A DOUBLE MURDER—AN UNCEREMONIOUS VISIT.
There was the slightest possible movement at the foot of the bed, and then, just as the mining company's treasurer was about to pull the trigger, a blow descended on his breast, and he fell over dead, bathed in his own heart's blood.
His wife heard the blow, heard the revolver drop from his hand, and felt the jar as her husband fell dead by her side.
A cry of fear and agony arose to her lips; but ere she could give it utterance, a hand closed about her throat, and speedily she lost all consciousness.
"It vos all right now, Parney. You can sthrike a light as soon as you vant to," whispered Jake cheerfully. "These two von't give us no more trouple."
Barney hastened to light a candle, and then, having cautioned Jake to lock the bedroom door, entered the inner room, and began a careful examination of the safe.
It had not a combination lock, and he had only to find the key to be able to open it with the greatest ease.
An instant's reflection satisfied him that the key would most probably be in one of the dead man's trousers pockets.
Hurrying back, therefore, into the bedroom, he looked around for that useful article of wearing apparel.
He soon found it, and in the right-hand pocket found the key on a bunch with a dozen others.