The San Francisco call., 1910-03-13

|l'||||||||(||||||||[|
ably for the ample provided by the handker-
chief Steps began, shufng, and mounted the stairs
with awkward halting. Apparently they carry
ing the helpless Scholl up to his bedroom The
watcher outside entered if the removal of the lodge
keeper was his signal A few minutes later the
steps descended They had not reached the bottom
when the waiting below called out, did you find
the keysf" The tone was thin and nervous that of
very young
Not key" was the answer There was scrap
ing of chairs as the three took their seats.
"But there must be one"
Hold on, Ralph" said the voice that had enjoined
Scholl to patience Don't get hysterical He has
some keys all right but you can hardly expect him to
produce them unless you to apply the torture
something of the kind. He's faithful old beast"
Then how to get in" persisted the other.
"Not much trouble about that l guess
"Do you think he saw me, recognized me?'
"No. For heavens sake keep COOL Ralph You
give me the fidgets Get grip on yourself We've
got the whole night before us. There's within
half mile at least and the whole thing is like picking
up nuts"
The one who had not yet spoken broke in The
heavy tmbre of his voice served as we'll personal
history inform the listener that his different
type "Y' know the combination all right do "?
Amt forgotten it, have W"
NO." said he addressed as Ralph 81 was afraid
might forget it, and I've written it down to make
. sure"
His questioner grunted ungraciousy. Carter heard
him move about the room to the accompaniment of
the grunts and out into the little kitchen. Return
ing, he clattered something on the table.
TAKING A BITE
There's ham and bread and beer" he announced
during the operation Not much for guy what
had the whole place to himself"
"But-b -but-you're not going to eat now?' stam-
mered Ralph shrilly
That's what I'm doin, my son. returned the
other with full mouth "An't no gon' empty on
job"
Carter could almost the gesture from his cooler
companion that restrained the reply of the excitabe
Ralph Silence followed. The Virginian, keen to
know the purpose that brought this i'll assorted band
of thugs to Benham's place, waited impatiently.
"What time was he arrested?" asked the cool one
AT o'clock" returned Ralph.
Cant possibly get bail before tomorrow,
was the comment.
them up here"
"You forget that the train we came on, at o'clock
was the last until o'clock in the morning No
use, Ralph, you can't work up scare any way you
put it. It's too easy Hand me the loaf"
The discussion was closed. apparently, and Carter
did not nger He stole back to the hedge and along
in its shadow. If he knew he at least knew
that these men we're no common burglars and that
their movements timed by Benhan's misfortune
They meant to open a safe What they would take
therefrom. was probably precious to Benham
than money or jewels
\ 1t was characteristic of the Virginian that he
formed his decision when he CLEANED SO much of the
situation He would take hand in this game. Ben
ham had been rather friendly with him, but it not
for one of the most brilliant, dashng and successful
hnanciers of the decade to come back" in spite
of all checks Here was a chance proyidentiaIly