Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-05-26
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somewhat" re1oined Fitch. Were
here. to stay unless that reptile goes"
the detective.
1--WE might II We had machine gun
-AAve you got a pfstol?'
~ brought one into the, room" an
swsred Britz, feeling In his pockets,
but laid 1t on that table when was
going through those drawers. Pretty
careless. eh?''
Fitch nodded. He was rackins his
Wits for 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 were was
closed, and before It hung portieres
heavy enough to mufile their loudest
shouts. Their only probable chance Of
relief lay in the hope that the blue
ut 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. Britz agreed with the doctor
| on that point, as In low tones, 50 that
they might not further infiame the SER
pent, they discussed their situation.
Guess there's nothing accidental
about this little sunshine being in the
room." said Britz 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. I
think it is worthy place in the society
columns as one of the successes of the
season"
He made light Of tho danger because
that was his way when he was in a
particularly tight place; out he rea-
liked 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 chif-
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 the
ordinary avenues Of escape from the
city be watched, and although he took
It for granted Chief Manning would
carry out the request conscientiously,
he was not at all confident the men
sent from the Central ONCE 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. Britz him
self, had he been free to continue the
pursuit, would have looked first to the
most extraordinary modes of flight
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 few years be-
fore.
Bottled up, doc!" he exclaimed
gloomily.
That's what 1t looks like" assented
Fitch.
Unless" Britz continued, "we can
get that gun"
And use It effectively" put in Fitch.
I'm something of a shot," the detec-
tive ventured. meditatively. Maybe
could hit it, and maybe could get
that gun"
His eyes, ranging the room In the
immediate neighborhood Of the chit
pipe The long, flexible rubber stem
of the narghileh was stretched across
the table and the mouthpiece hung
over the back Of chair within few
feet Of the top Of the chiffonier.
It'll try It," said the detective decis-
ively. GIVE hand here, doc!"
Fitch hooked one arm about the or
namsntal knob at the back Of the chif-
fonier, and with his free hand gripped
the detectives left wrist. Britt, his
left hand clutching the Doctors sleeve.
the toe of his left boot thrust between
the chinonier and the wall, leaned far
out in an attempt to reach the tube
Of tho 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
glided swiftly across the room, then
coiled itself once mere directly under
the spot where the detectives stretch
ing fingers had been. Once more the
head arose with that strange, sinuous,
swaying motion. and it began to move
slowly back and forth, while the glis-
tening eyes seemed to shoot sparks to-
ward the man who hung ct such fear
full hazard above it.
"Gee!" said Britt This IL getting
q 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 maks4 N upper cut?''
inquired the sleuth.
I'm not going to ray positively. I'm
not sure Of anything with that kind Of
. brute" Fitch answered. '"The best
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