The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-12-21

room, though the curtains and draDeries
hung around hid the bed and bewildered
me at first.
A soft light was diffused through the
apartment by lamp OF strange con-
struction, that stood upon a table, the
legs Of which were made OF long ele-
plants tusks.
Around me were thousand things
marking the tastes of the man who had
fitted the room I'D.
These dId- not draw my attention now
beyond a sweeping glance.
turned to Mr.. Ketcham, who had 81
lently entered the room, closing the door,
and stood beside me.
@You are wondering why I brought
you here, Doctor?"
y admit it, sir"
Before we 60 any further I wish to
say few words. In my experience you
can well understand ! have seen some
strange things, many Of which bordered
on the impossible, and yet, Doctor, l can
solemnly assure you, that in this room
have come across one, which, all things
considered, promises to be the most pro-
found mystery that has ever crossed my
path"
started at his words.
Their impressiveness lent new inter-
est to the affair.
The lamp fickered, as q light draught
from an open window struck 1t.
took step in that direction, with
the intention of closing the window, but
comprehending my intention, the de-
tective laid hand on my arm.
"Leave it open, Doctor. / have b
reason for such thing. 1t affords me
clue to the crime"
Crime!
Then some evil deed had been done
marder perhaps!
/ set my sachels down, ready for busi-
ness when the detective chose to act
He dropped into chair.
"Turn the lamp up, Doctor"
examined the remarkable lamp, that
certainly had been imported, for its like
had never been seen in this country be-
fore, and finding out that q touch on
little silver ball was all that was neces-
sary, soon accomplished his desire.
"NoW, please step over to the bed
wonder, and quietly draw back the cur
tain"
his voice was calm, but could detect
an undercurrent o. excitement in it
something hal never imagined man OF
his iron nerve ard in1exible purpose al
lowed himself to indulge in.
My thoughts were running riot as ad-
vanced toward the tapestries that served
as curtains to the bed.
What was about to meet my eyes?
Was there horrible sight presented
behind that screen?
The rich Oriental figure Of the tapes
try to my excited gaze seemed to be-
come writhing mass Of silver and gold
serpents twining about each other, and
the rustling OF the autuHn-tinted feaves
outside the open window resolved itself
into their kissing.
With an effort of my will laid hold
upon the curtain.
"Draw it back, Doctor" said Mr..
Ketcham, quietly.
did so.
The curtain was hung upon rings that
glided along silver rod attached to the
side of the canopy overhead, for the bed,
although massive and richly carved, was
Of an antique pattern.
1t WAS occupied.
Upon She pillow rested the head Of an
elderly man, with snow-white beard
and grand face, which seemed stamped
with the seal of death.
In that minute of silence felt that 1
could hear the beating of my heart,
while the ticking OF the little ormolu
clock upon the ebony secretary Ill one
corner of the chamber sounded as the
pounding of great hammer.
For short space Of time ! gazed al
most in stupefaction at the face OF the
dead.
Then, breaking from the spell that
mad come upon me, started back with
low cry.
Mr.. Ketcham sat there by the table,
his hand toying with a paper cutter in
the form of a dagger, and his eyes fixed,
not on me, but upon certain spot upon
the ceiling.
This was a favorite attitude OF his,
and he assumed it generally when cross
questioning man.
Then. again, he had a way Of bring
Ing those keen orbs Of his suddenly to
bear upon the face Of the party opposite
him, and at such times they seemed to
blaze and pierce into the very soul, as
though he strove to read ones thoughts.
Controlling myself as we'll as ] was
able under the peculiar circumstances OF
the case. I walked toward the table and
quietly sat oown in a chair that seemed
to invite occupancy.
doctor, you are surprised" he said,
at last, coolly, as he turned his head and
looked at me with smile.
I might have denied the soft impeach-
nent, but of what avail?
"Mr. Ketcham, / admit 1t. am both
surprised and mystifed."
"You are no worse off than myself
Remember what I told you. There is a
strange marvel here that will require
much hard work to solve it"
"Will you throw some light upon the
subject-why am brought here?"
"All in good time. Doctor. You have
seen the old gentleman who lies yonder""
with motion of the thumb toward the
bed.
~ have"
sDo you recognize him?"
Certainly"
Beyond all reason of doubt?"
at is DR.. Seabury himself"
Mr.. Ketchsm rubbed his hands and
smiled.
CHAPTER III.
In the daily pursuit of his business
the old detective saw so much of death
that he was not apt to be deeply i'm
pressed in the presence of the grim
monster.
soon discovered this 1acv.
"When you mentioned the name of the
old Doctor, / thought you were taking