Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-03-13
Copyright 1919
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CHAPTER XIV.
Tho Call Of the Key.

This astonishing denouement fairly
paralyZed Arrelsford. With daring
and ability for which he had not given
Thorne credit, and which was totally
unexpected, although what he had
learned of his previous career might
have given him some warming, the
tables had been turned upon him BY a
man whom he confidently fancied he
had entrapped beyond possibility OF
escaped
His snlazement held him speechless
for a moment, but his natural re
sourcefulness came back 70 him with
his returning presence OF mind. He
knew the futility OF an attempt to
struggle with his captors, he therefore
decided to try TO reason with them.
Sergeant" he began, quietly
enough, my orders are"
But Thorne would not let him oon
tinue. Having gained the advantage
he was determined to keep 1t to the
end and for that purpose he followed
Up his first blow, ruthleesly pressing
his charge hard.
damn your orders!" he interrupt
ed furiously. You haven't got orders
to shoot UP everybody YOU zee in thia
Office, have your"
This was too much for Arrelsford
and he made q desperate plunge for
ward to get at Thorne, who s'ook his
agents face. The soldiers held him
tightly, however, and Thorne con
tinued hotly:
Get his gun away. sergeant; he'll
hurt somebody"
While the soldiers-who appeared
to entertain no doubt and to have nc
hesitancy whatever about obeyins
Thornes orders, the latter evidently
the military man OF the two and hi.
voice and bearing, to say nothing O.
his uniform, telling heavily against {
civilian like Arrelsford-were takinf
the revolver out OF his hands, Thornt
once more turned to the telegraph
table. His blood was up and he would
send the dispatch now before thu
whole assemblage, before the Confed
crate government or its army II nee
,essary.
Arrelsford burst out in q last val,
attempt to stop him:
Listen TO me, sergeant" he plead
ed desperately. "he Is going to SEM
out false telegram and"
'"That1l do" grufiy said the sergean
Of the guard, shaking his fist IN Arrele
ford's face, what ia it all about. car
tain?"
"All about! haven't the slightes
idea. He says he comes from some o.
fee or other. was sending of som
important official dispatches here an
he began by letting of his gun at me
Crazy lunatic, think"
ITS q lie!" said Arrelsford furious
~. Let me speak, will--prove-"
'Here!" said the sergeant OF tn
guard, "thatll do now. What shall
10 with him, captain"
II don't care q damn what you dt
with him. Get him out Of here, that,
LII want"
Very we'll. sir. Are you much hurt?'
"Oh. no. He did up one hand, but
can get along with the other all right,
laid Thorne, sitting down at the table
Ind selling the key.
Stop him!" cried Arrelsford, fully
nivining that Thorne intended to SEND
the message. He's sending await
A thought came to him. ASK Miss
vamey, she saw him-ask Miss Var
ney"
But the old sergeant Of the guard
paid no attention whatever to his fran
tic appeals.
Here. fall in there!" he said. Wei
get him out. captain. Have you go
him, men? Forward them"
Struggling furiously the squad o.
soldiers forced Arrelsford to the door
Thorne paid absolutely no attention Il
them; he had forgotten their presence
Like his attention, his mind and hear