The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1908-19??, 1915-12-24

cold!" as he laid his hand against the
chill cheek.
For moment he stood staring at
the dead mans face, which was that
of little old man, wizened and beard
ed, and very much of Mikes own type
and build.
Then, like a flash, it came to the
convict that here at last was his
chance, and a thrill shot through his
weary frame.
Hell not need thin buds any
MORE" he muttered, and, dropping on
his knees in the snow, began with
trembling fingers to strip the dead
man of his clothes.
They were worn and old, but to
Mike as precious as broadcloth, for
once he was rid Of his convict garb
he had multiplied his chances of es-
cape a hundredfold.
Not till he had completed the whole
change of costume down to boots and
hat, and had buried his broad arrows
deep in q neighboring drift, did Mike
bethink himself of the sack.
He snatched it up eagerly, hoping
it might contain food, and turned the
contents out upon the snow.
A small drum, a bag of lead SOL
tapers, and one of crackers, and a
couple of packets Of sweets. Not an
article Of the lot which had cost rs
CENTS and the value of the whole not
five dollars.
Mike stood and stared at them. The
box of soldiers had fallen OPEN He
stopped and picked up the little paint
ed figures, and replaced them care.
fully.
$50 twas poor ould Sanity Claus"
he muttered. "And the children will
be waiting on him. Twas hard luck
intoirely."
Again he bent down and quickly
bundled everything back into the sack.
He laid this by the dead body, and
turning on his heel, walked rapidly
away.
He could not be more than four or
! five miles from the town now, and
with his knowledge of railway mat
tiers it would be easy enough to stow
away in a truck, and lying under
tarpaulin be carried scores of miles
away from the hated prison. Besides
there was money in his trousers pock-
cts. Only little, but plenty to buy
food and drink, and clay pipe, and
plug of tobacco.
Mikes mouth watered as he thought
of a square meal.
He tried to keep his thoughts on
the prospect of these almost forgot
ten Injuries, yet, somehow it was diff
ticult The picture seen through
the cottage window kept rising before
his mind, and though he did his best
to thrust it aside, the effort was una
vailing.
Long years ago Mike had home
of his own, wife, and baby. Wife
and baby both had died, swept away
in a week by an epidemic of diphthe-
ria, and that had been the beginning
of the Irish navvy's downfall. But
he had never forgotten them, and to-
night they seemed strangely near
him.
A sound between a grunt and a
groan burst from his lips; he stopped
and looked back.
cts a fool We are, Mike Demp-
seyw he exclaimed aloud. Cit along
wild We, and don't be delayed for the
screws to nab ye!"
Again he started forward, but more
slowly than before, and he had not
gone hundred yards before once
more he came to dead stop.
otis no use," he groaned. "I'll
Just run back an lave thin things at
the dure. There'll be time to reach
town by midnight"
The bitter wind was in his face as
he turned back up the hill, but now
Mike did not hesitate for a moment.
Head down, he hurried EDWARDS, and
presently was again beside the corpse
of Santa Claus frozen messenger.
Without a glance at the body he
snatched up the sack, flung it over
his shoulder, and continued his way
up the valley.
The glow from the lighted window
threw its red beam across the snow
as he rounded the curve and came
within sight of the lonely cottage and
a corresponding glow warmed Mikes
heart as he thought of the pleasure
of the children when they found their
long-delayed Christmas gifts.
Seeing no sign of life, he slipped
in at the front gate, and, stepping
very quietly up the path, gained the
door, dropped his sack, and giving one
sharp tap, turned the bolt.
But he had not counted on the ca
ger children, and before he could get
round the angle of the house curly
locks came flying after him.
william, where is Santa Claus p
, piped the childish treble.
at amt William, sonny. Tell your
nanny as Williams got lost, and
brought the things instead. Now I've
, got to go, for I'm in a mighty hur.
ry."
, 81 expect you are!" came jeerine
voice, and a blue uniformed man car.
S rying a carbine stepped out from the
. dark shadow round the corner, fol
I lowed instantly by a second.
e Mike gave one glance around. Blu
he was cornered. The wall cut off es
= cape.
S "All right" he said sullently, "Tl
come quiet"
a YOU'D better" retorted the ward
err, whose temper long hours in tht