The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1914-01-22

timed that hardly 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
noiseless as his own. came the three
men.
When all were gathered in the IL
brary Carson shut the hall door,
touched the button in the wall beside
1t, and the chandelier threw its radiant
light on the group.
Griggs was In evening clothes, seem
ing a very elegant young gentleman
indeed. but his two companions were
of grosser type as far as appearances
went-one. Dacey. thin and wiry. with
a ferret face; the other. Chicago Red.
q brawny rufian. whose stolid features
nevertheless exhibited something OF
half sullen good nature.
Everything all right 81 far" Carson
said rapidly. He turned to Griggs and
pointed toward the heavy hangings
that shrouded the octagonal window.
Are those the things we wantY' he
demanded.
Eyes" was the answer.
"Well then, we've got to get busy"
Before he could add a direction he
was halted by a soft buzzing from the
telephone. For an instant he hesitated
while the others regarded him doubt
fully.
We've got to take a chance" Gar
son went to the desk and put the re-
ceiver to his ear.
There came again the faint tapping
Of some one at the other end of the
line, signaling a message in the Morse
code. An expression of blank amaze
ment. which grew in a fash to deep
concern. showed on Garson's face as
he listened tensely.
why. this Is Mary calling" he NUT
tered.
Mary" Griggs cried.
Eyes, she's on" Carson interpreted a
moment later as the tapping ceased for
a little. He translated In a loud whis-
per as the irregular ticking noise
sounded again.
81 shall be there almost at once. l
am sending this message from the
drug store around the corner. Have
some one open the door for me imme-
diately."
"She's coming overr' Griggs cried in.
credulously.
mo. I'll stop her, Carson declared
firmly.
But when after tapping a few words
the forger paused for the reply no
sound came.
"She don't answerr" he exclaimed.
ION her way already" Griggs sug-
gested. 'IIl let her in" He drew a
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. III anything should go wrong
nowp'
He turned back toward the door just
as 1t opened, and Mary darted into the
room. with Griggs following closely at
her heels.
What do you want here?" he de-
manded. with peremptory savageness
In his voice. which was a tone he had
ever hitherto used in addressing her.
There was only tender pleading In
Mary's voice. though her words were
an arraignment.
"Joe. you lied to mev'
THAT can be settled later!" the man
snapped. His jaw was thrust forward
obstinately. and his clear eyes spar
killed. defiantly.
"You are fools, all of your Mary
cried. "Yes. fools! This is burglary.
I can't protect you II you are caught.
How can I? Oh. Gomez She held out
her hands pleadingiy toward Carson.
and her voice dropped to ~beseeching.
"Joe, Joe, you must get away from
this house at once, all Of you! Joe.
make them go"
Its too late" was the stern an
swer. Were here now. and well stay
till the business Is done"
"Joe. for my sakew
II can't quit now until we've got
what we zane here after" be declared
roughly.
"Boys, let's get awayl Please. oh,
please! Joe. for Gods saker' Her tone
was q sob.
"rm going to see this through" said
Carson doggedly.
With a gesture Of despair she turned
away toward the door by which she
had entered.
You can't Co." Carson said sharply.