The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1914-11-12

In this atmosphere OF solemnity as a
penny whistle In a death chamber.
Darrow refused to notice the general
attitude Of dlsapproval. but planted
himself In front of Eldridge.
"All in?" he challenged. "or do you
still cherish any delusions that you
will get your man inside of"-he
looked at his watch-"eleven min
stes?"
A visible stir ran through the room
at these words. Eleven minutesl"
murmured Lyons, and held his watch
TO his ear. 1T has stopped" he said
aloud. 1T seems, gentlemen. that the
only possible hope for us lies in the
doubt as to whether or not this I'm
known will carry out his threat"
He's a frst-rate hand to carry out
threats" observed Darrow.
we have done our best" said Ly.
ons calmly. Let us compose our
selves 10 meet everything-or moth
ing-as the fates may have decided"
That's all right" agreed Darrow,
with unabated cheerfulness. But FL
bridge and had a little agreement, or
bet. He Dragged he'd get this Mon
sier X before | did. I'd like TO know
how he feels about his end OF 1t. Give
1t up?"
Eldridge looked at him rebukingly.
Il have failed" he acknowledged for
mally, from lack OF time to carry out
my investigation"
From lack OF brains" said Darrow
brutally, as believe you once said
In private conversation about my old
master, DR.. Schermerhorn. These
things are remembered. am delight
cd to hand this back to you" He
eyed Eldridge. the brilliant smile still
curving his lips"
Enough OF thisl" cried Lyons with
authority. This Is unseemly in the
face OF eternity"
Darrow looked again at his watch.
I'VE have still six minutes, sir; and
this is an affair of long standing. and
on which | feel deeply. The score is
settled" he said with entire respect.
Il am now at your command. ! had
intended" he went on In a frivolous
tone again. ito kick to you on my gas
bill. II Is too large. You. as respon-
sible head, know It is. But somehow.
you know, the presence here OF you
gentlemen has disarmed me. You don't
need to be here; you all have the facil-
tiles to get away. Here you are!
guess you can charge a dollar and a
quarter for gas II you want to-" He
looked from one to another while he
carefully wiped back the blood that
was flowing from the little wound In
his forehead. "Eldridge acknowledges
he has failed" he repeated.
II fail to see how you have i'm.
proved upon that failure" snapped El
bridge. stung.
'Noi" queried Darrow. Il call Hal
lowell to witness that the game has
been fair. We had an even start; the
data have been open to both" He
raised his voice a little. "Jack!" he
called.
Immediately through the open dooi
from the hall outside came Jack War
ford, leading by the arm a strange ant
nondescript figure. II was that Of q
small, bent, old-looking man, dressed
in faded suit OF brown. His hail
was thin, and long. and white; his face
sharp and lean. His gaze was fixeC
straight before him. SO that every on,
In the room at the same instant caugh
the glare OF his eyes.
They we're fixed, those eyes, like al
owls; or, better. a wildcats, as thougl
they never winked. From the pupils
which we're very small. the little light
colored lines radiated across very larg,
blue irises. There was something bale
full and compelling in their glare, ST
that Hallowell. cool customer as h
was, forgot Immediately all about tn
mans littleness and shabbiness an,
bent figure, and was conscious only o
the cruel. clever, watchful, unreleni
ing, hostile spirit AS Jack dragge
him forward. the others could see tha
one foot shambled along the floor.
Gentlemen" observed Darrow 4
his most casual tones. ''let me presen
Monsieur X!"
Every one exclaimed at once. Abov
the hubbub came Lyons voice, clea
and commanding.
THE proofl" he Numbered. This |
too serious q matter for buffoonery
The proof"
Percy Darrow raised his hanC
Through the roar OF the maddened cit
the bell OF the Metropolitan tower wa
beginning its chimes. BY the thlr
stroke the uproar had died almos
away. The people were standing still
, awaiting what might come.
The sweet-toned chimes ceased
; There succeeded the pause. Then tn
great bell began to boom
r One-two-three-f FIVE - ell
came its spaced and measured strokes
The last reverberations sank ava!
Nothing happened. Percy Darrow Il
his hand fall.
THE proof" he repeated, 'is ths
, you are still here"
From the night outside rose will
shrek OF rejoicing. stupendous, owe
whelming. passionate. Paige spran
across the room. Released" he shou
ed fairly in Simmons ear. The spar