THE BUTCHERY AT CHALK LEVEL.
Terror-stricken at the casting into the vault of his master's son and the destruction of the lock, Mr. Harris stared in bewilderment at the prison-vault, aware that the boy might suffocate before workmen could open the doors.
Even the dire threat of repeating the robbery failed to arouse him and no heed did he pay as Jesse picked up the bag of plunder and walked calmly from the building, with his pal at his side.
But the pistol shot had been heard!
In his yard across the street, a man had been setting out flowers.
As the report rang out from the bank, he glanced toward it and beheld the desperadoes, their pistols pointed at the cashier.
Dropping his gardening implements, the man rushed into the house to get his shotgun, bravely intending to go to the assistance of Mr. Harris.
"What is it, Henry?" asked his wife as she noticed the scared expression on her husband's face as he ran for his weapon.