Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1911-03-31

tightly, behind his back, Anisty lay
helpless. glaring vindictively the while
gradually he recovered consciousness
and strength. Maitland cared little
for his evil glances; he was busy. The
burglars ankles were next bound to-
gether and to the lounge leg; and, an
instant later, brace of half-hitches
about the mans neck and the nearest
support entirely eliminated him as a
possible factor in subsequent events.
Those loops around your throat"
Maitland warned him curtly, "are
loose enough now, but if you struggle
they'll tighten and strangle you. I'm
derstand?"
Anisty nodded, making an inco-
herent sound with his swollen tongue.
At which Maitland frowned, smitten
thoughtful with new consideration.
"You mustn't talk, you know" he
unused half aloud; and, whipping forth
a handkerchief. gagged Mr.. Anisty.
After which, breathing hard and in
maze Of perplexity, he got to his feet.
Already his hearing, quickened by the
emergency, had apprised him of the
situations imminent hazards. 1t
needed not the girls hurried whisper,
"The servants!" to warn him of their
danger. From the rear wing of the
mansion the sounds of hurrying feet
were distinctly audible as, presently,
were the heavy, excited voices of men
and the more shrill and frightened
cries of women.
Needless of her displeasure, Matt
land seized the girl by the arm and
urged her over to the omen window.
Don't hang back!" he told her ner-
vously. "You must get out of this be-
fore they see you. Do, as l tell you,
please, and we'll save ourselves yet!
If we both make run for it, we're
lost. Don't you understand"
mo. Why?" she demanded reluc.
tant, spirited, obstinate-and lovely il.
his eyes.
"If he were anybody else" Maitland
indicated, with jerk of his head to-
ward the burglar. But didn't you
see? He must be Maitland-and he's
my double. I'll stay, brazen it out,
then, as soon as possible, make my es-
cape and join you by the gate. Your
motors there-wait! Be ready for
me"
But she had grasped his intention
ard was suddenly become plant to his
will. You're wonderful" she told
him with little low laugh; and was
gone, silently as spirit.
The curtains fell behind her in long.
straight folds; Maitland stilled their
swaying with touch, and stepped
back into the room. For a moment he
caught the eye of the fellow on the
floor; it was upturned to his, sardonic-
ally intelligent. But the lord OF the
manor had little time to debate con-
sequences.
Abruptly the door was flung wide
and short stout man, clutching up
his trousers with a frantic hand, burst
into the library, brandishing over
head rampant revolver.
"'Ands hup!' he cried, leveling at
Maitland. And then, with a fallen
countenance: "G-r-r-reat 'eavins, sir!
You, Mister Maitland, sir!"
"Ah, Higgins" his employer greeted
the butler blandly.
Higgins pulled up, thunderstruck,
painting and perspiring with agitation.
His fat cheeks quivered like the wat
ties of a gobbler, and his eyes bulged
as, by degrees, he became alive to the
situation.
Maitland began to explain, forestall-
ing the embarrassments of cross-exam-
ination.
by the merest accident, Higgins,
was passing in my car with a party of
friends. Just for joke thought I'd
steal up to the house and see how you
were behaving yourselves. BY chance
-again-I happened to see this light
through the library windows" And
Maitland, putting an incautious hand
upon the bullseye on the desk, with.
drew it instantly, with an exclamation
of annoyance and four scorched fin
gers.
Hes been at the safe" he added
quickly, diverting attention from him
self. Il was just in time"
my wor-r-rd!" said Higgins with
emotion. Then quickly: Did g get
anythin', do you think, sir?"
Maitland shook his head, scowling
over the buffers burly shoulders at the
rapidly augmenting concourse of serv-
ants in the hallway-lackeys, grooms,
maids, cooks, and what-not; a back
ground of pale, scared faces to the
tableau in the library. This won't
do" considered Maitland. Get back,
all Of you'll" he ordered, sternly, indi-
eating the group with a dominant and
infexible forefnger. Those who are
wanted will be sent for. Now go!
Higgins, you may stay"
Eyes, sir. Yes, sir. But wot an
'orrid 'appenin', sir, If you'll permit
me-"