The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-31
An Arrest in the Dark
By J. A. TIFFANY

AREN'T you afraid of their coming now, be-
fore You get away | asked
"l'm all ready now" he answered, as he
strapped up the leather bag lie had been pack
ing all the time we talked. Dick TO have
the ready ut eight o'clock. | am to climb
over the back fence OF my yard, into his lot go
straight to The barn. and he'll be all prepared
TO make dash"
Taking the grip in his hand Charlton
turned ou the light; and followed him through
the dining-room and kitchen, until we came 10
the back door. Here stcalthy as Il burglar, his
hand on my arm, Charlton paused for mo-
mcnt, listening; and j, was no, long before we
heard distinctly the tones of mans voice. speak
ing in II whisper. y moment later heard
heavy footstcp--hcayy in spite Of the attempt
to walk lightly and noiSclcssy going around
the house towards the front.
CllAELToN'S hand still rested my shoulders;
aud ! felt il trcmblr Without !; word. he
turned again towards the dinin"ruom. pushing
me before him. As we entered the paror the
doorbe rang Violently: an, Il second peal re-
sounded through the house as we stepped into
the little library that we had left only 81 min
ute before.
For several seconds. stood there in the
dark together, Charlton's hand my shoulder
still-boih oe MS sraining ears, waiting for
the summons that we knew would be repeated.
Its all up, Jack" Charlton murm,urcd in
desmiring whisper. Ills hand fell from NV
arm; and felt that he was moving away from
me-steating across the darkened roon,--any-
where thought, to get away from me: and
when heard drawer opened furtvcly heard
sharp metallic click, my suspicious were lor-
oughls aroused.
Taking three swift strides in the direction
that imagined Charlton had followed sud
denly struck match.
For licaNcns sake put out that light -
Charlton commanded
First, give me that" my answer as
graSprd the revolver hat he was holding 10 his
temple. Don't add crime folly" ! added as
he rclinquishrd the weapon
Again the doorbelI rang, starting weird
echoes in the still, quic, house: and somebody
ratified the window near which we stood.
Iirl lDpr: ais hon,
pounding Omnou>ly.
Three Of thcm,' Charlton whispered II
hate to be taken; but I'm glad YOU got the gun
away from me y man can get out of JAIL but
he can't get out of the grave. VIII YOU omen
the door? I'll wait here for them
STEIKlNG another match. lighted The gas
and taking oil my hat and oycrcoa1 told
Charlton 10 change with me Without question
or comment he complied, and. cautionin.r him
against making sound of any kind, | turned
ou the gas and left him alone there in The.
dark room, while | walked heavily, noisiy
through the parlor, along to the hall and ont
INTO the NcSIiDulc
The doorbr rang ag;lin--a sharp. angry
vicious pcal--iust | opened he front door
In the darkness of the drcnrv December evening
made on; the figure Of standing before
The door; and il needed no words Of his 10 tell
me that he was pan-clohcs officer
With my hands thrust deep down i'm the
pockets of Charlton's ulster, Chnrlton's automo-
pie cap pulled down my eyes, nv head
sunk into my shoulders and my chin covered
completely with the collar of the coat, stood
looking at the man, until he spoke.
Il have warrant for The arrest of Will
liam Chnrlion.' he said.
Very WELL" answered, in scarcely
audible tone: do your duty"
With ii quick movement, | slammed the door