Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-06-18
CHAPTER XXI.
The Man Next Door.

The Man Next Door.
wv HEN, three hours previous,
w barrow had arisen with the
remark before chronielc1,
Jack Warford had followed him In
the expectation of long expedition.
TO the young mans surprise it lasted
Just to the hall. There barrow
stopped before the blank door of an
apparently unused office. Into the
lock of this he cautiously fitted a
key, manipulated it for moment,
and turned to Jack with an air of
satisfaction.
you have yolr gun with you?"
he asked.
Jack patted his outside pocket.
Every well, now listen here: / am
going to leave the key in the lock- II
you hear me whistle sharply, get in
as quickly as you know how, and
get to shooting. Shoot to kill. If it
happens to be dark and you can not
make us out, shoot both. Take no
chances. On your quicl1ness and your
accuracy may depend the lives of the
whole city. Do you understand
81 understand" said Jack steadily.
Are you sure you can make your
self heard above all this row."
Darrow nodded, and slipped inside
the door.
He found the office chamber un-
lighted save by the subdued illumina-
ton that came in around the drawn
shades of the window. Against the
dimness he could just make out the
cleaning of batteries in rows. An
ordinary deal table supported a wire
less sender. A figure stood before
the darkened window, the figure of a
little, old, bent man facing as
though looking out. Through
the closed easement the roar
of the panic-stricken city sound
ed like a flood. The old man was
was in the attitude of one looking out
intently. Once he raised both arms,
the fists clenched, high. above his
head.
Darrow stole forward as quietly as
he could. When he was about half
way across the room the old man
turned and saw him. For the briefest
instant he stared at the intruder;
then with remarkable agility cast
himself toward the table on which
stood the wireless sender Darrow,
too, sprang forward. They met across
the table. barrow clutched the old
mans wrists.
Immediately began desperate and
silent trial of strength. The old man
developed an unexpected power. The
table lay between them, prohibiting a
oil ianh inn lad
by the mans iron will, his hand
forced it's way toward the sending
key. Darrow put forth all his strength
to prevent There was no violent
struggle, no noise; simply the pres
sure of opposing forces. Gradually
the scientists youth prevailed against
the older mans desperation. The
hand creeping toward the sender
came to a stop. Then. all at once, the
older mans resistance collapsed en-
tirely. Darrow swept his arm back
swept around the table and drew his
opponent, almost unresisting, back tc
the window.
Jack" he called.
At the sound of his voice the ole
man gathered his last vitality in g
tremendous effort to jerk loose from
| his captor. Catching barrow un
awares, he almost succeeded in get
ting free. The flash was too brief
He managed only to rap the youni
mans head rather sharply agains
a shade-fitting of the window.
The outer door jerked open ant
Jack Warford leaped into the room
revolver in hand. barrow called al
instant warning.
"All right" he shouted. "Turi
on the light, next you somewhere
Shut the door"
These orders were obeyed. TIL
electric Jared By its light the offic
was seen to be quite empty save TO
a cabinet full of books and papers
rows and rows of battery jars; tn
receiving and sending apparatus O
wireless outfit: the deal table, an
one wooden chair. Darrow locke
around keenly.
That's all right, Jack" said h,
Just get around here cautiously an
raise the window shade. Look ou
you don't get near that table. That
it, Now just help me get this ma
little away from the tablet Good
Now, tie him up. No, bring over tn
chair, Tie him in that chair. Cent,
That's all right. Whewn
You're hurt" said Jack.
barrow touched his forehead
"A bump he said briefly. "Wel
Jack, my son. we've done iti''
you don't mean to say" erie
Jack
barrow nodded
Now. my friend" he addressed til
huddled figure in the chair, 9Th
, game is up. You are caught, and 20
must realize it," He surveyed tn
captive thoughtfully. Tell me, VIII
are your he added. Il should kno
you for you are a great discoverer.
The old man stared straight at h
, interlocutor with his expressionles
. eyes, behind which no soul, no min,
! no vitality even seemed to lie.
/, barrow asked him several moi
VI questions. to which he received r
lreplies. The man sat like a cal