The San Francisco call., 1910-03-27

about to enter the conservatory he gained the shadow
of the curtain and from there the parlor.
Carter made his way instantly to the entrance hall
and drew up at the side of TALL chunky sfoudered
man, stifay immaculate in attire and aggressively
barbered in appearance The Virginan talked to him
rapidly, but with apparent effect He did not
glance at Carter, but kept stony gaze fixed upon
the chandelier. The murmured monoogue contin-
ued for minutes. At its conclusion Garter
walked away leaving the tall his stold nspec
ton of the electric bulbs.
The Virginan about to mount the rear stair
case again when sudden idea arrested him, pos
sible Improvement upon the plan he had made. He
moved once through the crowd to the last par
lor- To the left of the conservatory entrance
closed folding doors, leading, as he supposed, into
the dining Quite casually, as if mis-
sion connected with the event. he opened these,
slipped through and closed them after him. He found
hms elf in the breakfast room. 1t empty and
lighted by single globe Toward the front of the
house it gave, in turn upon the dining room.
On massive sideboard stood dozen pieces of
heavy silver, Keith heirlooms Carter wrenched open
the bottom drawer of the sideboard and selected a
small table cloth Holding this by the corners as a
bag he carefully placed in it the smaller pieces of
silver He could not manage two heavy candelabra
and left them in their places. From upper drawer
he took handful of forks and spoons and disposed
them in his hip pockets Tying up the bundle care
lessly he slung it of sight under the table Then
he returned the way he had and started up the
rear staircase
He heard voices before he had mounted half way
to the landing and the tnbre of one of them brought
him the rest of the way three steps at a time The
door into the hall ajar. Marion Keith stood
where he had last her and i'll the attitude
one hand against the wall and the other her throat
Before her. leering into her face, Jerry Coskar
DO you want that? Well do it if you refuse L
swear will. You'd best PROMISE tell you
Carter Shows His Courage
Carriers right shot~out tensely and he grpped
the speaker about the neck from behind He swung
Coskar back and completed his throtting hold, pnning
the intruder against the door. Some one was calling
the girl There no need of Carter's energetic
nod send her, wide eyed and trembling, back to
her The Virginian dragged his prey out to
the dark landing of the rear staircase, thrust him
down on the steps and then relaxed his grip Coskar
gurg1ed for breath, but warning pressure checked
his cry. Carter sank beside him.
ITS use, Jerry it'll be much more comfortable
if you keep STILL Coskar ceased struggling and Car
of my business why you're here what you do after
you leave. But thing is dead Your activities
for the night over. You can thank your family
name that its worse. Which is it, the police or
will you be quieta
Jerry signihed that the latter alternative would be
his choice and Carter led his captive downstairs
There few persons in the hall, but they did
not notice the two The Virginian opened the
door of a small closet under the main staircase
Coskar would have hung back. Its that or the po-