The Washington herald., 1912-04-07
Author OF "Ryder of warrinston,"
"Famoss Cavalry Leaders," &c, &C.


jig is tip for you an me-"
DO you think never did this trick
before, my sweet Boobie. I'm as quick
as a terrier with the kerchief. Here,
the bubbling landlords asleep by now.
Can't you hear his cursed snores. Your
sheath knife, mate-'tis keener than
mine
The other figure passed long, sharp
dirk to the speaker, who quickly applied
il to picking out the putty around the
glass pane He worked rapidly, and in
few moments had carefully extracted
the window from its fastening. One
long arm now reached within and turned
the latch, and, withdrawing it with a
cat-like quickness, the window was soft
ly raised, and .propped up with stick
all ready for the occasion.
Now, you go FIRST" whispered the
second shadow to the one who had so
skillfully opened the pane. "And-for
your lfe's blood-no noise. IT'S a tick
lish job we have before u.s."
Without more ado, the one who had
opened the latch, clambered softly
through the window He dropped with
rare softness upon the floor within, and
with a swift and sudden bound, was
STOPPING over the slumbering form of
the man in black Hastily extracting a
large handkerchief from his pocket, he
closed il quickly upon the mouth of the
sleeper, and, before the startled fellow
could jump to his feet, the second inter-
loper had bound the kerchef around the
back of his head with stout cord, and
had pinioned his hands behind his
shoulders in vise-like grip. A second
more and these, too, had been bound to
his side, and the slumberer OF the tap
room was lifted bodily TO the window,
and speedily deposited outside. Little
noise was made in this strange attack,
and, before the two abductors made
away with their prize, one returned
through the window for the cloak This
he wound carefully into a ball and
took beneath his arm.
About a quarter OF mile from the
little inn was shelving peninsula of
rock which jutted boldly into the seeth-
ing ocean. To one side was tiny cave
and beach which smugglers were wont
TO. use. Protected somewhat from the
fury of the tempests by ring OF high
rocks. at the entrance, this was cozy
nest for those engaged in any wayward
adventure upon the sea.
To this spot the two strong figures
bore the helpless form of the stranger,
and, having arrived at the side of the
cave where small raft could be seen
lazily rolling in the swelling sea. they
deposited their capture with his back
against fiat rock. Propping him up
into position, the handkerchief was re-
moved from his mouth,
1T is useless 10 cry out" said the
fellow who had used the sheath knife
upon the pane. "You cannot be heard
tonight by any one We've got you
now, and you know why, my gentle
manp He rolled the last upon his coarse
tongue as il the sound OF it was sweet
to his ears.
"Yes, you've got me-" answered the
stranger. Now what do you want?"
The paper" said both in unison.
81 have it not"
you lie," said the heavier fellow.
Search me then, and you will see
that ! speak the truth"
"Tis sewed within your cloak" said
the thinner of the two abductors, taxi
ing out his sheath knife and gently
pricking the stranger in the throat With
its point. Now III what corner is it,
my lord"
I'm neither corner. I swear to you
| have il not, and that it has never been
in my possession"
Meanwhile the heavy ruffian had
ripped the lining from the cloak with
the edge of his dirk.
Nothing here" he murmured, moth
ing here"
"Well then, know that you've told
us the truth about this articls," said
the other, to the PROSTATE body on the
rock. "'Tis in your shoes I'll wager"
He suddenly stopped and held one hand
to his ear. Whats that" he MUIR
INJURED, whats that | hear?"
He had good reason to speak, for
in the distance two lights could be seen
approaching from the direction Of the
inn. They flickered nearer, nearer, and
hoarse shouts could be heard above the
roaring of the wind and waves.
ITO the boat, mate, quick" sang out
the second fellow. "Seize our captive
and throw him on the deck. I'll war
rant that he'll tell us what he has done
with the parchment before the day is
out. Come, lend hand, and be quick
H. "a