The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1916-01-14
CHAPTER XVII.
I Make Tmo prlaonera.


] saw him stare, open.mouthed, as
shough at ghost, There was a star.
lied look In his face, but no recogni-
lion. The same swift glimpse had re-
fealed 10 me discarded belt on the
end OF the desk. In which glittered the
pearl handle OF revolver. With one
step forward had the weapon In my
possession, and sprang between both
men and the door.
Not a single move, gentlemen!"
commanded crisply, yet not venturing
to speak aloud, for fear of a guard
outside. Lieutenant. place your gun
on the desk."
lie had II half drawn. but my weap-
on Was aimed straight at his head.
What the helli" he sputtered.
Never mind! DO as say first, and
then ask questions--ta II by the
barrel; now slide II across to me-"
My eyes glanced aside at the face
OF the other. who was looking up.
scarcely comprehending even yet what
had occurred. and recognized Colonel
Pickney. So had blindly strayed
into headauartersi Raymond gasped
like fish out OF water, and the fiorid
features Of the colonel expressed a
chagrin too deep for words, | thought
he would explode. he sputtered so be.
fore he could give vocal utterance to
his discovery.
by c.. it's that d---n spy!"
What" and the lieutenant took a
step forward, only to shrink back as
my revolver came TO a level.
Amy noise either OF you make will
be the last sound you1l utter In this
world, Lieutenant Raymond. will
trouble you TO step around back OF the
desk--no. the other way; advise you
not 70 be tricky Colonel Pickney. sit
up IN your chair. and put your hands
behind you In through the openings
In the chair back Oh. yes you win
Don't be fool. man! What is this
a hair trigger
never saw anyone more thoroughly
angry; be would have killed me with
the utmost pleasure. and. indeed, for
an instant ! expected him TO actually
make the attempt But my eyes
glared into his. and the man was not
insane. Slowly. reluctantly. as though
actually forced into the action. his
arms were thrust backward into a pos.
ture Of helplessness His lips sput. !
tered. but he could not even swear
Nov. Raymond. take that belt and
Bind him." | commanded sternly. Go
10 IL, and be quick Remember have
: gun in each hand That's it--now
catch the buckle
Piciney choked with rage TO which
be dare not give vent. and the hands
y the lieutenant shook az though from |
shiii His face was SO white / began 1
10 shink the fellow bad a streak OF
aona9 dice 10 him. hut his very fear
snighf xsYe hiG reekieasness / showed |
iss Saazxis u a revolver against his
sost
@gw this other around his legs: |
snap rim tight 10 the chair. Very
gees inasso. you are learning your
isxas
tested ths taat leather with one
HAD
That s1ii bold you, colonel. all but
roar a0sth. and | hope you have
sa0aKb sense left 10 guard that your.
seit Raymond. aud my glance swept
he walls % the room hastily. Il re
gret troubling you so much; Il is like
adding insult 70 injury but would you
reach me those oyeralls hanging on /
lle hook behind your Thank you:
h0T Urn thst chair. so the back viii
b. this Hag. and--eit down"
NO knew what meant and there
= g an ugly look ia his eyes. but |
gave him no time for action. | gripped
MIN w the collar. twisting my
khnckles into bis throat. and thrust
him down into the chair seat with a
violence which caused the fellow TO
gasp for breath.
You move when speak," | said
'afeateningiy. This Is no boys play
SOW put your hands back--oh. farther
han That; cross them over each other
some. do y3a feel the STEEL do not