The Daily Alaska empire., 1935-12-23

ward the Clay City Bank, the destin- ation upon which he had decided. After walking some little distance, he turned into an alleyway which led | to the rear of the establishment. There, after a quick glance about him, he advanced toward one of the barred windows of the structure and for a moment considered the possi- bilities of entering. He soon aban- doned the idea and started to inves- tigate another. Just as he turned, the rear door of the bank was flung , wide and two figures, dimly outlined against the glisteninF snow, ran 1 quickly into the street. Before the astonished Blackwell had time to col lect his wits about him, the pair was around the corner and lost from view.
 Money in His Hands Almost at cnce, the truth came to the hay mind of Blakewell Appar- sntly he was not alone in his pre- dicament; there were others as un- fortunate as himself As he stood. till somewhat dazed, he glanced to- ward the open door. Instantly he saw small compact object lying in the snow few feet from the portal. Stepping over he picked up the pack age. Banknotes! Currencyl More than ne had seen for years! Hearing the interruption, the robbers had fled ana had dropped part of their loot. Blakewell turned the money slowly in his hand. Suddenly the whole truth dawned upon him. He did not have to steal He had found the money; he had committed no crime. There was no law to compel him to---
 Stand Where You Are" His thoughts were cut short by a sharp command from behind.
 Stand where you are, Blakewell"
 4AiS -ilnli OulilC JO lIiu lHlloSll looking into the cold gray eyes Of police officer William Briant. That individual held an automatic in his right hand, and with his left he rap f idly searched Blakeweil for a wea- pon. Finding none, he relieved the unfortunate one of the packet which he held.
 Just a minute too late, weren't you, Blakewell?" said Briant not un- kindly. ITO speak frankly, don't care much about this job, but duty is duty so you'll have to come along 7
 But I........"
 Sorry" said the officer of the law simply and motioned for his prisoner to accompany him.
 Freedom
 Several days later as Blakewell sat in his prison cell awaiting trial, two rough looking characters were usher ed into the office of Chief of Police Allen Darwin. After questioning the pair for nearly half an hour. look of keen satisfaction appeared upon the face of the chief After making certain that the burly couple were safely and securely behind bars, he made his way to Blakewells place of confinement.
 Well, Richard, old man, I guess you're free as air." he said as he unlocked the heavy steel door. "Ill admit that under the circumstances your story sounded a trifle weak at first, but we traced some of the miss ing money to Packard, over in Del mira County. Two rascals were pick ed up there yesterday and sent here. They've just confessed to the rob bery What do you think of that for a Christmas present, eh, Blake we'll?
 Richard Blakewell was not think ing of Christmas gifts at that par ticular moment, however, at least not for himself. He had heard the authority's words almost as in a dream. Could it be possible that hope still remained?
 As he passed through Darwin's of flee a few minutes later, his glance fell upon calendar which hung upon a wall December g. Only three days in which to bring glad ness and joy to his home and to his beloved ones.
 ! While he stood gazing at the chart. man entered from an adjoining room. and seeing Blakewell, advanced toward him.
 Congratulations" he said enthus- iastically. You won't spend Christ mas within prison walls after all"
 Thanks" said Blakewell simply. cheered by the speakers pleasant at- titude. Tt was close call"
 By the way" said the other after pause, we've called the bank and told Warfield of the arrest that's been made and he wants to see you as soon as you're out"
 Wants to see me?" said Blakewell slowly.
 That's what he said" was the re- ply, and the man departed.
 A Christmas Gift
 Blakewell left the office and made his way to the Clay City Bank. En-