The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-14
tCoNTINUED.A

and sharp report followed The
rogue cried out in fierce anguish.
and reeled against the wall. William
whipped out his revolver but. even
from his favorable angle, he was not
quick enough. The hand that had di-
rected the first bullet was ready to
direct the second
All this took place within the count
of ten. The girl and sat stifiy in
our chairs, as If petri;ied. it was all
so swiftly accomplished
Drop it, said cold, authori-
tative voice, and saw the vague out
lines of Haggertys face Beyond the
broken window-pane.
William knew better than to hesi-
tate. His revolver struck the floor
duly, and curse rolled from his
lips. Immediately heavy body pre-
cipitated itself against the door, which
crashed inward, and an officer fear
lessly entered, revolver in each
hand This tableau. which lasted fiu-
ly minute. was finally disturbed by
the entrance of Hasgerty himself.
Don't be alarmed, Miss." Ss said
heartily; its all over. I'm sorry for
the bullet, but it had TO be done. -he
rascal has nothing more serious than
a splintered bone. | an dead shot
fine night."-triump ITS
been long chase, and never was
sure of the finish. You're the clever
est rogue it has been my good fortune
to meet this many a day. | don't
even know who you are yet Well,
well! we'll round that up in time"
Not till the candles again sputtered
with light, and William was securely
handcuffed and disarmed, did recol-
lect that | possessed the sense of mo-
ton. The smoke of powder drifted
across the flickering candles, and
there was salty taste on my
tongue.
"Horrible!' cried the girl, covering
her eyes.
The master rogue and his valet
were led out into the assemby-room,
and We reluctantly followed | saw
it all now. When Haggerty called up
central at the club, he ascertained
where the last call had been from.
and, learning that it came from Holly
wood Inn, he took his chance The
room was soon filled with servants
and stable-hands, the pistol-shot hav-
ing lured them from their beds. The
wounded man was very pale. He
sat with his uninjured hand tightly
clasped above the ragged wound, and
little pool of blood slowly formed at
his side on the floor But his eyes
shone brightly.
"A basin of water and some lnen!"
cried the girl to Moriarty. And send
all these people away
TO yer rooms, livery one of ye!"
snapped Moriarty, sweeping his hands.
"Tis no place for We, be Off" He
hurried the servants out of the room,
and presently returned with a basin
of water, some linen and balm.
We watched the girl as she bathed
and bandaged the wounded arm; and
once or twice the patient smiled. Hag-
Williams eyes there beamed the gen.
tie light of reverence. 1t was a pic
ture to see this lovely creature play
ing the part of the good Samaritan,
moving here and there is her exquisite
gown. All, the tender mercy, | knew
that. come what might, had strange
ly found the right woman, the one
woman.
You're a good little woman" said
the rogue, his face softening; "and a
good woman is the finest thing God
ever placed upon earth. Had | only
found one!" He turned whimsically
toward me. Are you engaged to mar.
ry this little woman"
mo"
Surely you love her,"
Surely | do!" looked bravely at
the girl as | spoke.
But she never gave any sign that
she heard She pinned the ends of
the bandages carefully.
"And what brought you to this? ?"
asked Haggerty, looking down at his
prisoner -...,,
The prisoner shrugged.
You've the making of a fine mar
in you,' went on Haggerty generously
What caused you to slip up?'
That subject is taboo" replied the
thief But I want to beg your par
don for Understanding your cum
ming"
1T was all due to a chance shot at
the telephone
II kept you guessing"
"Merrily, too My admiration is
wholly yours, sir" returned Haggerty,