Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1922-03-03

THAT they had planned together 10
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 Alvas
machine, and was ready to act. The
one thing we do not know is-did
Alva start home alone; or did one
of the men accompany him? If the
latter supposition is true then that
fellow must have committed the
murder, with Waldron possible
accomplice after the crime. If not
true, then the only other solution is
that Alva picked Waldron up for com
panionship. Were they acquainted at
all?"
81 think SO, but am not sure; you
said Waldron first reported this
chance to Harris"
$50 he did; then it is quite possible
the two knew each other. That would
make it easy for the Russian to ask
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 do?
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. l have been here often"
"Then l am going to turn out this
light before opening the door"
She led the way confidently enough,
moving silently along the wall, |
keeping close so as to touch her. A
few steps brought us forth into the
hall at the head of 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
flight is directly beyond this, and
ends at the street door"
"You will follow?"
"Of course; / shall keep right be-
hind you"
We went down step by step, not
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 a
barely audible warning.
"Look to the right. What is thatY
1t was dull, red glow, a mere pin
prick in the black curtain, yet 1t
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
tion as to what it could be, yet
frightening by its baleful CLEAN at
such a time and place Then there
was borne to my nostrils the faint
odor of tobacco smoke; 1t must be a
man sitting there smoking; what we
saw was the red tip of his cigar.
Could we slip by unheard? !
doubted it, yet whatever happened,
one of us, at least, must escape from
the house before any alarm was
sounded. There was but one chance
left-for her to slip silently down
that other flight Of stairs to the street
door, while l remained behind to pro-
tect her flight. If there was no alarm,
no notice taken of her passage,
possibly l might venture to follow
without being overheard; but she
must go first, her step was light, and
she was more sure of the way. Be-
sides, l could block pursuit, by
fight If necessary, and thus give her
ample time in which to unchain and
open that front door. Once without,
these fellows would never follow.
l put my lips close against the girls
ear
"It is a guard there smoking. Don't
try to answer, but do exactly as !
say. One Of us, at least, must get
out you stand the better chance,
with my remaining behind to hold
these fellows back If there should be
any alarm. If there is not, I'll follow.
Do you understand nd?-answer with
your hand"
felt the firm pressure Of her fingers
in quick response.
''The fellow evidently hasn't heard
anything yet-you better 60"
l felt her creep past me without
sound, her hand slipping from my
grasp as her foot touched the level
floor of the hall. She was invisible,
no longer even a shadow In the black
gloom. Then suddenly from somewhere
a chain clanked family; the ear could
not determine from what direction the
sound came, yet 1t was clear enough
to be heard plainly. The man stood
still, evidently listening; l lost sight
of the red glow, as though he had re-
moved the cigar from between his
lips, and slowly Strengthened myself
up braced for any emergency. She
had reached the outside door, and was
preparing to open it. For an instant
nothing happened. Then the sharp
reSOunding click of heavy lock