New Britain herald., 1924-08-26

house. a light In tho kitchen, But the bunk house was dark. He hoped that Charley MeSweon was m bed. But he wished that sally would hurry m.
 q suppose my nerves Will be all shot 10 pieces" he rrumhled, Keep me waiting long enough and I'm not fit for anything"
 A sound Of yoircs reached him and he rose softly 10 his feet. Pres ently he could see two figures in the dim light. They were approaching the tool shed. strolling, all too slowly to please him. The Wreck was tense and jumpy. He could hear what Sally was saying
 "But think it was awfuly clover of you to find the car. Chester. And then to find the wheel, too."
 "All you've got to do is use little common sense," he said, mod estly.
 Indeed, yes" declared Sally. heartily. "Where did you say you found the wheel?"
 q didn't say" replied Chester, shrewdly. 'I'm just going to wait until l see whether somebody else can find it."
 They were close to the tool-shed.
 "But l wouldn't tell anybody" said Sally. i Chester laughed again. "Perhaps I'll tell you tomorrow, said Chester.
 The Wreck stepped hriskly out of the shadow in which he had been standing.
 stick 'em up! Quick"
 There was smothered eXclama- ton from Chester.
 Up, I said," snapped the Wreck.
 Slowly the young mans hands went up, as he stared through be- wildered eyes at a siX-shooter whose m,Izzle was within foot of his stomach.
 "Y-you," lie gasped.
 "Me," affirmed the Wreck. 'Talk low and only speak when you're told to. Sally, take the gum"
 She stepped forward and he slipped it into her hands. f Keep it on him." he command ed. "1f he makes a queer move, you know what to do."
 He moved behind the prisoner and ordered him to lower his hands behind his back. With a piece of heavy cord he bound them tightly, until Chester squirmed. Then he relieved Sally of the gun.
 "You-you're the hold-up mani" spluttered Chester, when he found his voice again. You're both in it: Now I know"
 The muzzle of the six-shooter was pressed against a tender spot be- tween his ribs.
 "Cut out the comment and listen" said the Wreck. "Where's the wheel?"
 Chester's glance went appealingly to Sally, but he did not find any en- couragcment in her face.
 "Whcre's the wheel?"
 Chester drew deep breath,
 T won't tell your he answered,
 "Give you half minute to tell,' said the Wreck. And remember: I'm desperate and I'm nervous. What happens to you is nothing In my fife. If you don't tell me where it Is. I'm going to beat you to a frtsh. And if you don't tell then, i'm going 10 shoot you"
 Again Chester made an appeal with his .eyes in the direction of Sally
 "Pattcr GO what he says" she ad- vised, coli.y. Hes mean when he has a gun in his hands"
 "ga1y! I didn't think"
 "nou't talk to me. Talk to him.
 "Wiera's the wheel?" repeated the Wreck.
 Chester glanced toward the ranch house. There was no hope Of helr from there, even if he shouted. Aud something in tke tense figure cf the Wreck warned him not to sllo;it.
 You give me a fair change tc fight and I'll show you" he said.
 Not chanca," observed The Wreck. "I'n not fighting bright Fifteen wccnds gone. Com { through" I-J-"
 Chester was not 3 coward, but h. knew when the cards were sgains him.
 Times up." said tte Wreck, sig nifcantly "Now!' Chester sigacd. and h's figu-t sasged.
 'It's in the back Of the car" h, said.
 : (Continued in Next Issue).