The Elk Mountain pilot., 1919-11-13

| upon the side which contained the
great stone chimney. Bridget, opening
the kitchen door just at that moment
| to throw out a pan of water, sent him
scurrying quick as squirrel behind
this retreat, where gun in hand he
stood alert. The shutting Of the kitch-
en- door telling him that he had not
been observed, he replaced the weapon
and peered cautiously around the
the chimney's edge. Seeing that the
coast was clear, he picked up a small
stone and tossed it along the side OF
the house toward Its front.
As the pebble rolled along the
ground Morgan, who still stood ap-
parently absorbed with the whiting
Of his stick. ficked q lightning glance
from the side Of his eye upon the
moving object. Closing his knife he
pitched the stick alongside the stone,
and turning upon his heel re-entered
the house where Davis and Ethel were
engaged in playing checkers. He ad-
dressed Davis.
'Davis, I think I have made a dis
covery. Come out here and III show
you" John arose.
Pardon me a moment, Ethel. 1t is
your move. I'll be back by the time
you have made It." said John. Slightly
curious rs to what the other had
found. he followed Morgan.
"Just little bit this way" said the
Hawk as he led the unsuspecting one
4 snort distance from the house.
From his hiding place the Spider
had noted the falling of the whitfield
stick. and at this signal he prepared
himself for action. Swiftly unwinding
the rope from around his body he
threw 1t over his shoulder, then seixing
the chimney began to climb. Owing to
its rough exterior and protruding
stones he had little dimculty In reach
ing its top. and gaining the roof deity
fastened one end Of the lariat to the
coping. dropping the other end down
the yawning opening. Then with 4
swift glance about to assure himself
that he was unobserved. he seized the
rope and began lowering himself down
the chimney's throat, the great alxe
OF the latter affording him ample room.
Hand over hand he went down the
dangling length Of the lasso until he
landed upon the broad hearth with Its
smoldering Goals which his fest over
the boots Of which he had slipped .
heavy pair Of lumberman's stockings,
easily avoided. With one glance his
eyes swept the room. Ethel. her back
turned toward him, was idly toying
with the checkers ~ abe awaited the
return of the man whom she loved
more than all else In the world, totally
unconscious Of the descent into the
room Of one who was John Davis
mortal enemy. Seeing that he had not
been observed. the Spider with deft
movement thrust the exposed end Of
the lariat up the chimney and made II
fast out Of sight, then in his stockinsed
for which he was named, upon his
prey. Tiptoeing his way, his eyes
glued upon her, he advanced silently,
his fingers outstretched like talons.
When within yard Of her, as though
aroused by some subtle sense Of i'm
pending danger, she arose with small
gasp Of fright, but before she could
turn or cry aloud, the prowler was
upon her. Swinging one arm about her
slender body and clapping hand over
her lips, he lifted her from the floor as
though she had been a feather and
bore her into her own room, closing
the door behind them.
Having gotten her mere safely out
Of sight, he threw her upon the bed
as with head held high and ears
strained he listened for any sound
which might Indicate that he had been
seen or heard. All was silence. and