e girl's expression was an outraged wonder and a great terror. In the
man's was a half-shamed pride, as if he exulted in the strength with
which he had been able to maintain his will against her supreme effort
to overthrow it.

"You can't go," Garson said sharply. "You might be caught."

"And if I were," Mary demanded in a flash of indignation, "do you think
I'd tell?"

There came an abrupt change in the hard face of the man. Into the
piercing eyes flamed a softer fire of tenderness. The firm mouth grew
strangely gentle as he replied, and his voice was overtoned with faith.

"Of course not, Mary," he said. "I know you. You would go up for life
first."

Then again his expression became resolute, and he spoke imperiously.

"Just the same, you can't take any chances. We'll all get away in a
minute, and you'll come with us." He turned to the men and spoke with
swift authority.

"Come," he said to Dacey, "you get to the light switch there by the hall
door. If you hear me snap my fingers, turn 'em off. Understand?"

With instant obedience, the man addressed went to his station by the
hall door, and stood ready to control the electric current.

The distracted girl essayed one last plea. The momentary softening of
Garson had given her new courage.

"Joe, don't do this."

"You can't stop it now, Mary," came the brisk retort. "Too late. You're
only wasting time, making it dangerous for all of us."

Again he gave his attention to carrying on the robbery.

"Red," he ordered, "you get to that door." He pointed to the one that
gave on the passageway against which he had set the chair tilted. As the
man obeyed, Garson gave further instructions.

"If any one comes in that way, get him and get him quick. You
understand? Don't let him cry out."

Chicago Red grinned with cheerful acceptance of the issue in such an
encounter. He held up his huge hand, widely open.

"Not a chance," he declared, proudly, "with that over his mug." To avoid
possible interruption of his movements in an emergency, he removed the
chair Garson had placed and set it to one side, out of the way.

"Now, let's get to work," Garson continued eagerly. Mary spoke with the
bitterness of defeat.

"Listen, Joe! If you do this, I'm through with you. I quit."

Garson was undismayed by the threat.

"If this goes through," he countered, "we'll all quit. That's why I'm
doing it. I'm sick of the game."

He turned to the work in hand with increased energy