Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-08-15
Did you get me- He lea


beneath the masking silk of the hand
kerchief.
my reports led me TO imagine a.
much he rejoined, And did you
learn anything from Connel?"
"Just how do YOU mean?" asked
Ibid Connel tell you what he intend.
cd TO door what he knew? Speak up
girl. I'm not in the habit of asking a
question twice, and YOU want 10 re.
member you're no more than any 9th
fr piece of female flesh in my eyes,
despite your exceedingly pretty face.
Now. come across. il YOU know what's
best for YOU. know YOU for the police
agent YOU are, and know Won saw
Connel this morning Now, what did
he say, and what is he trying to do'"
Ny mind was busy while he was
speaking. Into it there flashed Dnals
words about oyerc0nfidence. On The
instant saw way to help this man
10 an nnwarranted sense OF security
and triumph.
Il don't think Mr., Connel knows any
thing at ALL" made answer. Il did
see him, and | did have talk with
him. He told me that unless something
turned up he would release Reich and
Greek Annie before the time limit ex.
PRED
The man chuckled Once more he
tilted back in his chair.
"Connel knows what he is up
against" he said. And what is this
wonderful friend OF your who grabbed
Reich and Annie DOING Come, girl
let's have Il all"
When ! saw him last he was sir.
ting in room with luncheon tray,
and talking about seeming to be bound
hand and foot returned slowly II
wasn't exactly the truth, but it was
near enough.
The man actually laughed And
so you tried to go II alone? In q way
| admire your nerve Well, if Conn,
aIheres to his sensible resolve. c,cii.
thing may end very well. n h. does
McKabe and you will go free"
And if not?" questioned.
People who stand in our way must
lake their chances" he answered me
softly. Your one chance would b.
TO throw in with us"
I'D die first Kissed out, before
gave my answer thought Why,
it was you who dragged my sister to
her death-you and your Reich.'
AS You will" he said without any
apparent feeling. He turned to the
Chinaman in the chair. Sing. isn't
that watch at Miss Foote'S belt2 GET
it. may want to use il as confirma.
tory evidence for Connel"
The Chinaman rose, came over and
tore my watch, with its fob and safety
clip, from my waist. Crossing, he laid
it on the desk The man in the swivel
chair spoke again.
II shall have 10 detain Won until
ronnel makes up his mind" he an
nounced. Il may as wen advise you
that resistance is vain. Permit me TO
wish you good day
He rose, spoke to Sing in Chinese
and turned through door ON the eua
er aide Of the room. 81
Sing came back to my side, stopped
and picked up the cloth which had
muffled my head and face, thrust the
gag back into my mouth til It sent
wave of clammy sickness through me
and | retched with a nausea beyond
my controlling, threw the cloth over
my sasping features and tied all fast.
| heard other footsteps approaching.
Some one dropped at my feet and
bound my ankles | was picked up and
carried | knew not where.
After a time was laid down and ]
heard a sound as Of something hollow
being dragged toward me. was
picked up and lowered into something.
My senses told me that narrow wall
confined me. thrust out nv elbows
and touched what seemed like wooden
walls What little light seeped through
the cloth on my face. faded | heard
the sound of a hammer driving on
wood above me. And | knew that |
WAS being nailed up in box, or a case
OF some sort.
A cultural command followed the
blows of the hammer, There came a
grunting and straining, The box which
held me moved, felt it sway and
swing as 1t was carried by what sup
posed was q band of coolies. There
came a sliding, grating sound, on the
heels Of a surging upward heave, and
then more joliing motion. Through
The cracks Of the box caught breath
Of fresher air
The jolting and rafting of wheels
went on became convinced thai
was being taken somewhere in wa.
probably one OF those monde
script express carts which stand about
the quarter, picking up a living as
best they may.
II was the most trying thing had
ever known. To lie there. with each
L.. n