The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-12-09

Godfrey mounted IL, stood an instant
at the top and then came down again.
THE other ladder is still there" he
said. and took off his cap and rubbed
his head perplexedly. could not see
his face. but ] could guess how tense
1t was. l had been with him in many
trying situations. but only once before
seen him use that gesture!
1T won't do to alarm the house." he
said, at last. do you know where he
was to meet Miss Vaughan"
AT an arbor In one corner of the
grounds" / answered.
Then Wen start from there and take
quiet look for him. Wait here for me
q minute"
He melted into the darkness, and
stood holding on to the ladder as
though in danger of falling, and star
ing at the top of the WALL where l had
last seen Swain. An hour and a half
had passed since then.
A touch on the arm brought me
around with start.
Here. put this pistol in your pocket"
sal Godfrey's voice, and 1 felt the
weapon pressed into my hand. And
here's an electric torch. Do you feel
the button?'
YES" said. and pressed it. A ray
OF light shot toward the wall, but
released the button instantly.
You'd better keep 1t in your hand"
he added. ''rady for action. No telling
what Wen run across. And now come
ahead"
He put his foot on the ladder. but
stopped him.
Look here. Godfrey" I said, do you
realize that what we're about to do Is
pretty serious? Swain might have q
legal excuse. since the daughter Of the
house invited him to a meeting; but
IL we go over the wall, we're trespas-
sers pure and simple. Anybody who
runs across US in the darkness has the
right TO shoot us down without asking
any questions-and we'd have no legal
right to shoot back!"
I could hear Godfrey chuckling, and
/ felt my cheeks redden.
You remind me OF Tartarin," he
said; "the adventurer Tartarin urging
you on. the lawyer Tararin holding you
back. My advice Is to, shake the
lawyer, Lester. He's out Of his ele-
ment here tonight. But IL he's. too
strong for you. why. stay here" and no
started up the ladder.
Burning with vexation, ]. started aft
er him. but suddenly he stopped.
"Listen!" he whispered.
heard something rattle against the
other side OF the wall; then dark
figure appeared on the coping.
felt Godfrey press me back, and
descended cautiously. A moment later,
something slid down the wall, and I
knew that the person at the top had
lifted the other ladder over. Then the
figure descended. and then a distorted
face stared into the circle Of Godfrey's
torch.
For a breath, did not recognize it;
then / saw that it was SWANS.
shall never forget the shock 1t gave
me, with it's starting eyes and work.
ing mouth and smear Of blood across
the forehead. Godfrey, l knew, was
also startled, for the light flashed out
for an instant. and then flashed on
again.
What Is it. Swain?" I cried, and
seized him by the arm; but he shook
me off roughly.
Stand back, he cried, horsely.
"who is it?" What do you want?"
It's Lester" said, and Godfrey
flashed his torch into my face, then
! back to SWANS.
But you're not alone"
mo; this is Mr.. Godfrey"
Mr.. Godfrey"
Whose house we're staying at"
explained.
to his head and leaned heavily against
the ladder.
Il think we'd better go to the house."
Godfrey suggested, soothingly. I'VE
all need q bracer. Then we can talk.
Don't you think so, Mr.. SWAIN"
Swain nodded vacantly, but could
see that he had not understood. His
face was still working and he seemed
! to be in pain.
Il want to wash" he said, thickly.
II cut nv wrist on that damned glass,
and I'm blood all over and my head 8
wrong. somehow" His voice trailed
off into an unintelligible humble, but
he held one hand up into the circle of
light, and 1 saw that his cuff was
soaked with blood and his hand
streaked with 1t.
Como along, then" said Godfrey
peremptorily. You're right-that cut
must be attended to-" and he started
toward the house.
watt" Swain called after him,
with unexpected vigor. I'VE must take
down the ladders. We mustn't leave
them here"
why not?"'
IT" II they're eyre found they'll suspect asee5
stammering and again his voice trailed
away into a humble, as though beyond
his control.
Godfrey looked at him for a moment,
and could guess at the surprise and
suspicion In his eyes. !, myself, was
M at ease. for there was something in
| SWANS face-a sort Of vacant hor-
me with a vague repulsion. And
i Snsh as % he tried to form form a Mn
late words and could not, sent q
shiver over my scalp.
VERY WELL" Godfrey agreed, at last.
Wen take the ladders, since you think
It so important. You take that one,
Lester, and I'll take this"
CONTINUED next week.)