The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-01-17
CHAPTER v.
Colonel George HARRISON.

COLONEL 0CoIQC tlotS'eSHs
Terrorstricken as he was, Mr..
ghrimplin recognized the man into
whose arms he had fallen. There was
no mistaking the nose, thin and
aouiline. the bristling mustache and
white imperial, the soft gray SLOUGH
hat. or the military clock that half
concealed the stalwart form or its
wearer.
colonel George HARRISON, much as
tonished and In utter ignorance OF
the cause OF Mr. Shrimplin's alarm,
took that gentleman by the collar and
\, deftly jerked him into an erect
iposture.
my dear sir!" the colonel began in
/, . tone OF mild expostulation, evident
'ly thinking he had a drunken man to
deal with. MY dear sir, do be more
careful" then he recognized the
lamplighter. Well, upon my word,
shrimp, what's gone wrong with
youY" he demanded, with military as
perity.
my God, Colonel, II he amt lying
there dead" q shudder passed
through the little man; he was well.
nigh dumb In his terror. And STUN.
bled right on to him there on the
ioor!" he cried with gasp.
He collapsed again, and again the
colonel, whose gloved hand still re
tanned It's hold on his collar, set him
on his trembling legs with admirable
expertness.
j tell You he's dead" cried Mr.,
Ehrimplin, lost to everything but thai
one dreadful fact.
Who's dead?" demanded the
colonel Stand up, man, don't fall
about like that or you may do your
self some INJURY" for Mr.. Shrimplin
seemed about to collapse once more.
"Old man Mcbride, Colonel-if he
amt dead wish l may never see
DEATH"
Dead" cried the colonel. Arch.
bald Mcbride dead" He released his
hold on Mr.. Shrimplin and took step
toward the door; Shrimplin, however,
detained him with a shaking hand,
though he was calmer now.
-Colonel, you'd better be carefui
he's lying there in a pool OF blood |;
some ones killed him for his money!
How do We know the murderer ain
there?" This conjecture was made
To the empty street, for Colonel Har'
bison had entered the store
~.
like that" walled Shrimplin, and his
panic threatened a return.
He dragged himself to the door.
Here he paused, since he could not
bring himself to enter, for before his
eyes was the CHASTITY vision OF that
old man huddled on the blood-stained
fioor. He heard the coionePs steps echo
down the long room, and when their
sound ceased he knew he was stand
ing beside the dead man. After what
seemed an age OF waiting the steps
sounded again, and moment later
the colonePs tall form filed the door
way.
ANDY" said the colonel.
Mr.. Shrimplin turned with a start.
AT HIS back within reach OF his hand
stood Andy Gilmore. He had been
utterly unaware OF the gamblers APP
proach. but now conscious OF 1t he
dropped in a miserable heap on the
door-sill, while the white and I'M
familiar world reeled before his
bleached blue eyes: IL was the very |
drunkenness OF fear.
"Howdy, Colonel" said the gambler,
as he gave HARRISON half-military
salute.
ne uuuliICu lie COlOhCAs WAO hoN
once threatened TO horsewhip him IL
he ever permitted his nephew, Watt,
TO enter his rooms.
"Come here. Andy" ordeted the
colonel briefly.
Gods sake, COLONEL" gasped the
wretched little lamplighter. struggling
TO his feet, don't leave me here"
whats wrong, Colonelf" asked Gil
more.
Archibald McBrides been murder
ed."
Mr.. Gilmore took the butt of the
half-smoked cigar from between his
teeth. tossed 1t into the gutter. and
pushing past Mr.. Shrimplin entered
the room.
Colonel HARRISON, step or two
In advance OF his companion. led the
way to the rear OF the store. The
colonel paused, and Gilmore gained a
place at his elbow.
You are sure he's dead9" question.
ed the gambler.
Kneeling beside the crumpled figure
Gilmore slipped his hand in between /