The spectator., 1921-02-11

aim. But even in that moment of un- certainty Gardiner had not lost thought of their purpose. and his quick eye took in the sleeping form of John Harris and the location of the leather bag beside the wall. Without an in- staint's hesitation he vaulted through the window and revolver in hand. be gan to steal his way softly toward the treasure.
 He had not taken three steps when Allan plunged full force into him. He staggered with the shock, but recov- cred himself only to find the young farmers strong fingers clutchng for his throat 1t had been no part of Gardiner's plan that there should be boodshed in the carrying out of the robbery, but he was a man of quick decision, who accepted conditions as he found them. A slight pressure on the trigger, and Allan fell. cough ing, through the door
 Gardiner retained his sense of loca- ton. and slipped silently to the wall. Harris was rushing about the rotten floor in the darkness, crying. What is if, Allan? For Gods sake. what has happened? Are you shot?" and for his own noise he could not hear Gardiner's stealthy movements. Gardiner's hand fell on a log of the wall. and his keen fingers traced their own way along it. Five steps, he judged. and the bag would be at his feet. At the fifth step his toe touched an object on the floor; he leaned over and raised the booty in his hand.
 By this time his eyes had responded to the intense darkness, and he could discern square of grayer gloom where the window admitted the night. He moved rapidly and silently toward it, but almost with the last step his foot slipped through broken spot on the floor, and he staggered and fell. The revolver was thrown from his grasp, but he was able to pitch the bag through the window as he crashed to the floor. =.
 The sound arrested Harris, and be- fore Gardiner could extricate himself the farmer. was upon him. At first he seemed to think it was Allan, and felt about in the darkness without attempt ing to defend himself This gave Gar diner an opportunity; he was able to clasp his arms about Harris shins. and. with a quick turn of the body. east his adversary headlong to the floor At the same moment he freed himself from his entanglement and made another dash for the window.
 But Harris. still numbed from his heavy sleep, now realized that some kind of tragedy had occurred. and guessed enough to believe that Allan was victim. From his prestrate po- sition. with one powerful leg he inter-' rupted Gardiner's flight, and the next monent the two men were rolling on the floor in each others arms. Har- ris WAS much the stronger man of the two, but Gardiner was uctive and hat some skill in wrestling. Besides Har- ris had been taken wholly by surprise, and had no idea who his antagonist was, while Gardiner had full knowl- edge of all the circumstances. and the struggle was less unev than might, have been supposed. In'-ardly cursing the luck that had thrown the revolver from his hand, Gardiner sought in the darkness for his adversary's throat, nose, or eyes Harris. seiZing the younger man by the waist, lifted him bodily from the floor and crashed him down again upon 1t, but the next in- stant Gardiner had one of his hands in both of his. and. bringing his knee down with great force on Harris el- how, compelled him. at the risk of a broken arm, to turn face downwards on. the floor. Gardiner again wrenched violently to break free, but Harris grip was too much for him. so with the quickness and fury of tiger he threw 'himSelf upon the farmers back and wrapped his free arm about his throat. With his air partially cut of Harris released the grip of his other hand, and Gardiner instantly took advantage of this move to bring both arms to bear on Harris throat. Things began to go badly with the farmer; face downwards on the floor. he was unable to shake his adversary off. and was losing strength rapidly w~h his chok- ing. Gardiner no longer sought an opportunity 10 break away; his blood was up and he was in the fight to the finish, ruled at last by his heart in- stead of his head. Had he been con tent merely to retain his present ad- vantage unconsciousness would soon have overcome his victim. hut he tried to improve his grip, and the attempt proved disastrous. His thumb. seek ing better vantage, fell into Harris gasping mouth. Harris was no more deprayed than most of mankind, but when fighting for life, and choking 10 death in the hands of an unknown en- emy, he was ready to seize any advan- tage. and with a great effort he brought his jaws together upon the in- truder.