he