The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1927-06-10
CHAPTER XIV
SeIwood Finds Christie.

I'd Selwood, while Page fished
match from his pocket and lighted a
amp. "It may be they're in the back
room; push ahead; open that door
n front of you"
Another mans got the key to that
ioor," asserted Barbanet, surly now.
You'll have to talk to Starbuck
about that"
Selwood, without raising his tone,
cried out a double-edged bluff-one
that would work either way. "Bull"
ne said. go back to Starbuck. Tell
aim Barbanet wants the key to the
Darber-shop back room. He may give
you an evasive. answer. If he does,
tell him Barbanet is in trouble in the
oarber-shop and says to give you the
key or come a-running If he wants
TO save what's in the back room.
IF he follows you back, Bull" con-
tinued SGlwood carelessly, "come as
TAR as the door with him. Keep out
Of the shop here till the smoke set
tles."
Bull nodded. II understand"
''If you know what's good for your
hide, Bull" interposed Barbanet.
don't take any talk like that to Cliff
Starbuck. Don't play traitor to Star
buck. He'll kill you-or will"
"Why, Harry" said Bull Page. as
serting what manhood Barbanet's
whisky had left him-and though his
deep, throaty voice shook. there was
no hesitation, no fear in his. utter
ance-"what do you think you're talk
ing about? Do you think I'm afraid
Of you-or your kind? What have you
ever done for me but fill me with poi
son when 1 come to town with money
from the mines, you snake!" ex-
claimed Bull, gathering force with his
invective. where did go for a grub
stake when was hungry? To John
SelwAod"
"Oh, shut up, Bull" blurted out
Selwood. Get out And get back
here quick with that key or with
Starbuck.''
''Tm flynn right now, John. Do you
hIOW WIdL ILLS at dShGu LllC W uO
a few minutes ago? To knock old
man Fyler on the head and throw
MIN in the river-that's ALL"
With this parting shot, Bull was
opening the door through which they
had come in. Barbanet saw the Jig
was up. Hold on" he said. bitterly
sulky, "call off your rabbit. That key
will unlock either door,"
Bull lost no time in starting for the
inner door. "Stop a minute. Bull" in
terposed Selwood; "take those aprons
on that chair to tie this fellow up
with before you open the door, Got
. EN-? Now put out lights and unlock"
Page threw the back door open.
Light streamed into the barber-shop
from a lamp set on an appended bar
rel in the apparently empty room.
Silence greeted the opening. Selwood
pushed his sullen prisoner forward
across the threshold. A suppressed
cry acknowledged the sight of him.
Harry Barbanet" exclaimed an I'M
steady voice. "What do you mean by
keeping us locked here all this time?
You promised we should be free in
a few minutes. When are we to get
out?" /
Margaret Hyde stood to the left of
the doorway; and clinging with
clasped hands to Margaret's arm, hat
less and shrinking under cape, her
eyes filled with fear, Selwood saw
Christie Fyler.
Christie's startled glance fell on
him. OF all men, she would have
wished to identify Selwood last. de-
spite what had passed between them,
with these detestable surroundings in
which she was held prisoner. To see
him suddenly in this fOrbidding place
in company with the ruthless tool Of
the man she had now so much reason
to fear, was like rudely stripping her
of what faith she had left in men. 1t
was hardly a moment before the sit
uation cleared, but for Christie it
was a painful moment.
Barbanet halted before Margaret's
question. He nodded coolly back over
his shoulder. II amt bossing this pro-
cession." He spoke with a contemptu-
Gus spite. "This man with the gun
Is running things-for few minutes
talk to him."
Barbanet's words directed all eyes
on Selwood. He spoke to Margaret
Hyde. eff you are kept here against
your wills, you're free to so now
or will be in minute. This is good
place to get away from. 1t will be
burned before daylight"
'They dragged US here" exclaimed
Christie. "They threatened to kill
u.s."
"Who is 'they'T' asked Selwood.
Margaret hesitated. "AIl of these
men," interposed Christie. tremulous
and eager. She pointed to Barbanet.
'This man, and most of all-Starbuck.
1t was he who had us brought to this
vile place." repeated Christie, with
gathering anger and courage. 1--WE
don't know yet why We should be
locked up in this way. Who are all
these men we hear in the next room?
That man"-she pointed her finger,