Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-27
CHAPTER xXxIII.
CAUTIOUS GUARDS.

A T 10 o'clock at night Murphy
~ passed my cell door and hearc
a heart-rending groans that III
Il a expected to hear. Surprising "a.
he stated in evidence later
that the occupant Of the cell had at.
locked the door and stepped inside.
Instantly an automatic pistol ap-
peared in front Of his face and grim
voice said, Put 'em up"
AS he did so the voice continued:
Here's where die-after I've killed
you-or else make my getaway. Stripf
And Guard Murphy pretended that he
was trapped and that unless he In
stantly obeyed every order OF this des-
perate criminal he would be dead
man.
quick" srowled. cap, trousers.
everything. II get clear, you'll
never need to work again.
I'm trusting ye," whispered Guard
Murphy.
I'm trusting you. too Murphy" ]
said, but turn to me and cross your
one hand and my teeth for the job, and
my other hand will be holding the gun
against your liver
In about three minutes, Murphy
uniform, boots, cap and belt were on
the floor of the cell. and his hands
we're bound together behind him, and
1 could now lay the pistol aside. In
another minute hts feet were tied to-
gether.
Having gagged him, dressed myself
as guard and, taking his keys, opened
the door, stepped out into the corridor
and locked the door behind me.
I was free-inside the prison, and
II every man reacted correctly to my
suddenly presented pistol there was a
chance that should be free outside
it, too.
on duty, tramped down the corridor
would be outside the big common cell
known for some reason as the Fort.
If the Waterman took no notice of
me, as was quite likely in that dim
light, would pass on.
AS passed him the Waterman
Say, Patsy" he said, and then his
eyes and mouth opened wider. What
"stick 'em upl" srowled. quick"
and his hands shot up as high as he
could put them.
took his pistol.
Unlock the door and get inside,
quick" said.
The Waterman opened that 4-inch
iron door more quickly than usual and
went into the Fort as though it was
his home. It was-fpr quite little
while.
Like Guard Murphy, he was safely
out Of action until some one other than
myself was In possession Of the big
key which turned and withdrew from
the lock. The Waterman had done me
splendid service by recognizing me and
causing me to drive him into the cell,
for he had provided q perfect solution
of the greater part Of my problem.
WHITTIER the Waterman had gone his
ccmrade should go-every guard,
Waterman, trusty or other official who
recognized me or showed suspicion.
That big cell, realized, had no win
dows, in the ordinary sense Of the word
There would be no audible cry for help
from the Fort.
Proceeding on my way toward the
warden'S ONCE, I emerged into the
blessed fresh air Of the dark night and
marched boldly across the bare inner
quadrangle, which was the eonvicts' ex-
ercise ground. to where guard stood
sentinel beneath lamp.
AS approached him at an angle,
whistling an Irish air which was a
favorite with Murphy. got within
arms length Of the sentry without his
taking the slightest notice Of me, and,
with Q lightning grab, I dlsarmed him,
at the same time growing with as sin
Hter scowl as could achieve, Hands
up! Quick"
Up went the guards hands. for life
was as dear to him as TO most Of US.
Within minute had shepherded
my victim to the Fort door and made
him open 1t and enter.
The look of disappointment on the
imprisoned watchman'S face as he saw
two automatics and the guard, instead
Of release, was ludicrous.
Don't either Of you be near the
door next time 1t opens" said. Il
may get mad and make real killing"