The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1911-10-27

This was their den." said Britt ex-
planatory. as he began closer search
of the room. I'VE may find trace of
them in some of their papers. It's
worth a few minutes to make hunt
rummaged through drawer after draw
err, Fitch following his example. They
found many unusual articles, but
nothing that gave an inkling of the d.
rection of the Hindoos fiight-for 1t
was certain the Orientals had depart
ed hastily, having gained their object
in getting possession of the Missioner
necklace Britt had no smallest doubt
the Fasteners had anticipated him
in the burglary of Mrs. Delaroche's
apartments. He did not believe any
of the low-caste Hfndoos would have
been skilful enough to get into the
woman's rooms, so near the top of the
building In his opinion. the gems had
been flched from Millicents pillow
by either the Swami or the Prince
1t was typical of the clever cunning
of the high-caste Orientals to take
under the pillow. so that Mrs. Della.
roche SnOulQ mot HISS the SIOneS uu"
til the last moment possible. They
must have picked the lock.
Britt had ended his exploration Of
the last table drawer. and was turning
to lacquered desk, when Fitch with
a cry of unmistakable alarm gripped
his wrist and dragged him toward the
divan, and with a bound stood upon
it's yielding surface.
Jump up, quick" said the doctor,
plucking at the detectives arm as he
spoke.
Britt had experienced too many
emergencies in his career 10 waste
time in qunestions. When anyone OF
whose friendlness he felt sure told
him to jump. run. or duck. obedience
to the command was his first instinct
time enough for explanation after
ward. He leaped to the springy sofa
beside the physician. and turned to
find the doctors arm stretched tense
ly. ending in a quivering forefnger
that pointed at something moving
across the space between the divan
and door. Even as the two looked at
1t, the motion of the creature ceased.
their direction. Fitch dragged the
detective to the other end Of the sofa
and began climbing to the top OF a
tall chiffonier that stood against the
wall. Britt needed no further word
from his friend. The physician s
haste was sufficient indication that
they were in grave peril. and though
the tall chest of drawers made slip
perry climbing. he was beside the doc
tor with marvellous quickness. When
both were safely on the top OF the
chiffomer, Fitch lowered foot and
with a powerful shove sent the divan
yard or more away. Then he drew
his feet to the top of their perch, and
bade Britt do the same. That done
Fitch mopped his brow with hand
kerchief, which. crisp one instant, was
limp the next.
Pretty close CALL" he said. when
speech was restored to him.
What is it," asked Britt.
What Is it?" exclaimed the doctor
well, only the most dangerous thing
Infinite wisdom has seen fit to place
in that wonderland of the East"
Shaker" asked the detective.
"Snake!" cried Fitch. That's mo-
the word man. 1t is the most poison
Gus serpent known to scientists-th'
terrible cobra di capello. of Hindo
stan. A single touch of It's fangs fl
the beginning of the end-the way t.
q swift finish"
Hurt much?" asked the detective
coolly.
1T is said to be the most frightfu
torture man can experience-death b
q cobra's poison. Science has not ye