Cheer Boys Cheer: The Boys' Journal, No. 62 — page 31: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ll murdered! And you aren’t one of them?’ he asked, holding the light forward for a better view. “TJ don’t know. who you are talking about, but you aren’t likely to be hurt by me,*’ said Jim reassuringly. “‘Tve been hunting for a friend of mine who has disappeared be A wild exclamation interrupted him, and the lantern bobbed about as though it meant falling from the holder’s shaky hand. “They’ve attacked you ?”’ the elderly man cried, in terror. ‘I shall be the next—I know I shall! For pity’s sake, my good sir, come to the assistance of a weak, old man whose Iife is in danger. Two months ago my house was’ attacked. Now they mean to finish their work and me, too! Come to my house, sir, I implore you, and protect me from this awful danger !” Jim began to suspect he was dealing with a lunatic, but the man’s fright was genuine enough, and he begged so pitifully for assistance that the lad felt undecided. Paul was missing, the police were coming, and he must see them. On the other hand, this old man—— “Look here, sir,”” Jim said suddenly, “wait here five minutes, and I’ll come back, and, if it’s any comfort to you, Pil go with you. But the police—-” “The poliee !’? interrupted the man. “T’ve sent for them. I came out now to make sure the man I sent had gone. And thank you, young sir, for the promise !”’ ‘Wait until I get back,” said Jim. Then he ran back to the camp. The police were coming, anyway; that was good. Ne harm would result if an officer came to find it d s he hac es I back of an envelope “Come to the house behind the wood—TI shail be there,”’ signed his name, put the envelope in a cleft stick. which he set up near the tent, and returned to the elderly man. Through a door in the fence and across extensive and well-kept grounds he accompanied the old man, who was chattering all the time about his fears of thieves and his own peril. At last they reached the house—one of old- fashioned design—and Jim entered with his guide. Here the latter recovered himself somewhat, and talked freely, although all about his own troubles, and with no interest in listening to Jim. He did not even offer the latter any refreshment. He was the owner of the house; he lived there with several servants, and he was beset by the con- stant fear of robbery and personal ill- treatment. Ultimately—and Jim was not very sorry—he said he would go to bed. As an afterthought, he showed Jim a room where he, too, might sleep. But sleep was not for Jim; he didn’t even undress, but sat in an easy-chair, thinking about poor Paul Holmes. Where was his chum? What had hap- pened to him? Jim shuddered at the awful fear of his chum’s death, of which he could not rid himself. Camp- ing holidays with Paul he had had before, and some wild adventures; but never anything like this. All at once Jim’s gloomy meditation was interrupted by a noise. He heard a sound as of a chair knocked over, and, a few seconds after, a door shut abruptly. He sat up, Hstening. Other sounds followed. Stepping to his door, he opened it softly, and put out his head. Outside was a corridor, black as a coal-cellar and uncarpeted,- Very distinctly Jim CHEER BOYS CHEER. heard someone in stout boots trying to walk softly across the bare wood. The thieves the old man feared so much had surely broken into the house ! Without stopping to put on boots, Jim stepped out. If this were a burglar—and he could distinguish but one prowler—Jim would enjoy a turn- up with him. He might even be one of the brutes who had helped to get rid of Paul. At the thought Jim shut his teeth hard and clenched his fists. Followed minutes of silent work, the prowler succeeding in moving with less noise than before, and Jim with the silent stealth of a wild Indian. He was keyed up for a fight and wanted it quick. The corridor ended in a broad, square As the candle-light fell upon the struggling captive, Jim started forward 3h “What is it?’ he whispered. “I heard something, and came up. Are they here?’ : : “JT don’t know,” Jim whispered back. ‘‘ But a fellow has just come out of a room on the corridor, and, when he heard me behind him, bolted into that room!” And he indicated where the man had hidden. ‘Came out of your corridor! Then that must be the wretch we captured this evening! How did he get loose? And I did warn Williams to tie him up tightly !’” “A man you’ve kept prisoner?” ¥ asked Jim, in wonderment, for nothing had been said of this. “Yes; found him waiting to get inte SS, Sens = == => es and gazed at him in unspeakable surprise. landing, with a narrow stairway in one corner. But this the burglar seemed not to know, for a small window in the end wall, through which the moon shone faintly, revealed him to Jim, standing irresolute. He might or might not be aware of the staircase; but Jim was not going to risk it. He broke into a run, to get hold of the man before he could escape. But as his feet thudded dully upon the floor, the waiting man turned hur- riedly, made a rush at a door, threw it open, and bolted into the room, bang- ing the door behind him. Jim was about to dash at the door “when, at the head of the stairway, candle in hand, appeared the owner of the house, wide-eyed with horror, the house. Didn’t I tell you he was shut up here? Room next but one to yours. That’s why I sent Jones for the police.” “Well, he’s loose now, and I’m going in to tackle him,” said Jim. “Wait until I call Williams, young sir, for the chap we captured is a most desperate and violent ruffan. He nearly killed Williams!” “He won't kill me. Here goes! Stop him if he belts out past me!” Driving open the door, Jim went in with a rush. ‘The fellow was there all right, and Jim heard the scuttering of his feet as he backed to the wall; but to see anything was out of the ques- tion. Banging the door behind him, See hs eee (Alaina ylial avayvo| Ee Gomichbooks« = a es Im