Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1917-03-02

OCSCCUOC0 WIN tCTTtIiC IMP
stop a little way back of the steep
walled granite quarry. AS Legar
peered over the edge Of the perpen-
dicular cliff, from which great blocks
of stone had been sheared away by
powerful explosives, an evil smile Of
triumph distorted his scar-furrowed
face. For just beneath him were the
figures of the portly police captain and
two of his men crOuching behind a
pOnderous upright slab of granite.
Standing little apart from the others
was the sober-faced daughter Of his
long-hated enemy.
He saw the authoritative officer mo-
ton the detected girl into the hiding
place. and as with apparent reluct-
ance she obeyed this mute signal the
spy drew back from the
and rejOined his companion.
who was waiting by the automobile.
They're down there, all right"
Legar savagely exulted. in response
to the questioning look of Dutch
Frank. land when we blow out the
side Of that cliff they are going to
get crushed like rats in a trap"
"Then we can croak that bunch
whenever you're ready. gov'nor." an
swered the blond gunman. with the
red lust of murder in his eyes. II had
a look aroun', an the switch explOd-
in the Zig blast Is in that shanty just
up the way. l seen it when l took a
peek in the winder. That dagC watch
man is sittin' right over it, but I've
got somethin' here that ought to put
him to sleep for a while"
He produced from one of his pock-
cts a heavy blackjack. and this eff
fective method Of disposing of the
quarry guard meeting with Legar's
approval. the two conspirators moved
in the direction Of the nearby shanty.
But even at that moment fate or
dained the happening Of a certain in
cident which tended to give Legar's
proposed victims. crouching at the
foot of that great wall of granite, a
barely possible chance for their lives.
And in that unexpected incident the
Mask took the leading part.
AS. completely exhausted from his
first burst Of speed. he stumbled fall
teringly along the dust-choking read
toward Wharton's quarry, he had al
most relinquished hope Of being in
time to warn the imperiled girl. whose
protector he had been.
Then Laughing Mask in his despair
heard the hoarse and repeated cough
ing Of an automobile horn as the i'm
patient driver Of a car rapidly ap-
preaching from behind signaled for
a clear road. But instead Of heed
Ing those raucOus notes Of warning
the Laughing Mask swung about and.
planting himself in the middle Of the
highway, resOlutely faced the orcom-
ing automobile. With a sudden grind
ing Of brakes the surprised and
highly incensed driver Of that car
brought 1t to Earring stop within
a few scant feet Of the determined
figure disputing its passage. As the
man at the steering wheel caught
sight Of the yellow mask covering the
face Of that figure he quickly fished
under the seat and produced a heavy
you can't pull this hold-rp stuff
On me and get away with it." he
yrowled angrily.
"Tm not holding you up" came the
quick answer. "but I've got to get to
the stone quarry down the road and
get there In hurry. It's a matter of
life and DEATH"
81 don't fall for that bunk" the
1river retorted sharply; "get there
f you want to, but not In this car"
The Laughing Mask realized every
second was precious and that the
ether otstinately believed him a high
way robber.
Perhaps this will help persuade
you to change your mind" he cried
rs he drew black automatic and
sprang upon the running board Of the
automobile. Thrrstirg the L1uzzle Of
he revolver against tie startled man.
&c raped cut in torres that precluded
'urther argument. NOW drive like the
!evil for Wharton's quarry or I'll emp
Y this gun into yOu!"
There was no disputing that insist
,ntly prodding revolver. AID the car
shot forward as the overawed driver
'ealized the desperate man In the
mask meant business. It would be
tut matter Of few mcneats be-
ore that speeding. swaying car COW
red the remaining distance, hut even
n that brief lapse of time Jules Legar
night succeed In carrying out his ter
'ible Llan Of revenue. For at that
Instant the SCARED outlaw Knocked
sharply on the saggirg door Of the
shanty with his iron h.,ok.
while Dutch Frank slipped :ut If
light behind enc side of the roughly.
structure. There carle the
'ound If shutting feet and ther the
Italian pushed open the door and
'toOd interrogatively blinking at bis
sinister caller.
I'm on my way back to town."
Iegar said In a smooth voice. "and
somehow I got switched ,fr the main
Dad. ! thought maybe you could set
ne straight"