Year: 1870

DuU WITH cOarSer Vo ce and utterance than
his contederates; "nothing more than cat
stirring. | should have unhitched the
mare, but we should be off in fifteen min
utes."


"All right, Number Two" said the lead
er. "The swag will be in the buggy in
less time. Cashier, you are man of pru-
dence, know. If you work that combina-
ton slIillfully and promptly not hair of
your head shall be harmed If you make
blunder that costs us minute, not only
will this knife find its way to your heart, but
we shall stop on our way back and set your
cottage on fire. Our retreat will be cov-
cred, and you know the consequences there
before the alarm will arouse anybody. l
have sworn to do it,


Foster Houghton fancied he saw shud-
der i'll the slighter figure beside him; but it
might have been a puff of wind across the
long drapery.


"Oh, blow the threats - said Number
Two. "The man values his life, and he is
going to open the safe quicker than he ever
did before. Open the door, young one, and
let us be about it." The robber who had
not yetopened his lips, and whose every mo
ton the cashier watched steadily, stepped
forward to the bank door, anG as he drew
key from under his cloak the prisoner
caught another glimpse of the chain he
could have sworn to among n thousand


The door swung open. The cashiers
heart was in his throat. He had not heard
sound of Bixby; lNt he knew the village
constable too well to fear, or hope, that he
might have given up the chase. All four
entered the building but before the door
could be closed behind them there was a
shout, a cry of dismay, q rush of heavy
feet, flash of light in lantern which
CLEANED but a moment before it was extin-
guished, the confused sound of blows and
oaths, and the breaking of glass, punctu-
ated by the sharp report of pistol. Fos-
ter Houghton could never give clear ac-
count of terrible minute in which his con-
seriousness seemed partly benumbed. He
took no part in the struggle, but seemed
to be pushed out side the door and there.
as the tumult within began to diminish,
Silas Bixby came hurriedly to him, drag
ging masked figure by the shoulder.


"Houghton, you must help little.-We
have got the better of 'em, and my men are
holding the two big fellows down. But the
fight is not out Of them yet, and you must
hold this little one three minutes while
help to tie their hands. Just hold this pis-
tol to his head, and he will rest very easy"


Even while he spoke, Bixby was inside
the door again, and the CLEAN of light
which followed showed that he had recov-
cred his lantern and meant to do his work
thoroughly.


Foster Houghton's left hand had been
guided to the collar of his captive, and the
revolver had been thrust into his right
There was no question of the composure of
the robber now. He painted and sobbed
| and shook, and made no effort to tear him
self from the feeble grasp that confined
| him.


If the cashier had been irresolute all his
| life he did not waver for an instant now.-
lie did not query within himself what was
his duty, or what was prudent, or what his
wife would advise, or what the bank direc-
| tors would think.


Harry" he whispered hoarsely his lips
close to the mask, 81 know you"


The shrinking figure gave one great sob.
Foster Houghton went on without pausing.


"Bixby does not know you, and there is
time to escape yet. shall fire this pistol
in the air. Run for your life to your horse
there, and push on to Tinborough. You
can catch the train. May God forgive
youp'


The figure caught the hand which had
released its hold as the words were spoken,
and kissed it. Then, turning back as if
| upon sudden impulse, the robber mur.