Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1914-01-29

llmeG Jnar naruiy was the door open
before the three men slipped in and
stood mute and motionless in the hall
while Carson refaStened the doors.
Then Carson walked quickly back to
the library. Behind him. with steps as
n%oiSelesS as his own. came the three
men
When ali were gathered in the IL
brary Carson shut the hall door.
touched the button in the wall beside
it. and the chandelier threw its radiant
light on the group.
GriggS WaS in evening clothes. seem
ing ii very elegant young gentleman
indeed. but his two companions We're
Of grosser type as far as appearances
went-one, Dacey. thin and why. with
a ferret face: the other, Chicago Red.
a brawny rutfian. whose stolid features
nevertheless exhibited something of
half sullen good nature.
"EverythinS all right so far" Carson
said rapidly. He turned to Griggs and
pointed toward the heavy hancings
that shrouded the nctagonai window,
Are those the things we want?' he
demanded.
Yes" was the sWe
"Well. then. we've got to get busy"
Before he could add Il direction he
was halted by Il soft buZZing from the
telephone, For an instant he hesitated
while the others regarded him doubt
fully.
We've got to take Il chance" Gar
son went to the desk and put the re-
ceiver to his ear.
There came again the faint tapping
line, signaling Il message in the Morse
code. An expression of blank amaze
ment. which grew in Il fash to deep
concern. showed on Garson's face as
he listened tenscly.
why. this is Mary calling he NUT,
tered.
Mary" Griggs cried.
Yes. she's on" Carson interpreted q
moment later as the tapping ceased for
a little. He translated in Il loud whis-
per as the irregular ticking noise
sounded again.
Il shall be there almost at once |
am sending this message from the
drug store around the corner Have
some n open the door for me imme-
diately."
shes coming over" Griggs cried in.
credulously.
No. I'll stop her." Carson declared
firmly.
But when after tapping IL few words
the forger paused for the reply nc
sound anne.
"She don't answer he exclaimed.
"On her way already" Griggs sug.
gested. III let her in" He drew q
small torch from the skirt pocket OF
his coat and crossed to the hall door as
Carson nodded assent.
God. Why did she have to Gomez
Carson muttered, filed with forebod
ings. ''If anything should go wrong
now.!'
He turned back toward the door JUS
as it opened. and Mary darted into the
room. with Griggs following closely a
her heels.
What do you wan here?" he de
manded. with peremptory ~savagenes
in his voice. which was a tone he hat
never hitherto used in addressing her.
There was only tender pleading il
Mury's voice. though her words were
an arraignment.
'sJOe Won lied tO mar
That can be settled later!!" the maj
snapped. His jaw was thrust forward
obstinately. and his clear eyes spar
killed. defiantly.
You are fools, all of YOU" Mar.
cried. Yes. fools! This is burglary
| can't protect you if you are caught
How can 1? Oh, Conner She held on
her hands pleadingly toward Carson
and her voice dropped to beseechins
Joe, Joe, you must get away from
this house at once. all OF you. Joe
make them CO.
It's too late" was the stern an
swer. Were here now, and We'll sta.
till the business is done"
Joe. for my sake!!"
II can't quit now until we've go
what we came here after" he declared
roughly.
Boys, let's get away. Please. OF
hrssxz. R