Ted had thought out these two possibilities thoroughly. He had no doubt
that there were many valuables in the house, for the woman was reputed
rich, secretive, and probably kept her personal property about her. From
what the major had said the husband, Mowbray, evidently had been cast
off by Helen Mowbray on account of his rascalities, and, being a bird of
prey, would swoop down upon her property as soon as he learned of her
death.
Could it be that Burk was holding the house awaiting Mowbray's arrival?
With these thoughts running through his mind Ted had gone around to the
back of the house to find, if possible, something with which to smash in
the door.
In a shed he found a sledge, and returned to where the major was still
arguing with the guard inside.
"Open or we'll break in the door," called Ted, in a stern voice.
"Take the advice of a fool, and leave the door alone," answered the
guard.
"Then, for the last time, will you open?"
"No."
Ted swung the sledge and brought it down with all his strength on the
lock of the door.
There followed a crash, and the door flew open suddenly.
Then came another crash; this time from a revolver, and a ball whistled
past Ted, penetrating the brim of his hat and burying itself in the door
casing.
But it was not repeated, for before the guard could wink twice a
tan-colored figure shot through the opening, and he fell to the floor
with a smash that shook the house, and looked up to find a stalwart
youth astride of him, slowly shutting off his wind with strong and
inexorable fingers.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181