The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1915-01-09

| Nv 1bh WV S~"'s sfSfN' ~'~N''''b'
swn eyes glittering with malicious tri
umph aud with ayarice.
Thompson crouched back In his com
| partmcnt, felgnlng deep slumber while
the colored porter made up his bed
Immediately the porter disappeared he
became the incarnation OF energy. His
hands nervously fumbled with the lock
Of his grip, opening II finally and dis
| closing n secret trap In the bottom,
from which he took an atomizer. u pair
Of nlppers and n bottle OF pale yiscid
| fluid
For an hour he waited, motionless,
not even his Fixed eyes blinking as he
regarded the curtains OF the berth Lu-
ellie occupied.
He WAS swift: he was certain: lac
was sure Deity parting the curtains.
he Iola, i down upon the sleeping girl.
No atom OF pity was In his heart. All
the l'l.Cf now, his eyes glittered as he
allowed them to rest upon the glowing
strand " stones about her neck.
swiftly he leaned over. applying his
pinchers TO the gas Jet and unscrew.
ing 1t 10 that the odor OF the gas
slowly began filing the stuffy section.
rhen he gently sprayed the ether across
her face, never moving when she un-
consciously stirred to fight or the an
aesthetic.
Her breathing became heavier while
her lips took ON a blush tinge. The
gas was becoming stronger, and he
knew her condition would be ascnbed
TO nsphy xiation when she recovered
from the effects OF the ether. Stoop-
Ing, with no appearance OF care now,
he unfastened the rubies from her
throat A moment he waited. slipping
them In his pocket. then he slipped
back To his own compartment
Carefully he repacked his grip, tuck
lng the necklace In his breast pocket.
Against the door he crouched, waiting.
No trnce OF anxiety he showed. He
was confident OF himself. Came
clampIng down upon the ties as the
air brakes worked. Thompson threw
open his window. looking out TO dis
cover 1t was opposite a tiny station.
With pocket knife be cut out the
screen that separated him from the
tracks.
Cautiously he looked up and down
the track. The train was slowing
down Ile tossed his bag far out from
him, then slipped partially through the
window. The lights OF the station
were almost In his eyes when he jump
ed, landing on his feet and regalning
his balance with an effort Then no
permitted himself thu luxury OF
smile,
The next train through would be
time enough, and the booty IN bis
breast pocket was worth many risks.
Lucille felt herself struggling with q
desperate enemy. one whose fingers
were Of steel as they fastened them
selves about her throat. graBped at her
breath and held II despite her utmost
efforts Even In tho effort 10 waken,
unsuccessful though II was. she seem
ed to recognize the calm. imperturba-
bic, businesslike features OF Thompson.
Then she felt sensation OF ease and
comfort and peace such as had not
been hers for long time. and she al
lowed herself 10 drift away upon the
gentle flowing river that hummed its
song In her ears.
She awakened 10 find herself being
shaken violently by the conductor and
a porter, whose ebony face had chang
ed to saffron shade. Her head ached
80 fearfuIly that shs pressed her fever
ish palms to her temples 10 keep II
from bursting. Her throat aud mouth
felt as though she had been subsisting
upon a diet OF cotton soaked In oil.
She staggered to her feet ana stood,
dazed and bewildered. in the aisle OF