El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-07-14


WV WHEN King, in the kindness of
ZAE his heart, grasped the old
III ~ woman to keep her from fall
ing to the floor he played di-
rectly into the hands of very material
agencies under her control. The next
instant something struck him in tbs
face. Then 18th a fierce jerk this same
object frightened about his neck.
A moose had been dropped over his
head. As he was pulled backward his
startled, bulging eyes swept the cell
ing. Above him a square opening had
appeared in the ceiling. Two ugly,
bearded faces were leaning over the
edge, and strong hands were grasping
thick rope. He was strangling.
Frantically he grasped 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
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 a sound came to his throb
bing ears. With characteristic ire
pressibility he began to swear softly,
but articulately. A gruf voice, star
tlingly near at hand, interrupted him.
= fo1INxr-f
like a man, not like a blamed canary
Bird
The hidden speaker was unQuestion-
ably an American
"Where am II" demanded the cap
tive.
You're here, that's where you are"
was the sarcastic answer.
Are you an Americana"
mo; am a Chinaman. 1 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 II"
you mean / am to stop breathing
altogether" asked the prisoner.
Something like that"
"Why?"
You'll find out when the boss gets
good and ready. You wanted to get
a 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?"
1.-The old mans eye? What old
man?"
That's for you to find out, il you
can. You've made poor start at ii.
How do you, an American, happen
to be mixed up in deal like this?''
Its healthier work than making bar
rels att was going to say Sing Sing.
but 1 hear they've changed the name.
1 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
a 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
It was enough that they expected TO
kill him sooner or later. This in itself
was sufficient to convince him that he
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
Platanova flashed into his brain. His
guard had mentioned 1.-The old man."
Good heavens! Could he mean SpantZ?
The cold perspiration was Standing on
Kings brow. Spantzl he recalled the
wickedness In the armorer's face. But
why should Spantz wish him evil?
The anarchists The reds! Olga was
an avowed anarchist. by CAD, they
think I am a detective!' he exclaimed.
light coming to him with q rush.
whats that% snapped the other.
Truxton could almost feel the others
body grow tense despite the space be-
tween them Are you a detective?
Are you? If you are. I'll finish you up
right here You
mo! They're on the wrong scent
BY Jove, the laughs on old man
Spantz."
"Oho! So you do know what's up.
then? Spantz, eh? Well, what you've
guessed at or found out won't make
much difference, my fine young fel-
low"