The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-21

secrets his tail, which was utterly foreign
20 MS disposition. and as the house, es-
pecially at midnight, was a hotbed of queer
sounds, and my inclination to desert a
MssM nre :h.;t thrilling story and hos
deserted regions above was only half
formed Dandy suffered in proportion.
But novel must have an end. and half lit
cigar and a troubled conscience are never
very companionable. So | had already
my couch. and had just extinguished one of
the lamps, when the rattle of approaching
wheels on the gravel drive betokened either
the oolonePs return, or an unusually late
visitor.
Startled most assuredly felt for, barring
turn for at least two hours. and besides he
had sipnified his intention of patronizing
the Swansea Arms rather. I presumed,
than run the risk of another tete-a-tete
with me. And what rather increased my
agitation was the fact that Dandy" usual
OF barking or evlncing any manifestation OF
Joy. merely whined and bolted ont of the
door into the cold and gloomy reception
nall. AS this. however, might have arisen
from fear that the colonels return would
unquestionably mean visitation of his
Just wrath on his canine head for hav-
ing dared to intrude within the sacred linn
its. thought nothing more of it, but in
splred with somewhat similar sensation
OF guilt threw my cigar stump into the dy
ing embers of the fire, and not without
certain misgivings heightened, perhaps, by
the very feeble rays of q single lamp, at
once proceeded to investigate who this
nocturnal visitor might be.
On reaching the hall the solemn silence
seemed oppressive, and all idea of it being
the colonel vanished, for he certainly would
have made his presence known and fur
hoN nd uo,, 30,
of the occupants. would have given some
sort of oral proof of their immediate pres
ence. The very ticking of the great hall
clock seemed oppressive. and by way of
cheering myself Icalled Dandy. but dismal
whine and furtive scratching of his bushy
tail on the oaken floor at the very farther
est end of the great hall, alone indicated
his unwilling presence.
Cold beads of perspiration stood out on
my forehead, as with nervous hands drew
the heavy bolt, and opened the door just
far enough for gust OF frosty air to ex-
enabled me to distinguish the tall figure of
a man closely mutfled up, standing so near
to the aperture that his foot crossed the
threshold almost before could have closed
the door again, even it my nerves would
have permitted the effort.
sis Col. Scott at homer" The voice
seemed unpleasantly familiar, and betok-
ened an air of authority quite III keeping
with the erect figure and collected tone Of
the speaker.
1.-The colonel is away and will not be
back until morning." replied, at the same
time somewhat surprised to observe that
the carriage had disappeared.
well, l presume as near relative of
Col. Scott's may rely upon his hospitality
for nights lodging, especially rs l have
come long distance to see him at his in
vitation."
The disadvantage of the colonel's alb
through my mind, but it was far too cold
night to stand parleying with even a burg
lar at the hall door, besides the glimpse
had obtained of my visitor convinced me
that l had the advantage of youth and
strength. Therefore with hasty apology
for the abssncs of light l ushered him
forthwith into the now darkened room, and
as he coolly Invested himself of muller and
coat threw few logs on the fire and was
about to relight the lamp when he inter-
rupted me by saying:
pray do not trouble yourself. think
this half light infinitely preferable"
Whether it was n change in his voice, or
the fact he had SO aptly echoed my own
sentiments that made me draw nearer to
him cannot say, but although the flicker
ity of studying his face, nevertheless as he |
sank back into the easy chair l had been |
fancied the man seemed smaller |
and certainly the face looked older and the |
voice less deep.
He was apparently man of fifty-one or |
Two. with iron-gray hair and good features, |
although somewhat cynical and selfish |
look about the mouth married what would |
have passed as good type of