Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-08-17

I'VE might IL we had machine gun
have you got pistol?'
81 brought one into the ROOM" an
swered Britt, feeling in his pockets,
"but laid II on that table when I was
going through those drawers. Pretty
careless. eh?"
Fitch nodded. He was racking his
Wits Tor some means OF escape which
meant, so far as he could see. a meth.
Cd OF killing the snake. 1t seemed use
less to expect help from outside the
house. The door between the hall and
the room in which they we're was
closed. and before 1t hung portieres
heavy enough to muffIe their loudest
shouts. Their only probable chance Of
relief lay in the hope that the blue
coat would become sufficiently anxious
at their failure to return and would
enter the house in quest OF them.
Even IN that rather remote contin-
gency, however It was far from GER
tain they could warn him before the
cobra could glide across the room and
strike him to death. No, they were
thrown utterly upon their own re-
sources. Britt agreed with the doctor
on that point. as in low tones, SO that
they might not further inflame the SER
pent, they discussed their situation.
Guess there's nothing accidental
about this little sunshine being in the
ROOM" said Britt musingly. Those
Oriental strong-armers probably fig-
ured 1t out that one or both OF US
would come here, and so they arranged
this pleasing little surprise party.
think 1t is worthy place in the society
columns as one Of the successes Of the
season"
He made light Of the danger because
that was his way when he was in a
particularly tight place; but he rea-
lized the peril by this time as fully as
did the doctor. There was nothing hui.
morous in the fact that all the time
they were held prisoners atop the chit
fonier by the gray death before them
the Hindoos were doubtless making the
most of the time thus gained for es-
cape. True. he had asked that all tho
ordinary avenues Of escape from the
city be watched, and although he took
carry out the request conscentiously
he was not at all confident the men
sent from the Central Office and from
the various precinct headquarters
would be proof against the adroitness
of Indian noblemen. adopts, and thugs
Moreover. It was as good as certain
that the Swami, the Prince, and their
followers would not seek to fee the
city by any ordinary route. Britt HIM
self, had he been free to continue the
pursuit. would have looked first to the
most extraordinary modes OF fight
compatible with practical conditions.
From what he knew of the men, by
this time 1t would not amaze him
greatly to find they had left the city
by airship or submarine, slightly i'm
probable as either means Of transit
might have been a few years be-
fore
Bottled up. doc!" he exclaimed
gloomiy.
That's what 1t looks like" assented
Fitch.
Unless" Britt continued, I'VE can
get that gun"
And use it effectively" put in Fitch.
I'm something of shot," the detec-
tive ventured meditatively. Maybe
could hit 1t, and maybe could get
that gun"
His eyes, ranging the room in the
immediate neighborhood Of the chif-
fonier. had alighted upon the water
pipe. The long, flexible rubber stem
of the narghileh was stretched across
the table and the mouthpiece hung
over the back Of chair within a few
feet of the top of the chiffonier.
I'll try IT," said the detective decis-
lively. Give a hand here, doc"
Fitch hooked one arm about the or
namental knob at the back of the chit
fonier, and with his free hand gripped
the detectives left wrist. Britt, his
left hand clutchng the doctors sleeve,
the toe Of his left boot thrust between
the chiffonier and the wall, leaned far
out In an attempt to reach the tube
OF the water pipe. He withdrew his
arm quickly. however. and gave little
nervous cough as the drab death that
lay coiled in the middle OF the floor
Strengthened its sinister length and
gllueQ swiftly across the room, tnen
coiled itself once more directly under
the spot where the detectives stretch
ing fingers had been. Once more the
head arose with that strange. sinuous
swaying motion. and 1t began to move
slowly back and forth. while the glis-
= tening eyes seemed to shoot sparks to-
ward the man who hung at such fear
f1ll hazard above II
Gee" said Britt. This is getting
little too close for comfort How far
can that thing stretch, doctor?"
mo higher than that" answered
Fitch, "at least think not. | under
stand the cobra can strike only
straight forward"
Sure 1t can't make an upper cut?"
inquired the sleuth.
I'm not going to say positively. I'm
not sure Of anything with that kind OF
brute" Fitch answered The best
way is to take no chances. Let me
have try for the gun"
A bifurcated scarlet thread, tho
slender forked togue OF the reptile,
darted in and out OF its gaping jaws in
a frenzied way. II was apparent 10
anyone-be he scientist or layman-
80