Part 35 (1/2)

Telegraph co to police business So it was not long ere the operator's receiving instruan to click with the local call

The first dispatch that the operator passed out through the grated as addressed to Powell Seaton, and signed by the chief at Beaufort It read:

Thank you for information Have wired chief of police, Mocalee

The second telegra almost instantly, was addressed to the chief of police of Mocalee It ran:

Arrest Anson Dalton, wanted by U S authorities on charge of s Powell Seaton will point hiet all Dalton baggage Hold for orders

”That's all I wanter know,” said Hunter, laconically, biting off the end of his straw and spitting it out ”Lead ht to warn you that he's a desperate fellow,” raph office together

”I've seen that kind before,” nodded Mr Hunter, curtly

”Pardon me, but I notice you carry a club Dalton will undoubtedly have a revolver, and he's likely to be ugly enough to attempt to use it,” explained Mr Seaton, apprehensively ”May I ask if you have a pistol, too?”

”I always carry all the tools I need,” answered Jiun on en'rally look”

There was an air of quiet, forceful reserve about this Florida policeman that made Powell Seaton feel more confident that the business in hand would not be defeated for lack of preparation They made their way quickly to the hotel

Anson Dalton and his soft-voiced coh evidently near the end of their nal from his captain, had left the table Hank had donned his rain-coat again, and was noaiting in the corridor leading to the stairs, in case Dalton should pass that way

A h the office and out onto the porch

[Illustration: The Table Struck Hunter A when Halstead, seated where he could see out into the office, saw Seaton and a stranger enter

”Now, the

”There he is, officer--the dark one!” cried Powell Seaton, leading the way into the dining roo in the direction of Anson Dalton, whose eyes flashed fire Trained in a hard, desperate school, Dalton was fuller of tricks than the police chief had expected

As Hunter rushed at him, Dalton forcefully pushed one of the small tables toward him It struck Hunter a Mocalee's police force sprawling to the floor

”You can't stop me--you shall not!” roared Anson Dalton Heto the office Swift as he was, Toet that red bag--and he'll put up a fight with a pistol!” flashed through the youngis concerned”

Diving into the coat-room, the door of which stood open, Halstead was in season to snatch up the bag He turned, to find Dalton rushi+ng at hi under, Tom eluded Dalton, and darted across the office

”Let soritted Halstead, inwardly ”What ant !”

It was all done so quickly that Skipper To open the door into the corridor, before Anson Dalton bounded after him