American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1921-08-12
The girl laughed softly.

imagine. He doesn't show up here
oftener than once in six months, and
Sarah gets nothing from him. She
wouldn't know-why7"
Because, after all. 1t might be the
Russian: If it was he would have TO
lie 10 Harris, and pretend to know
nothing. You heard how those two
talked at Perond's. What did you
make of itf"
She drew her eyes together, leaving
the marks of a frown on her fore
head.
That they had planned together to
rob Alva that Waldron was to be
hidden somewhere outside, and was
to wait for Harris to signal him that
the money had been paid over"
Exactly; Harris failed TO learn
that the money changed hands, and
consequently did not signal. But
Waldron, nevertheless, was outside
waiting; had no doubt spotted Alva's
machine, and was ready to act. The
one thing we do not know is-did
Alva start home alone; or did n
of the men accompany him? II the
latter supposition is true then that
fellow must have committed the
murder, with Waldron a possible
accomplice after the crime. II not
true, then the only other solution is
that Alva picked Waldron up for COM
partnership. Were they acquainted at
ALP
II think so, but am not sure; you
said Waldron first reported this
chance to Harris"
$50 he did then 1t is quite possible
the two knew each other. That would
make Ii easy for the Russian to ask a
ride. Whoever struck the blow was In
the rear seat. This theory fits In all
right with his actions toward Harris"
What do you mean to dor
Shadow Waldron; he is sure TO
expose himself sooner or later. We
must get away from here, out of the
hands of these fellows. Could you
find your way to the stairs in the
dark"
Yes. / have been here often"
"Then / am going TO turn out this
light before opening the door,"
She led the way confidently enough,
moving silently along the wall, l
keeping close so as to touch her. A
few steps brought us forth into the
hall at the head of a flight of stairs
leading downward. My fingers gripped
the banisters, while she stood aside
to let me pass.
you better go ahead now the next
fight is directly beyond this, and
ends at the street door"
"You will follow?"
"Of course; l shall keep right be-
hind you"
We went down step by step, not a
stair creaking, or a sound louder than
our own breathing. l reached the
last step, warned by the newell post.
and felt ahead with one cropping foot
to assure myself of the level beyond
Her fingers grasped my sleeve, and
lips almost at my ear, whispered q
barely audible warning.
"Look TO the right What Is thatT
II was a dull, red glow, a mere pin.
prick In the black curtain, yet II
seemed TO change in %brilliancy, like an
evil eye winking at us out of the
dark. There was something %uncanny
about the thing, yielding me no sugges
ton as to what II could be, yet
frightening by its baleful CLEAN a
such a time and place. Then there
was borne to my nostrils the fainr
odor of tobacco smoke; It must be
man sitting there smoking what W.
saw was the red tip of mis- cigar.
Could we slip by unheard2
doubted IT, yet whatever happened
one of us, at least, must escape from
the house before any alarm wat
sounded. There was but one chance
left-for her TO slip silently dowr
, that other flight Of stairs to the stree
J door, while / remained behind to pro
J tect her flight. II there was no alarm
no notice taken of her passage
possibly I might venture 10 follow
} without being overheard; but sh'
I must go first, her step was light, ant
she was more sure of the way. BE
! sides, : could block pursuit. by
I fight IL necessary. and thus give he
! ample time in which to unchain ant
Open that front door. Once without
these fellows would never follow
t l put my lips close against the girl
ear.
1T is a guard there smoking. Don
; try to answer but do exactly as
say. One of us, at least, must &c
] out you stand the better chance
2 with my remaining behind to holt
these fellows back II there should b.
any alarm. If there is not, I'll follow
Do you Observation-Disclosures witt
+; your hand
, I felt the Arm pressure Of her finger
I in quick response.
1.-THE fellow evidently hasn't hear
anything yet-you better 60"
1 felt her creep past me without
D sound, her hand slipping from m,
grasp as her foot touched the leve
floor Of the hall. She was invisible
no longer even a shadow In the blacl
gloom. Then suddenly from somewber
a chain clanked family the ear coult
not determine from what direction tn,