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28 man. I left him as he lay, and going to his safe, rifled it of its contents.

These are mine," I said to him.

'I took the pistol from his fast stiffening grasp, and looked down its dark mouth. "There are five bullets left; one you have already given me; these also are mine." As I stood a loud shout came at the door, and many hands pushed it open. The room was full of people. With a glance they gave their verdict, for my uncle was a rich man.

Murder!" they cried. "There stands the murderer—lynch him, lynch him!"

'I saw outside the fair sky and sweet summer, and at the door my uncle's horse ready for a journey. I sprang through the open French window, and was off. I struck the frightened groom's hands from the bridle, and springing to the saddle, bid the steed go.

'I had not gone a mile when the thunder of horses behind showed I was pursued. I emptied the revolver in the crowd, and flung the weapon at the head of a man who dared to stand in my path. So I was weaponless. But I had my horse.