The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-07-28

turning from the bedside of his rela- tive, and it occurred to Robert that the man had the key to the plate chest, and that it would be we'll to secure it.
 Robert opened his door and looked out. The next moment he found him. self sprswling on the floor, the result of a heavy blow delivered by some blunt instrument. Fortunately the main force of the blow had been ex- pended on the door -jamb, and, although Robert was stunned for the moment, he speedily recovered his senses and was able to follow his assail- ant, who seemed now to be engaged in forcing a door that opened into the further end of the corridor-the door that led into Mrs. CarmichePs apart ments.
 Just as he had succeeded in his pur- pose-which was executed in such noisy, careless manner as to show that the marauder was reckless ot conse- ouences and intended to silence his victims in the shortest and surest manner; just as the door was forced and cry of alarm was heard from within-Robert grappled with the burglar and brought him to the ground. A short but terrible struggle ensued, in which Robert proved the stronger of the two, and knelt upon his antagonist, grasping him firmly by the throat.
 Denise, pale and disheveled, came forward with light. It was Basset who lay there, writhing and strug- gling on the ground. When Robert saw this he loosened his hold, and giv- ing the man a contemptuous shake, bade him get up.
 "I give in, sir," said the man, sul- lenly. "You've got me right enough. There's nobody in it but me. gave the old lady dose to keep her quiet; but she'll wake up all right" But, outspoken as he was, the man showed plenty of cunning. "You can't have me for burglary" he said; "there was no breaking in. It's only assault with intent, after all. You'd best let me go."
 "And what shall find ill the plate chest?" asked Robert.
 The man laughed defiantly:
 "There's fine collection of brick bats, I expect"
 Eventually it was only for making free with the plate chest that Basset was arraigned, and he was let off with six months hard labor, at the end of which he was free to pursue his sport ing career. But an account of the af- fair, magnified by rumOr, soon reached Lady Jones, who came from Highgate at the utmost speed to which the stout coachman could be persuaded to urge his fat horses. She found Robert with his head bandaged up and looking pale and interesting, but extremely comfortable, with Denise waiting upon him assiduously, and the chill dren doing their best to amuse him. Lady Jones was full of contrition for having given him "those wretehes," the Bassets, to look after him; and there was complete reconciliation all round, while three or four times day messengers would arrive from ''The Willows" laden with hot house grapes, flowers and other luxuries for the benefit of the invalid and his attend ants. When Robert was cured of his hurt thero came an urgent invitation from "The Willows" Mrs. Carmichel was to go and spend few weeks there with her children, while Robert would be equally welcome at "The Elms," and those dreadful rooms might be shut up for while till the establishment could be reorganized. Denise accepted the invitation for all parties. But there was some sadness at leaving, for it was evident that Denise would re- turn no more to Bloomsbury, and both she and Robert had been happier during the past few months than they cared to confess. Lady Jones had ar- ranged state dinner-party for the day of their arrival, and at the last moment, Robert received a note from Lady Jones. "An unexpected guest will arrive-prepare Denise and your self for great, and, hope, an agree able surprise" Denise read the note over Roberts shoulder, and turned pale with apprehension.
 All was gay and festive at "The Will lows" that night as Lady Jones' guests were gathered in her drawing room, awaiting the summons for dinner. But there was no startling presence so far; only the old familiar faces were there, although Lady Jones, mysteri- ous and anxious, was evidently wait ing for some favored guest. At last, however, she ordered dinner to be served; but when the guests had taken their places, it was observed that vacant chair was reserved on the right hand of the hostess, while she had arranged that Mrs. Carmichel should be placed between Mir. Nes- bit and the ominous blank. Clara had fallen to Roberts share. while