Pittston Gazette

              F.NtHllli»ll Cl IS.-.O. I VOL.. XI.*111 No. 6. i Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, SEPTEflBER 17, 1897. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. ] •l.oo per Vnr 1 In Advance. on the of the door fnne T stcoped down to examine it more eloaelv. rece.vsti in answer to my -eouoat to rush, (mclag: from one I la 1 probably never seeu. encouraged me preatlv. ance just then. For some reason Skii ner also was unwilling to attract a» tcntion to the spot by shooting, for. i he really wished to put me out of tin way, he would never have had a inor favorable opportunity than when h so cleverly got the drop 011 me. g  -m. AjELEV BW re / Rm Hwra/iy p.- /if [Copyrlfht, Dlg6, by J. B •itv doubt and sus ivcre evidently resting upon him in followed up the advantage. "Then why was be not arrested ?" 1 It Will SUUU UC KUUVTU iu*v;uuftiC iu* nocent of the crime the suspicion of which you have borne so long and so patiently." Immediately there was a blinding flash right in my eyes, a hot flame almost burning my cheek, a loud report, then total darkness. The candle was shattered in ray hand. There was the smell of burnt powder, and my 'lings told nn* of the smoke which filled the cellar. Half sfunned, 1 gro»Ded about for the stairway, but it was smn£ time before I locaied it and ascended. You?" lie linallv exclaimed 1101011 "You'll throw that pistol to me." I continued. "Instantly, you damned villain, you imirikerer, or, as. sure as "Well, we wanted to recover the property also. He had it bidden around bis hunting-lodge somewhere, we were quite sure, but be was too cunning for us. and we could not discover where it was. Then yesterday you told me continued Then, too, knowing Mr. I'erry's energetit? nat J**, I was confident that gentleman "voi"Id be up and doing immediately U|D":i the receipt of my dispatch. A man of his standing would have uod'fhculty in procuring a special train, and, allo-ving the tiuie necessary to obtain the oflieere of the law, iu two or three hours I could expect Mr. I listened iatent'y for the answer, and the sound of the voice sent a shudder over me. The voice was familiar ■uid it. was with deepest dread 1 heard Heaven— I made an effort at control, and when I again addressed Mr. PeiVy noticed Wilson and Skinner holding a whispered conversation. The younge.t man's face was toward me, am his eye caught mine there was so much pity and sympathy in it that X could not help feeling some wonder. "To think of it all happening on mj grandfather's place, whose character was as far removed from anything criminal as heaven is high above earth," I finally managed to murmnr, unwilling to state the real cause of my emotion. But my words were interrupted. lie heui backed up against the door, his eyes staring fixedly at me. There was a movement of his arm, arid I w as about to pull the trigger to forestall his purpose of tiring at me, when a report sounded out from behind him, as he leaned against the wall and door, and with a loud cry he sprang forward, came down all in a heap, rolled over on his back, and lay there, d|^d—dead, and by his own murderous device for guarding his hiding place. Whether tlie fellow was about i enter tbe cook house w lien I came lipo him so suddenly, or was standing (• iommeot' "Yes. You wonder how I found you out," C'nnie in- response to Jacksou's ex clarnatlon. "That I will not to give warning to some one who wa already inside. I could not determim If the last idea was the correct one. win had lie not driven the warning? tiari say The soft, pure air outside partly revived me, and I managed to drag myself across the yard to the main buildingand so to my rcoin. On the 1rst occasion, terror had !ent fleetness to my feet; now they seemed v.-e:gh?ed vvl'.b lead. A nuinbec indifference to mv sinound- Perry's arrival EiDotigh that 1 am here." "Well, we can't talk in this place." Jackson said, after a pause. "His bedroom is right above us." I could no* repress a smile as f pictured to rnytelf the president of the Safety Security company riding, net in the coach, but on the engine to which My sudden attack taking him so un aw ares might be accountable for this and he might return at any moment and sound an alarm. "You mean Mr. Conway. Xo fear ol his hearing. lie was called to my house by a message from my daughter, and is with her now. I have no doubt." It was attached, and urging the engineer to greater speed. It was certain in my Tiind that that special would travel as fast as steam could drive the I went quickly back tolhecook hou$* determined to take advantage of hi Hurried footsteps were crossing the room above, and 1 ha&tily took up a new position of defense. I was hea-'V-hender. and drowsy, so much so tnut I fell ings was ever me. Now I certainly had received no message from Florence. If one had been sent me it must have been either during my first visit to the cellar or during my trip to Sidington, and therefore J had missed it. "Is he quite dead?" Mr. Perry asked again, turning to Wilson. For answer the detective palled back his coat and vest and pointed to the shirt bosom. which was dyed with the life T a-roke suddenly, with a start that bi-ooght me to a standing position. A glance at mv watch told me it was past nine o'clock, and that I nad slept two hams. When I put back my coat for the purpose of replacing the watch in my vest pceket, a rustling- of paper attracted my attention. asleep, wheels. "Stop!" I veiled, as the feet began to descend. "The stairs are covered by my pistol." Ltppl A feeling of satisfaction came oveT me at having taken a decisive step, and my spirits rose in accordance. The numbness and dazed condition of my faculties .lad passed away, and I felt that to rely on one's own exertions was the better way, after all. There was a pause, and a hurried consultation upon the landing. CHAPTER XIV. iu g'.oous. Darkness was horHVe; so. staggering to my feet, I tumbled about for some matches, and in feverish hast« lit the two lamps and the candi« which were in the room. The window was ooen. 1 closed the shutters and bolted them. The. door leading 'ntc thej parlor where my grandfathers Dody had reposed in the coffin waiting fci burial, so many years ago, wm alsc open, and in my wrought-up imagination specters of the dead swmed to pass before it. There was no bolt oo thisdoor and, not feeling satisfied in having it simp'y latched, by great effort 1 shoved a tall chest of drawers acainst it. "Yes, 1 have heard that they have met again. Much good may it do them!" laekson responded with a sneer. Then he went on: "And since you found my hiding-place, perhaps you'll tell me what you expect to gain by coming to it? Have you arrived at your right stream. The rest of the day was spent at Sarah's house. Here at least were, qu'et, calm mid peace. No uncanny mysteries, 10 disturbing influences marred the restf ulness. The old nurse berseJt was a certainty; no doubts and "Is that you cVrwn there, Mr. Conway?" inquired a voice which I recog- "You see." he answered, quietly, "quite dead. Shot through the heart." "Did Jackson do it?" the president asked, turning to me. I nodded my bead. nized This brought to my mind the piece 1 had picked uo in the cook-house cellar and hastily thrust into my coatixDcket. I took it out and examined it. Leaving the station. I went back to my horse, mounted, and started up the long hill. Arrived at the top, 1 again dismounted in front of Sarah's house, and, going in the front door, rapped long and loud. In answer to mv sum rooiiB a voice called from an upstairD "Yes. it is; and, as I do not know whether you are an enpmy or a friend, Mr. Sonntag, I guess I won't run any risk. You'd better stay up. You have me in your power, penned up here in this hole; but if I've got to die some one else goes with me." "Why should he? What was Mr. Morley—" fears were produc?d bj* hei*- society. By her absolute faith in me, by the many little expressions of devotion to j my best interests, a feeling of security was inspired, so that wben I started on I the honre-.vard journey the infuence of Sarah's peaceful abode went with ■ae. senses again?" Fortunately, Skinner, who had arisen after his whispered conversation with Wilson, and gone poking about in the corners and behind the empty barrels and boxes, here uttered a shout which caused us all to glance in his direction. He was tugging at some object inside of a barrel, and soon brought ont a large valise, which from its apparent weight and plethoric appearance was stuffed' full. Among the securities lost by the bank in the robbery was a batch of Morgan county refunding bonds. There had been 100 of them issued, each of $1,000 denomination, and the bank bad pur-, chased the entire issue. "I have." came the answer. "Oh, then you agree to give your daughter to me. I thought you would come to time." Again there was a hurried conversation in low tones between Sonntag and some other party, who I surmised was Skinner. "Sarah, is that you?** I asked, stepping from the shadow of the porch into the moonlight. window "Xo, a thousand times no! I have come to have an accounting from you." HI* eyet staring fixedly at me. or tne walied-np cellar, and I knew J had him." Tfca sou M as hanging low, and a cool brwCe had risen. I insisted upon wa'king, much against Sarah's wish. the %oraes had hVJ a hard day in the f«Ids, and I would not allow them to be taken from the cool clover patch." The paper picked up in the cookhouse cellar, and which I now held in my hand, was one of those $1,000 bonds. "Accounting? From roe? For what, I wonder?" Jackson asked, with inso- Even thus barricaded there was nc feeling1 of safety. There was no knowing what fearful mysterj might, cotnt up through the floor from the walledup cellar beneath. "Ach ?rott, Nel. vat is it?" the good woman exclaimed, fear and excitement at bcholiliug me at this late hour caus leg her roice to tremble. lence "Perhnps you will not object to my approach. Nelson," a voice called out as a second pair of leps came down. "We are all friends, true friends," it continued. "From what you tell me now, and what I have heretofore thought ofyoui peculiar ways, I suppose I am right in surmising that you are a detective," J said. "You have broken our solemn agreement. You have removed'not only your share of what remains, but also mine. Kestore it, and you will not be injured, although we can never again resume our compact. Kefuse to do so, aud I will crush you." CITAPTEll XV, "Is your uusband awake?" I con- "Ah, that looks promising 1" ejaculated Mr. Perry, starting eagerly for* ward. KemJnd'ng the good-hearted womas : of her proir.is* to drive over to Nelsonvill" early in the morning, I started up the read to*v*rd borne. The dust had been laid by the haavy showr of the morning-; the air was bracing; the last Bong of the birds was sounding; the pstcn«** C-f woodland through which I passed tPS'e resplendent in the rays of the dying iCio, wflicb shot golden ■hafts through the leafy musses: over all were calm and peace and solitude. | Mj Koiri's answered to tJDe influence* ■ of rat nre, and in s. hajipy reftecthe : mood I proceeded on my way. In my mind one beautiful object predominated—Florence.The experience just passed through was enough to frighten anyone, iiut it was not that alone which cauBed such a complete demoralization 3f aiy ner-es and so absolute a terrorism of all my faculties. There was something more than tlie demonstration just encountered, something from within myseli. How did the boud which was stolen from the Safety Security com nan v ove*- a year ago get into the cellar of an old country house belonging to a former employe of the bank? Who could have dropped it there, and where were the rest? tinued. " You soounlr#]!" There was something so familiar in the sound of the voice that I hesitated in asrain uttering a remonstrance. "Yes, I am a detective," he quietly responded."No. indeed. He schleep like a log." flight. Kicking off my shoes. I entered A shndder ran over me at the thought of again descending into the sepulchral darkness, but there was not that horri hie fear, that unaccountable terror in the thought, which bad so completely demoralized my nerves on the forme i occasions. 1 was prepared now, was on a hot scent, the end of which promised a tangible result. At the same time, 1 fully realized the danger. 1 was alone, single-handed, against 1 knew not what odds. The valise was depositedon the floor, and the president went down on his knees, in great excitement, to fumble with the catch. "Well, wake him up. and tell him tr. hitch a team in the double wagon There will be a spec'al train come to the station withla a few hours. Have the team waiting for it. Three or foui men will get pff the train; take therr tip and drive them over to the old place just as fast as the horses can go. Will you do th's-for me. Sarah?" "We are all friends." the man said apain. as his head reached below the level of the floor. Dim though the light was upon the stairs. I recognized him immediately, and with a loud call sprang toward him. "And your name is not Ronntag?" "No. Wilson is my name. It wa? simply a stroke of chance that made me your lawyer and agent for a short time. It was necessary to be present bere, and the death of your former agent came most opportunely." "Oh. ho, you will, will you? now?" asked .Jackson, in derisive tones. "By denouncing you." Mr. Morley re- "Let me get at it," siid Wilson, While the two were endeavoring to open the bag. Skinner came to where 1 was standing, and, gazing down on the dead man, said, in soft tones: "This will go hard with the young lady." There was nothing particularly striking in his words, bnt the tone of his voice had so much genuine feeling in it that I voluntarily turned and ex- Wat; a trap laid for me? plied. sternly Looking back to the time now 1 realize bow true it is that often coming events cost their shadows before Sonntag, Skinner, Jackson, the unexplained and curious relation between these three, the walled-up -ellar, the underground passage undoubtedly lead ing to it, and so salely guarded—what could it all mean? Was Dt 'xjssiole that my old house was the receptacle of the stolen property, and Sonntag. Skinner, even Jackson, the or a portion of it, had oerpetrated the robbery ? "Now. that is useless and foolish talk. Let us reason, as between two business men." said Jackson, assuming a confidential style. "1 want to marry your daughter. At first you kept promising me that 1 should do so.- All through the five 3-cars of patient waiting for an opportunity to tap the vault, you kept me to the job by that promise. Lately you refuse to fulfill your promise, and yet you now talk to me of breaking our agreement. Give me your daughter. You know she would be influenced by "Mr. Perry! Oh. thank God, you have come!" I stepped unthinkingly on the plank at the bottom, and he came down to me and grasped my hand. "So then Jackson never suspected you?" After awhile I began to realize morn ami more that the intensity of the fea* which hud swept over me was not wl.cdy caused by the sound of the voice or the attendant circumstances. I scouted all idea of a supernatural origin; but, then, what, was it? "Yait; 1 come down," washer breath "No. At least T believe~hot." "And how did you come to suspect Jackson ?" I asked, curiously. less reply "Don't mind that. It cannot hurt you." I remarked, as the warning voice again sounded out. just as though its services were longer needed. I was anxious to be off homeward, but before I had time to become Impatient at the delay the front door opened and Sarah stepped out. Gliding noiselessly to the cellar-way. I paused and listened. Tomblike silence was about me. "By looking up his record." "Why, was he a regular criminal?" "No. Not until he robbed the bank. He used to be in the employ of a large safe manufactory as an expert on locks. When we found that out we were certain he was The man in the bank who could open the lock, when the time piece was off, without knowing the combination." tended my hand. "I hope youll forgive me," I said. "You bet." he replied, grasping my hand. "You did pretty near choke the daylight out of me, though. What a grip you've got!" he added, with a bright smile. "But then that's al] right. I'm thankful you didn't shoot. I was going to tell you who I was, aa there was no use for further concealment from you, but you didn't give me any chance." "Why was the whole affair kept from me so carefully?" I aaked. With the lovely phases of the peaceful evening appealing tc the sense, it seemed natural for toy thoughts to turn to the beloved one—to dwell on h»r goodness, her faith, ner love for "Did you understand what I told you?" I asked, hurriedly. "I know it cannot," Mr. Perry remarked, with a smile. Here Sonntap and another man brushed by us, and went to Jackson's prostrate body. Tie season of the year had arrived when the farmers had i.oout completed the garnering of an abundunt harvest, and therefore a feeling of content abounded. The countryside was overrun by tramp*, the members of the diuv ♦y f •atemity v. el! knowing that foot' was never denied a hungry man by the we'i-provisioued farmers. Ferhaps the cook-house cellar was a rendezvous for a number of tramps. I vas so eager to arrive at some explanation of the event which would have a wholly materialistic bearing that the absurdity of a man seeking a resting-place Id a damp fon! cellar, when a much more comfortable bed might be secured out at the barn amid the hay and straw, did not strike With the utmost caution, lest the old stairway should creak under my weight. L descended. The instant, nay head came below the level of the floor, a faint streak of light in the opposite wall struck my eye. The painted door was ajar. If this nag true, then there was an attempt being made to furnish some proof which would throw ?ouvictiou upon me. "A»'h, yes. Indeed." Then she repeated toy instructions at my request, so there could be no possible mistake your wish." "Will you look liere. sir?" Sonntag called, motioning for Mr. Perry to approach."Now I must hasten back. Heaver only knows what might happen during tnv absence,** I said, making a start foi "it cannot be." Anticipation of future happiness, when mv 4a-ling should be alv/ays at my sid«s should be in. mv l'*e rourdlng it out in the fullness of content, engrossed iny mind. There w«-re no cruel forbcdlngs. no forecasting of dire events, no warnings. Even the sight of the station agent. Skinner, cutting across the fields toward Sunset Hill, caused only a temporary relapse f»rDm my hauov niood. Was this ihe mystery which sur rounded me? Single-handed, how could I hope to cope successfully -*ntb it? "Ami why not? I know she doesn't like me, but I love her and want her more than anything on. earth. She'll do as you tell her; you know that Come, I'll give up not only your share of what remains, but all my own. 1 am rich now, and don't need it." Eagerly I continued downward until I came to the last step. Would the voice sound again, and thereby give the alarm? Ilow could I avoid it? "My God! Tt Is Jackson! How terrible! Is he dead? Who did it?" asked Mr. Perry, glancing up at me. "Were you compelled to shoot him. Nelson?" Did the detectives know of Mr. Morley's connection with the affair? Ii not, I could easily keep secret what 1 knew. tlie gate. Jake Hunsicker and his wife were to be depended upon as far as their judgment and ability went. J thought of Mr. Morlcy, who, being a trustee of the bank, would naturally be interested in the affair. But that gentleman's own evident troubles, and the unwillingness to add a greater load to the already overburdened man, turned me from the idea of aid from that direction. "Aeh Gott, Nel, vat is de matter, anyvays? Tell me! Is dere any harm to you?" Sarah cried after me, in such deep concern that, remembering she knew nothing at all of the occurrences at mj house, 1 came back. "I haven't time to stop and tell you everything," I said, hurriedly. "Hut 1 have found a small portion of the se eurities the bank lest by the robbery It was a bond, and I picked It up from the floor of the cook-house cellar. Some one dropped it, and when the loss is discovered will be back after it. So 1 want to be there and see who It is." "No, 1 am thankful that no man'sblood is on my hands. Although J came very near shooting him." "And yon think Jackson was alone in the affair?" I asked, with a view to ascertaining how much Sonntag, or Wilson, knew. Thought flies quickly when the mind !■ keyed up by excitement. I remern bered how on former occasions the plank at the bottom had given way beneath my weight, and how the voice had sounded immediately afte?. Was thcrt some connection between the two'. Could 1 avoid the voice by avoiding the plank? I climbed over the balustrade and reached the cellar floor at the side o) the stairs. To my intense satisfaction the silence remained unbroken. uestion, for "And who made you rich ?" -ne q some reason, emmrrassed Mr. Skinner. "I guess Wilson thought you were « it tie hot-headed, and might give the thing away by too much seal," he finally replied, hesitatingly. I regarded him oloaely, for somehow I felt sure his answer was not a true one; but he was gazing at the body at his feet in seeming sorrow. Then he shook his head, and again murmured: "I tell you this will cut the young woman op terribly." "It will indeed. And who la to teQ her!" I exclaimed, in anguish. "That is your duty, Mr. Conway. She wouldn't take it the same from anyone else as she would from you." Then he continued, earnestly: "Yea, you're the one to tell her, and the only on* who can give her any comfort—if there Is any '.to be had. Poor lady! I hope .•ou won't think me too forward in sayng that she a good deal of "Oh. you did. I don't deny it; and you have my thanks." replied Jackson, in mocking tones. "That last deal in which we were on opposite sides hap pened to turn my way, and I got the pile you dropped. That's my luck. 1 can give her as luxurious a home as she has had. Come, old man, be reasonable."Then 1 explained how Jackson had been killed. I told nothing about Mi Morley's connection with the affair They listened intently, and then Sonn tag. carrying a jimmy, went to the door He cast upon me one of his whimsical looks, and after a pause replied: "At first it seemed quite certain there was some one connected with Jackson in the affair. But now I find there wap not." If Skinner's errand was with the Morleys, Florence would undoubtedly refuse him admittance after what 1 hed told her. me. There was another one, and the thought had no sooner come iuto my bead than I proceeded to follow it up. "Will you two stand to one side?" Sonntag called out. "That shooting apparatus might go off again in getting the door open." By the time T arrived at my house th» wun had fallen the mountain;, and only the gclden rays remained in the western sky and fired the edges of the single cloud. Then, too. the place would undoubtedly lose a degree of horror if a light ivns Introduced. So. seeing that my pistol waB in my pocket, and taking the candle and some matches, I again made for the cook house. Having resolved to descend agaiu into the mysterious gloom, 1 did not allow myself to pause and think; that would mean perhaps a return of my fright. 1 must plunge into the mystery suddenly, or not at alL It was like taking u cold-water bath; the longer one waits the harder to make the plunge. Stealing cautiously from the house. I went out to the barn and saddled tht horse, mounted, and was soon tearing down the Sidington road. Here Skinner, who had been listening to our conversation, glanced quickly up at Wilson, and I saw some signal flashed between the two. "Never. You cannot have her. She despises you. and her likes and. dislikes have more weight with me than anything you could offer. Thank God. she will marry a better man tkaneithei The bundle of papers which had fallen from the dead man's grasp was picked up by Sonntag's companion and handed by him to Mr. Perry. Then thC man turned to me. and. bestowing n smile upon me at the astonishment he evidently saw depicted on my face, went to Sonntag's assistance. "Acb, he k'H you. Nell Ton't go back! You git kilt!" Sarah exclaimed. After waiting a few minutes. I was about to cross to the door, when from tlit room above came (found which set my heart wildly beating—the sound ot footsteps moving cautiously across thD floor toward the stairway. Going up through the yard. I noticed the do"r to the eoox house was nnlatched. I had been utabie. In my exploratj.ins of cherished spots of interest in boyhood days, to (rain en ♦.ranee to the cook house. Tie door had been locked, and I had not cot«- "And what may your name be? Are yap a detective, too?" I asked of Skinner.The conversation which Sonntagand myself had noted thiB morning in our endeavor to solve the mystery of the voices in my bedroom and up in the attic seemed of the greatest significance. Some property was to be removed this very night and if tne reference was to anything hidden in the cellar the removal might take place wnile I was absent on my present er- "Oh, 1 guess not. I'll look out foi that." you or. me." "Yes," he replied, simply, "I am a detective and Skinner is my name." Sarah wished to accompany me, but I told her how much greater service sh« could render by staying and seeing tlui' my instructions were fully carried out. which made her satisfied to remain. "Oh, she ■will! Not while T live. No she shall marry no one if not me," Jack vin exclaimed, in rape. Ail seemed clear to me then. A trap had been laid for me and I was caught in it. "Why did yon try to shoot me?" No wonder I was amazed. For the nvin was he who had played such n treacherous game upon Florence, had tried to shoot me. and had escaped my wrath a few minutes before—Skinner the station a pent at Sidington. "I didn't. I fired in the air. Still I did want you to think I did. It waf= for two purposes: One, to frighten you away until this affair was settled; another, to make you really down on me. You see, Jackson at last seemed to suspect me, and I thought if J could show him you were terribly down on me Jt would put me all the closer in his confidence." "And you thought that removing the stolen bonds to some secret hiding place of your own and thereby depriving me of my share would compel me to accede to your demand for my daughter's hand?" asked Mr. Morley, in great ■Idered it of sufficient importance tr ask Sonntag for the key. As 1 started homeward, the bobbinp light of a lantern was moving towan the barn, which told me Jake wasdoinp his part, and the oid fellow's unusual celerity seened an auspicious begin ning to my plan. I had left Sarah seated on the porch, whence 1 knew shC would not move until her quick eni caught the first far-off rumble of tin special. Wondering why the place should now ( be unlocked. 1 pushed theUoor open anCi entered. Inside the cook house I lit the candle and, taking the pistol from my pocket, approached the stairway. CHAPTER XVI rand The sounds of footsteps upon the landing ceased for a short time. 1 wat not afraid to cope with a single man but 1 naturally felt uu desire to liavi I wo or more upon me at once. It inigln be that Skinner had returned. 1 nerved myself for a supreme effort againsi odds, and waited for the alarm which would sound the note of warning tC the colleague in the walled-np cellar To my Burpriee no alarm was given. „ thought «. „ •ou; she was so anxioas to get yoi cleared, and kept imploring me all the time to hurry up and find the real robbers."The thought caused me to urge forward tne horse to his greatest speed, and very soon I drew near the station. Stopping a short distance away, I tied ths horse to the fence, and then cautiously approached, being careful to keep in the shadows as much as pos sible. "Ah. here Is some of it. Nelson—somt of the stolen bonds!" Mr. Perry ex claimed, in excitement. "Perhaps wf may recover all of them. I don't sup pose there is any hope of getting hncltlie money," he continued, with a sigh "Oh, well, the bonds stolen amounted \C {500,000. If we get them back, it wil be something." The recollection of a deep, dark apartment underneath, which had been usee as a root cellar during my grandfather"? time, was brought to mind oy seeing that thedoorleadingtothestairway was partly open. Obeying a sudden impulse. I entered, and, standing on the landing j gazed down into the impenetrable' gloom. About again to descend, the recollection of my first experience came to me in all tlie force of its unearthly qualities, and I was seized with a trembling fit. My knees smote together, and my hand shook so that the flame of the candle -Jvas nearly extinguished. "Partly that. There was another reason, too. I had an idea that someone was on our track, and it -was my purpose to throw proof on the or.e who waF universally considered the guilty party In case it became too hot for us." scorn "Oh, you succeeded in making him believe you were his friend?" I remarked. "Worked the pa] racket od him, eh?" Bless my dear lore's kind and true heart! And now to have her sweet young life plunged into aucfa grief and sorrow! It seemed cruel, oh, moat cruel! During the ride homeward thf thought occurred to me that perhaps I bad been too hasty in sending foi M-. Perry and the detectives. For it the stolen property or a portion of 1' shculd be discovered hidden in in; house, those who believed in my guil' might claim that I had hidden the se carities myself and. becoming fearfu of discovery or being unable to nego tiate a sale, had now taken this course to restore what remained to the bank Mr. Perry's friendship I could possible rely upon: but the detectives, who hai' all along believed I was the real crlm inal, might not be so easily convince*1 of the truth of my story. "As much as I could." The ret urn of my fear, however, made tne all the more resolved to go on. 1 gritted my teeth, and, advancing my pistol in readiness, slowly began the descent. Not a sound greeted my ears sa' e that made by my own footsteps. After reaching the bottom step I held the candle aloof and gazed expectantly The station was standing out bold and distinct in the (bright moonlight. There was not a sign of a human being anywhere around. The signal light in front of the place cast u sickly glow against the windows, in contrast to the white moonlight. "Too hot for you Mr. Morley. quietly interposrt Then he hurriedly stepped over Weai the door to watch Sonntag and Skin ner, leaving me to my thoughts. "Then you really were not treacherous to your contract with Miss Morley?"I again grasped Skinner's hand and pressed it "My Ood, how can I tell her!" I exclaimed, the tears starting to my eyes. Now. there was no reason why 1 should go down into that cellar: nevertheless a strong impulse urged me on. The footsteps again began to movi slowly forward. To lie in wait for thi newcomer at the foot of the stairs, trij him up. and so make my escape, was mj first impulse. "No, for us. I)o you suppose 1 havt been such a fool as to place myself sC completely in your power that my safe ty should depend on your whim? Noi much! If 1 am found out, be sure yoi go down with me. in spite of jour higi standing and incorruptible honor.' lackson hissed out these words witi Poor Florence! My he«rt was reni when I pictured her grief. And my promise to Mr. Morley that she shoulr never hear anything against her father to cause a diminution of her love and respect—how was I to keep thai promise, when the father lay there irD yonder room, shot to death by his partner, his tool, his pupil in crime? "Good God, no. Who could play false to her?" Skinner exclaimed, in such convincing tones that T was satisfied. "Nelson! Nelson!" As 1 cautiously proceeded a thrill. came over me, something like thai which a child feels when, impelled by 1 furiosity qualified by fear, !t is about It was Mr. Perry who called, and who came up to me with his face aglow. "As far as a hasty examination goes. 1 have reason to believe the greater part of the bonds are here, minua the interest coupons for the past year. The rascal must have converted those into cash; anyhow, they are gone." I was about to station myself in posi tion to carry out this plan when a band of light streamed down and made l round, yellow patch on the stones be low. Here Mr. Perry broke in. "Youi name will come out resplendent, Nel son, when the whole truth is known, and we will tnke care that it be known that you allowed yourself to be made a martyr of, by enduring the suspicion for the sake of aiding the search foT the real robbers. Now then, come, gentlemen. Let us go into the other place." around With pistol ready for immediate use in my hand, 1 ran swiftly forward and leaped upon the platform, 'i h«- JCDor of the station-house was locked, as were aiso the windows. By the gleam of the station light I could see the telegraph instrument inside. to venture into some unknown place The room was about 20 feet square: 1 would probably have gone to my room the flat stones with which it was paved and procured a candle had not this fear and the surrounding walls were slimy some sensation come over me. 1 laugher with moisture, and here and there re* at. myself for experiencing it- j fleeted back the light of the candle. •enom "This conversation is fruitless. Wi will change it," remarked Mr. Morley id tones wherein great effort at self control was evident. "Now, restore my |KDrtion of the bonds, and you have my word that I will not molest you. Ite fuse, and I'll grind you down in the dirt, where you belong." Thus being prevented from follow ing my plan, 1 hastily but silently with drew behind the stairs, and, crouchinj. down, breathlessly waited. Ilere another pistol-report sounded followed by an exclamation of satisfaction from Sonntag, for immediately thf door swung open. Testing erery step before trusting That was all. No human being was in my whole weight upon it. lest the tini sight, not a sign of one having been bers rotted by the danyness mighi here, give way and precipitate me headlonp At my feet a part of the stone psveto the depths below, I went slowly ! ment had |Deen removed and a plank indown into the Egyptian darkness. Mj , served. Lying neai the edge of the hand rested on the rude balustrade al! plank was a paper with some printing the way, and when it came to tlie end! on the outside, like that on n bond or I knew I was standing on the last step deed. I stepped down upon tlie plank. The bank in. which I had been employed was equipped with a private telegraph wire. In the gradual climb to tlie tellership I had at one time heir! the position of stenographer and telegrapher. IIow thtuiKful I was now for the long hard study and practice gone through to fit myself for that position! J had not forgotten how to send or re- "So it did pay you for responding ao quickly to my telegram," 1 remarked. "Your telegram!" he repeated, in surprise. "I received none." There was no recalling the dispatch however, and In the meantime something further might arise to assist nrn •Rue. So I had to be contcnt in hoping for the best. Slowly and deliberately the unlaiovp •ame down When he reached the bot om step he paused. Then tlie beam o igbt from the dark-lantern was throw i ipon the plank, and moved from side tC •ide as if in investigation. "Now, then, Mr. Conway, you can investigate this mystery," he said.com ing toward me. CHAPTER XVTI Then I explained to him, and when I had finished he said: "Why, yon see, the reason I did not receive it was that I was already at Twineburgh. Wilson telegraphed me this morning, and L came up on the noon train." Konntag—or Wilson, as I onghttocall him now—went first, with the lantern Jackson had used; Mr. Perry followed: I come next, ajid Skinner brought up the roar with another lantern. "Bluff! all hluff!" exclaimed Jack on, with a derisive laugh. "There wasi time when I wasafraid of you. but nol now. not now. You've been so very kinri is to tell what you'll do; now let mi have my say. You'll give me you? daughter, or I will denounce you. Yoi know I can do it. 1 hold absolute proof.' Which will astonish the world, yon bet Don't answer just yet. Think ovei what I am saying. I know well I mus Tail when you do. My showinp you up •lecessarily includes that. Hut yo' ire such a senseless old fool in re fusing me your daughter that it woulr be a pleasure to show you up. Resides I do love Florence, and if I can't* havC her I don't care «Chat happens to me." There must have hetni something it .Mr. Morley after this speech which dis tnrbed Jackson, for he pi(ve vent to r nervous laugh and lwicked away, so thai I could not see lihn. While Mr. Perry and Skinner were en gaged in searching for the cause of thC voice and the pistol-shots, Sonntap spoke in low, earnest tones: J stopped at the orchard below mj house and, letting down the bars, leC the horse through the long grass, Uj to the barn, so that the sound of hoof? on the harCt roadway might not servt as a warning of my approach. The secret of the plank was evidcirt ly known to the newcomer, for when le left the stairs it was bv a jump which anded him on the r.tone Uoor beyond ind thus, as in my case, the sound oi he warning voice was avoided. I am probably no more of a eoward j and again noticed that one enu than most. men. and had never been sank under my weight. Stoopafraid of darkness; but this was tlif i ing down to pick up the paper, blackest night 1 had ever been in? my ears were again assailed by the solmersed in. Beally there was a lessei emn admonition seeming to come from degree of darkness when I closed ip\ the opposite side of the cellar: "Aneyes, for then the sensations of thf other step means death. Pause before glow'.ng western sky etill lingered. you take it!" ceive a message. "Be careful and don't strike your heads against the dirt above, or some of it will come down," Wilson called back to us. As the passage was not more than three and a half or four feet in height, it was rather difficult to follow his advice. "Mr. Perry came into the office half an hour after yon left," replied Mr. Wilson. "I sent the dispatch after I left here." With the butt end of tlie pistol a pane of glass was smashed, and. reaching in through the ooening, 1 undid the lock, and in another moment was inside. "Where is the man who came dowr. after you?" he asked. I pointed toward the inner apart ment. The anii.ial had not been spared ii the journev to and from the station: but, pausing not to rub him down, I slipped a blanket over his reeking buel and sides and then quietly and cau tiousty approached the house. "How did yon know Jackson would come to the cellar to-night?" 1 asked, curiously. My fingerB trembled with excit?inent, as I threw the switch which connected the instrument with the circuit, and then handled the key. I had no opportunity then for specu lation as to the close connection be tween the plank and the voice, for tin time of danger was upon me. Tin round glow crept slowlv over the walls gradually approachingmy hiding place "What, did Jackson lock him up there? IIow did he succeed—" Then he paused, and. holding the lantern higher, thoughtfully in my face. "Dead too? You don't mean to tell me!" Standing there on the bottom step, an j unaccountable fear came over me. Crabbing the paper, I quickly resumed an upright position, and, hold- "Do you suppose Jackson did all this work himself?" I heard Mr. Perry ask. Mr. Wilson glanced around before answering. Then he sunk his voice down low, as though afraid he might be heard by the others: I did not know the rail for I'hiln de.phiu, so clicked the abbreviation "I'hil" a few times and was  iu receiving a quick r "Undoubtedly," Sonntag replied. "You see, he used to come to Nelsonvllle quite frequently. For the past six weeks he had not been seen about here. But then that is no Bign that he was not here. Probably during those six weeks he was at work. Here we are." he said, as he crawled out into the room. Probably it has been perceived froir jog the candle alDove me. gazed intentthfs history that impatience regarding 1 ly in the direction of the voice. Th«re things which seem to have a bearing va* nothing but the walla around me. on the supernatural is one of my char \Vith cautious tread I took the forbidacteristics. To feci a sensation of feai den atep. Wnen I came around the comer J was startled at discovering the darl outlines of a man's fltrare motionles: before the cook-house door. I stealth ily approached. I nodded rav head I held my pistol ready, determine* the instant the light fell upon me tC fire, aiming at a spot in the darknesf directly above it. "Lord Almighty!". Sonntag exclaimed, and then turned slowly from me and joined the two at the door. "Have you forgotten the voicea in your bedroom and up in the attic? The conversation was the moat fortunate chance that ever befell me in my whole professional career." ■espouse, "Operator—Keep this dead secret and have delivered C,uiek," I wired. The answer came bark: "O. K. tio ahead." when there is no apperent reason fot "Rack, for your life! Back, for tout It, causes disgust at, what 1 considci life!" The words were hurled at me nn unpardonable weak new*. in farcer tones than before. 80 then I determined to chastise mj J advanced anothei step, and still cowardice by keeping on and twplor Hv*Dd. Waiting a few moments, with at- Ing that dark hole. I "would riot allow tentkin strained tc, fix the sjDot whence myself to beat an ignominious retreat t 1m* voice sounded, and being (riven no simply because a sensation of fear in further warning 1 began by thC; light clined me to such a course. : 0f tj)(. candle to search the place a lose- I took the last step, and my feet1 )y with my eyes. Wherecould the voice rested on what seemed to be a loiwf ! have come from? Ho possible hidingplank, which gave way a few :ni.Ee.i-; place appeared; nothing but the bare under mv weight. From the feeling j walls. lie must have heard me. for hC glanced around, and by his actioi brought his face in the full light o' the moon. "Mr. Conway, come here," Mr. Perry called to me. "See," he said, when 1 came up, "here is the voice." But the plow suddenly died n\vn\ and total darkness again reigned. Tin footsteps went lightly across the flooi and soon the crack of light in the op posite wall widened. "Ob, then, you think Jackson was one of the parties holding the conversation?" 1 asked. "Renj. F. Perry, 14S9 Ridge field Av»„ Phils.., Pa.r Come quick to Sidingon On one side of the door was a wooden box, in w hich was a phonograph. It was Skinner, that treacherous cow ard. My animosity toward the fellov was not lessened by the fact that he was prow.jug about xny place, and I hopD Go«' will pardbr me for the murderous spirit that arose in my heart. It lent wings to my feet, and in a few bound: 1 was upon him. Mr. Perry followed quickly, and 1 heard him exclaim, in tones of horror: "What in heaven's name is that?" ► "Now, don't act like a rool, old man und do anything—" x "You observe this wire," began Skinner. "It is attached to the instrument, and runs down seemingly in the ground. Now I'll go and step on the plank and see if the wire is not move* and the phonograph set a-going." lit did so, and a clock-work arrangement was set in motion which communicated with the instrument. "Assuredly. Has not the result proved that?" he replied. The fellow paused but nil instant be fore the wide open door, and then, as eummg a croucliirg position, cnterei into the region beyond. Before Jackson could finish a pistol Wilson placed the lantern on the floor and bent down over the prostrate body of Mr. Morley. iliot rang out "But then, who—who could have been the other?" I asked, with great fear and dread. This was immediately followed by two other reports. 3\ir. Morley had evidently missed the first time, and lib secoud shot soundetf simultaneously with Jackson's return fire. lie hnd had his back toward me, am' the light, coming from the walled-up cellar through a narrow, low passage way leading to it, was faint.; but my heart took u sudden bound from the glimpse of that form, fleeting and in distinct though it was. Here was u new element entering into the mysterx which surrounded me. For a moment amazement, wonder, held me spell bound. Then, rising from my hiding place, 1 swiftly went to the door, which the person who had just entered hail left wide open. "Why, were there two? Is he dead, too?" Mr. Perry went on. "This is terrible!—a most horrible affair! Who can it be?" Wilson drooped his head and seemed to be considering hia reply. rvben he saw he could rot escape he tun*o quickly and raised his arn !r. defense. He started to say some thing, but I choked the words in his throat, for his arms could not stop me My fingers were steel, and closed about his wind pi oe with the grip of a vise. "Impossible to answer that question," he finally said, reluctantly. "And I don't know as there is any cause for either you or me ever to refer to that conversation. You see. a detective feels sensitive at not being of insecurity this brought to rne. J, Moving the candle about, it struck me thrust out my foot to feel my way be fhat there was a space 'n the -*.-h11 opfore proceeding1 farther. posite whieb did not reflect back the Before I could take a step forward iigh\ which did not have over ft the however, from somewhere ir that tomb- j Hank gTeen ooze. When I approached like darkness, in deep, solemn tones, nearer, two tracks running parallel Bounded a voice: j perpendicularly, and about tvo feet "Another step means death. Pause J apart, became apparent.  before you taAe it! , over the intervenfng' space, ami found To say that I was simply startled smooth. A close examination rewould not be true I was paralyzed VfDa|ed to rne iat seemed to be some with fear. Mv hair bristled up. mj nd Qf a wooden, door, rudely painted heart bepfan a trip-hammer action, and j-eoresert *he s'irroundinp stone the Wood surged to my head it a lien- I waiis." Brt there was no sipn of bolt, tide. ' latch or h.'nge. If this was a door it liack, for your life!' apnin sounded nil,st Hose with a spring lock which the voice, tlds time in sterner tones. was on jj,e other side. But tli°n how "Back, for | wa8 jt opened? Bappingupon the wood But I stayed not tohearmore. Nevei | produced a hollow sound. T'ndonbtedhad that stairway been ascended in: jT tbere was solrft kind of apartmerit greater haste. I fairly tumbled up behind it. Then Mr. Morley staggered before the passageway. His arms were upraised, and the hands worked convulsively. "Let us see what pulls the wire," said The elder detective silently motioned to Skinner, and together they gently turned the body over. Mr. Perrv We went over to the plonk. and saw that Skinner had raised it bo we could look underneath. There was a steel spring under one end, which was compressed when u weight was put upon the plank. The compression operated a lever w hich pulled the wire attached to it. The wire ran through an iron pipe under the stones toward the phonograph, the pther end being fustened tc the clock apparatus as we had already The president leaned down, and then started buck. Consternation, doubt, atnaxement, horror, were on his face as he glanced from one to the other of us. He made a great effort to speak, but no sound came from his lips, except a deep groan asi he fell forward) fuli length. And there he lay, motionless bis face resting on the hurd floor. "You scoundrel, I've got a double charge against you. and I'll take my pay new," 1 snarled, between my clenched Continued on page four. NATlg^W ■T o( lD« 6lobe for F rheumatism! I «t»n»T Complaint*, I and prepared under the stringent U MEDICAL LIVS,^ by eminent phr«kDM»i^PM In) DR. RICHTOTS C11 W" ANCHOR VPAIN EXPELLERK ■ World renowned! RemarfcmHr—'i«,f fal! || ■Only genuine with Trad* Mark" Aacfcir/'M ■ K. Ad. Blrhtrr*C«.DtlaPrart8C, New 1 jlMEST AWARDS.^ & 50c. Endorsed ft recommended »y JB ; Farrer A Peck. 30 Lazerae Areaae, ». C. Qlu-k, SO North Maia St. H Hoack, 4 North Main r) Pltttaton, Pa. I ««ANCHOR" STOMACHAL beat for I "Sylvester Morley!" lie finally gasped. "Impossible!" Then he leaned over the body again. "It looks very much like him, very much like him." he whispered, glancing down at Wilson, who gravety nodded his head. teeth, In n moment Jackson was bending over him. The look of horror, of fear of dread in his face as he arose from beside the prostrate body told a tale of 1 lie squirmed and struggled, his hands drifting my wrist*, in the vain en deavcr to tear loose from my grasp. The faint light from the room beyond was almost blotted out by the man'f form, as ha went slowly along the low narrow passage. Jle could not proceed without making some noise, and I saw. a startled f'»ce appear at the other end I could hardly repress a cry of astonishment.Boon one of his arms dropped to his side, and he seemed to be nearly over come, for 1 felt his body gradually sinking down. The next 'pstunt there wns • cold object thrust apainst my temple murder With nervous haste lie picked up the papers which had fallen from ills hand and. throwing a hasty glance around 'fiiied the lantern and entered the passageway, intent on instant flight. eeen "What? You mean it is Morley—this body Morley's ? Great God in Heaven f" An arrangement like that which operates the phonograph was also usetl Jo* the revolver, which was tlxed ptmve it, the muzzle pointing to the email hole in the luortar between two stones. The spring, however, which caused the explosion of the pistol, was fastened on the; inner side of the dPW. and so arranged that either a pressure on the door or an adverse force compressed it. We stood silently around the body for some time, none of us willing to utter a word. Byt the realization of wbat the father's death, and in such a violent way, would meat; to Florence had been growing stronger and stronger in my mind, and 1 finally broke down under it, covered my face with ray hands and groaned aloud- "Back for your Hilt" on J. & M. division Mid-Trunk Pv. Oet spyiial train; detent* ves. Hecovery of stolen funds and arrest of thieves in question. IDo not fa and an ominous click sounded in m. ears. Anyone who has had the muzzh of a pistol meaning business thrus into his face will understand my sensa The light in the room was at one side of the passage; il shone full upon the fellow and revealed the form and face of Horace Jackson. In one hand he held a bundle of papers, and he appeared too dnmfounded to move. The man he was watching reached the end of the passage and stepped into the apartment bthide htm. Too horrified to think what course tc pursue, I backed away from the door and took n position near the stairs. using my hands as well as my f«et~ j \vfrat was It n»ed for, and where did I ausing not to close the cook-housr Was there a passage way door, I made a wild rush for my room behind the floor leading to the walledintent on the one only purpose of np ceUar un(]tDr fcedroom? This escaping from the unknowa terror of wa8 p-o(jabIe, a« tiie door was in the that horrible voice. I closed my bed- j wa]j nearest the main building room door after I had entered, and Some one had gone through the door bolted it. Then I threw mysell intc on the night of my arr'-a. and startled the nearest chair ar.d covered my face pistol shot at my reflect'on, had with my hands. j ajjoweC] it +0 siam. For some time I remained so, limp Standing before the plaoe ar.d reasonpowrlees and completely unnerved. {njf thap to n.ySelf, j noticed a  The night had fallen when I again aole betweei two stones at aborrt the Jaekad ua and mv roomwandcouded neieht of my chest. Ke«U(u? one hand Am Jackson eutered the eel lar, and, placing the lanvern upon the floor, closed the door. Then he turned and peered about. The start he gave and the alarm on his face told me I was discovered. He had his pistol st'll in his hand, am! started to raise his arm "No, 110," 1 cried; "keep that hand all alone. Nelson Conway." I followed this tip by another request to have it delivered immediately, to wnich the short but gratifying eane: "Ydu bet- iJood tion I instantly let go my hold and fel back a few steps. So sudden hnd beet the chnnge in Skinner from the de fensive to the aggressive that for 1 moment I forgot about my pistol. Whei 1 did think of it and got througl fumbling in my pocket, the rascal ha* fled around the side- of the house whither 1 followed. He succeeded ir eluding me, however. Even had I dis covered him, 1 would not have fired. I' was not mv nurpose to i%is* a disturb My leaning the weight of my hand against the door when I had stooped down to peer into the hole had operated the spring, as had Jackson's body  he hacked from me. Soon I felt a touch on my arm. Glancing up. I saw Mr. Perry standing beside me. response luck!" "It is a most terrible affair. Nelson: but never mind, my boy," he said, softly, in an attempt at comfort. Ilis next words told me. however, that be did not know the real cause for my grief. "I know how you must feel to have a horrible event like this happen on your place. But you are cleared, at any rate. The operator evidently comprehended the full meanings of my dispatch. Indeed, anyone who had resided in Philadelphia at the time of the robbery, reading that message, would know us mealing.I was eager to verify my first impression. which the glimpse of the newcomer's back had given me. hut immediately upon his entrance into the walled cellar he stepped to one side, ont of the l'ne of vision. down!" He saw 1 had him covered with my revolver, and he obeyed my com- ! mand for the moment. But I knew that he was a desperate man and would not hesitate to throw his life away in the t/i pwutm f*»t-4» I Usctilv "Clever rascal, that Jackson, and a patient one," remarked Sonntag. "Then you know he robbed the bank?" 1 asked. "Oh, yes. we knew it, and have known it for some time." Sountag said, dryly. The short term repressing good wl'l. Jackson's eyes followed him, and