Page:9009 (1908).djvu/166

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9009

him, peering still in the direction from which he had doubled. Then, in successive furtive rushes, he slid back to the alley and crouched in the narrow gut between cook-house and bakery, waiting.

He had accomplished three things by these movements. By shooting the guard upon the wall, he had aroused the whole prison, including all the other guards; by his feigned rush to the wall, he had determined just to what point these awakened guards should throw themselves in the first impulse of the alarm; by his circuitous doubling back, he now stood where they must all pass.

In spite of his running, he was breathing steadily; his muscles were like steel; and he was absolutely sure of himself, of his power to kill. He laid down his rifle and drew his revolver. He waited there, all alone with his purpose, peering out of the black gut. The whole prison, now, was buzzing about him like a beehive. Shouts sounded, gruff, like orders. A guard passed by on the run, his face very red; two more, putting on their coats as they ran; a whole

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