The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-25

assistance. numerous 1oouailS aiong the sidewalk above his head told him many per sons were passing and repassing the build ing. Their character, though, was doubtful. More than likely his cries would summon some of the fiends who had incarcerated him. His position then would be made more desperate than ever.
 But freedom he must have!
 With this resolve the lawyer cast about for some means of reaching the cask Be- tween him and the coveted goal were numer- ous bits of debris. How to get past them was problem to which no immediate solu- ton presented itself. But he determined to make the effort.
 Bracing himself against the wall, he pro- pelled himself several feet, coming to stop against huge box. The movement sent up a cloud of dust that filled his eyes and nos trils, causing him intense suffering.
 Resting for few moments until the pain had subsided, the lawyer managed to pro gress still nearer. This advance was made with less hardship and he felt his hopes rise. After another resting spell he moved closer and closer, finally, by repeated ef- forts, reaching the barrel.
 The cask lay upon it's side. The hoop, which was at one end, protruded at an angle of several degrees. The edge was turned and slightly slanted.
 Lying upon his back, he hooked his wrists over the bit of metal and began drawing the tough rope backward and forward across it. It seemed hours before the first strand parted. After that the work was easier. Strand after strand was cut through until at length the rope dropped away from his lac erated wrists and he fell back exhausted, a prayer of thanksgiving yelling up in his heart.
 Following few moments of rest, Bristow set about removing the gag. It was a slow and painful task, but at length he cast the loathsome rag to the ground and gulped mouthful after mouthful of air like one res cued from drowning. His mouth was cut and cruelty sore. His throat was swollen and his tongue dry and parched. He tried to speak, but no intelligible sound came from his bleeding lips. He struggled to &, sitting posture and attacked the bonds about his feet. These succumbed easily, and after few moments he rose upright.
 Bristow could barely stand. Every muscle in his body ached and throbbed from the terrible strain of the last few hours and the cuts inflicted by the two Italians. These manifested themselves here and there by ex- cessive soreness and the manner in which his clothing adhered to his body. He grad ually restored circulation, although the op- eration of swinging and chafing his limbs was a painful one. At length, feeling mod erately conditioned, he started about the room on tour of inspection.
 The attorneys prison proved to be large, oblong cellar. There appeared to be but one entrance and this was securely fas- tened. All the power he could bring to bear against the bolt-studded, solid oak door that stood between him and freedom did not suf- flee to budge it an inch. He might as well have attempted to move the walls them selves.
 A hurried inventory of his possessions showed him that whatever had been the mo- tive for his rough treatment it was not robbery. His watch was in it's place and his money was intact. He glanced at the Iofmer. IL shoWed put lew minutes past 9 o'clock. He had been in the cellar little more than two hours.
 Almost despairing of ever escaping un aided, Bristow crossed to the grated window and, mounting box, peered out into the street.
 The view that met the lawyers gaze was not an encouraging one. The ground was covered with snow and flakes were still fall inc with such density and raniditv as to