Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-12-03

choice bits and chicken bones 10 IN.
washhouse and with some difficulty
pushed open the small sliding window
Don was lying on the floor, his hcad
resting dejectediy across his paws.
when she emptied the plate before him
two sorrowful eyes were lifted be-
seechingly to her face Then as he
ate he waggcd his tail In gratitude.
Fearing the effect Of commlseratOn.
she disguised her feelings anG spoke
cheeringly 10 him. then quickly with
drew. But II Tom had not carried the
key away IN his pocket she would
have dehed him ANA liberated the pris
oncr She thought OF the ax; It would
be an easy matter 10 break the lock.
but she could well guess the result Of
such m act on Toms quick temper.
and she did not wish to provoke a
quarrel
Returning 10 the house, she first
busted herself with some mending;
then she took up an unfinished novel
and In following the fortunes Of the
heroine the short afternoon slipped
rapidly by.
CHANGING Mt the clock. she saw II was
nearly time for her husband to return.
go she laid the book down and went
10 start the kitchen fire. This was
scarcely completed when the outside
door was thrown open almost IN her
face. Looking up. she saw burly. un-
couth man standing before her There
was a threatening CLEAN in his heady
eyes as he approached. saying.
"Get me all the money you have in
the house and get 1t quick''
Helen shrank back terrified and tried
10 elude him by running into the din
ing room. but the tramp headed her
of. Dodglng past him. she caught up
the rolling pin and brought II down up
on his shoulder with ali her might.
Then. frightened at what she had done
she said
do not touch me. and I'll get you
my purse"
Maddcncd by the blow, he made n
lunge toward her and caught her arm
Just IN time to prevent the weapons
descending upon his head
She struggled 10 free herself. but he
held her fast In a viselike grip.
Grabbing the coll of clothcsline from
IFS hook. he bound her fast to chair.
you'll stay right here" he Missed.
savagcly gritting his teeth. I'll help
myself Can't trust YOU
Il oil f4tF a
shrek. stlll continuing her frantic
struggles. Had the fellow been less
intent on what he was doing he might
have been conscious of furious up
roar in the washhouse, for the faith
full Don. hearing the screams Of his
adored mistress. was barking and
plunging about distraetedly.
Quit yer screechini" ordered the
man. striking Helen brutal blow.
which. together with the fright, rem
dered her unconscious. Leaving her
thus, he began his search.
In drawer Of the dresser he found
small roll Of bills-hcr chicken mon
ey. This he thrust into the bosom OF
his dirty flannel shirt. while her purse,
found In the bedroom, together with
the best silver. he tied up in soiled
red handkerchief
As he hurried from the house he
chuckled triumphantly as he noticed
that the woman was still unconscious.
His hand was already on the gate
when vengeance overlook him in the
cuisc Of huge hairy creature. With
n bound Don was upon him and bore
him TO the ground. where he lay
swearing huently. but entirely at the
dogs mercy. 81 the least movement
on the part OF the thief the vieiiant
Keeper. with Il warning growl. dis
played his teeth, giving an occasional
sharp nlp rs Il reminder of what would
follow IL escape was attempted.
As Tom Wentworth drove leisurely
home he realized that ii had been
n very unsatisfactory Thanksgiving.
First he had refused an invitation to
dine with his parents, preferring 70 be
alone with bis wife. whom he had
made unhappy by his severity 10 her
pet.
lie had decided to release the dog
and beg IIclen's pardon when he came
upon this surprising tableau \ brawny
tramp pros,rute on the ground. guard
ed by Don himself but a much d.
sheveled Don. scratched ana bleeding
albeit stanchly vigilani.
one glance NJ the broken glass ana
wrecked window frame suiliccd 70 ex-
plain his release. With an imperative
Guard him. Don" Wentworth rushed
into the house
The rcmorseful man found Helen
lust recovering consciousness, dis
colored spot made by the villains tist
showing the cause Of her swoon. With
trembling fingers lie united the rope.
placed her ON couch and tenderly
bathed her face and hands.
When she was fully recovered he re-
turned to the yard and. taking horse
whip ordered the tramp TO stand up.