The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-10-13
CHAPTER LxvI.-BAFFLED.

Now while this was in process, tho
person OF boyish appearance, who had
been keeping religiously aloot and In
conspicuous In the background OF De-
tail ever since that unhappy affair with
tho trainman, stole quietly up to the
rear of the stalled Pullman. climbed
aboard, and creeping down the alslo
unceremoniously interrupted the con-
ference just as the Invalid was polish
ing off rude but honest opinion of
tho intellectual calibre of one OF the
three named Marrophat. who figured
as his right-hand man and familiar
genius.
amen to THAR the boyish person
CALCULATED with candid fervor. lounginR
gracclessly in the doorway. There's
many n true word spoken in wrath,
Mr.. Marrophat. Father forgot only one
thing-your mastery way with re-
volver. From what I've seen or that.
this day. Til go bail that the only
safe place for n man you pull gun on
Is right in front OF the muzzle. There's
something downright uncanny in the
way you can hit anything but what
You aim att"
To this Mr.. nlarrophat found nothing
to say; but there was great eloquence
In his manner OF performing one of the
minor gestures In the repertoire of
the trick known as biting the lip.
Judith" exclaimed the invalid.
Where did you drop from?"
From that height" Judith explained
Acarelessly. neglccting to ciucidnte the
exact fashion OF her drop. II Judged
you'd be along presently, and thought
I'd like to learn tho news. 'We1t--WRat
iuck?
Her father shrugged with his one
movable shoulder. Mr.. Marrophat
grunted Indignantly. The others shut
fled uncasily and looked all, ways but
IN m ypap'a clnthiuD
'SSne?" Judith interpreted. You
don't mean to tell me that after had
taken all that trouble-cast the caboose
loose In the middle of that trestle at
the risk OF my life-you didn't have
tho nerve to go through with the bust
ness."
I'VE went through with 1t all right"
replied Mnrrophat dcfensively, but. as
usual. they were too quick for us.
They jumped out and dropped of the
trcstle before our engine hit the ca
boose. We smashed that to kindltRg
woodruff they got away just in time
to miss the crash. And by the time we
had stopped and Gained down the en-
gineer-well. II was dark and no way
OF telling which way they had rum"
The girl started to speak, but merely
dropped limp hands at her sides and
rolled her eyes helplessly.
Believe me. Miss Trine," the heavier
man of the three ventured difidently.
with the Difference that quilted his ap-
parent station of valet to the invalid.
I'VE did our best"
Angels could do no more" assisted
the third, younSish body with a weak
and vicious face.
"oh, shut up. Jimmy" Judith insisted
iInpatiently And you. too. Hicks"
piece-as stupid and incompetent RS
observation-disclosures I'm sure It's Bit
ter thing to say TO your faces!"
The man named Marrophat flushed
essentially. I'VE do our best. as
Jimmy says he observed. I'VE can't
DC blamed II something-somehow
ways happens to tip the others on"
Tho girl swung to face him with
blazing eyes. Just what does that
mean?" she demanded in a dangerous
voice.
"Nothins-much." he allowed. IT am
only thinking how strange it is that
Mr.. Law can't be caught by any sort OF
stratagem-when you are on the job.
Miss Judith
The girls hands were clenched into
fists. white knuckles showing through
the flesh. You contemplate puppy."
she snapped.
But on this her voice failed: for her
eyes travelled past the person OF Mr.
Marrophat to the doorway OF the draw
ing-room and found It framing a
d GcE-d i'dH with Il DClU eye, DOlQ-
ly handsome face of bronze, and n body
OF euch huge bulk that his head must
bow to pass beneath the linten, while
his shoulders all but touched both
jambs.
His dress proclaimed him frankly for
what he was-a horseman OF the plains
a native son; and that his cast was that
OF a chevalier dindustrle was as plain.
ly demonstrated by the heavy, old
fashioned Colts forty-hve that hung
level in his either hand.
Excuse me, friends" he offered in
lazy, semihumorous drawl. 1T pains
me considerable TO butt in on this
happy family gathering, but business
Is business. same as usual, and I got
to asst you all to please put up your
hands:"
There was little to choose between
the alacrity with which nine hands
were elevated: but one. the right hand
of tho invalid, remained motionless.
And this the intruder indicated with a
Significant jerk OF one revolver.
you. too, mister" he advised I'm
sorry to Judge you're sickIy, but 1
can't afford to play no favorites! Both
hands is what meant"
Continued Tomorrow