Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-04-12

figure behind Lord Kindersley's
chair spoke again. ~
"WilI it be Sir Norman Greysa
who struts across the stage in the
second act?' he asked mockingly.
THEN knew who was there, and
1 remembered that Michael had
sworn to take my life when and
how the opportunity offered. was
an easy mark for him, sitting there.
but somehow the idea Of assassina>
ton never had any terrors for me.
II may occupy the stage for .
little time" answered, feeling foa
my wine through the darkness. But
after all, it VIII be the third act that
counts. Which VIII you choose. }
wonder, Michae-the gallows al
Wandsworth GanT or the electric
chair at Sing SiugT'
This, of course. was sheer hravado.
a touch OF meIOdrama Of which 1 re-
pened as soon as I had INDUCED in
it. 1 heard the click of a weapon,
and IN the steady glare of that smaSN
circle of light saw the fash up%
its barrel as it drew level with my
head. There was silence as poig.
nant as it WAS hysterical; then a cry
from Janet rang through the room.
"A familiar voice, / fancy" Mi
chael said colby as he lowered his
weapon. -'You do wen to intervene.
dear lady. Some day or other, T
think that your husband win XIII ma
or / him: but unless he hunts me
with posse of policemen, it win be
when we are both armed and the
odds are even"
May l speak, pIease?' Beatrice
Kindersley asked
II have put my rings and brace
let's upon the table. I am wearing
around my neck miniature set with
brilliants. 1t is not really very vaIu.
able. but it was left me by a reIa,
tive. May keet itT'
The light flashed for a moment
upon the pendant which she seemed
to be holding forward for examina,
ton, flashed on the little heap of her
iewelry upon the table.
Pray keep your miniature" the
voice conceded. DO me the further
honor, if you will, of replacing your
jewelry upon. your fingers and
wrists. We are not here to rob chill
dren Of their baubles."
DEATRICE'S laugh was a most
ID amazing thing. 1t was perfect.
ly natural and full of amused
enjoyment
81 don't like the reflection upon
my jewelry." she complained. How.
ever, since you are so generous, J
win accept your offer"
Look here" Lord Kindersley
broke out, finding a certain courage
from his nieces complete composure
lis this q practical joke"
''You will discover if it Is a practi.
cal joke or not, if you attempt to
leave your seat?' was the instant
reply.
These fellows can't think they're
going to get away with a thing like
this" muttered Lord Harroden, the
lord lieutenant of the county, from
the other end of the table.
Your Lordship is mistaken" was
figure who was directing the pro.
ceedings. Fl will lay you five to
one in hundreds that we do, nay
ment to be made through the per-
sonal column of the Timeslin thirty
days time
Cad, he's a cool handr' chuclxled
Anstruther. the master of hounds.
who was seated next but one to me.
II wish I could see his face fonmR
moment"
TT would be your last If you did,
ne was promptly told
What If I strike a match?'' q
young man who was seated next to
Kindersley inquired.
az should put it out with one bull
let and you with the next" Michael
assured him grirnly. Now, ladies'
and gentlemen" he went on, after a
brief pause, "our business seems to
he over. Anyone who leaves his seat
before we reach the door, will be
shot. AS soon as we get there, we
shall lock you in, and then you can
commence your part of the fun as
soon as you like
No one attempted a single word of
reply. The little points Of fire were
kept 9turned upon us while our
visitors slowly retreated. We heard
the door unlocked, heard it slammed.
heard it locked again--the signal for
our emancipation. Very nearly
simultaneously we all started to our
feet.
Continued in Our Next Issue) 2