Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-04-15

ton if he would ever again breathe the open air from which he had been so ingeniously lured. I did not in that first moment of utter down-heartednes so much as inquire the reason for the trick which had been played upon me. No, for my heart was full of Dora, and I was asking myself if were destined to lose her after all, and that through no lack of effort on my part, but just because a party of thieves or blaclzmail- CTS had thought fit to play game with my liberty. ,
 1t could not be: there must be some mistake about 1t; 1t was some great joke or was the victim of dream, or suffering from some hideous night mare. Why, only half hour before l was in my own office, among my own familiar belongings and now. But alas, 1t was no delusion. Only four blank, whitewashed walls met my in- quiring eyes, and though knocked and knocked again upon the two doors which guarded me on either side, hol- low echoes continued to be the only answer received.
 Had the carriage then taken away the two persons I had seen in this house, and was indeed alone in its great emptiness? The thought made me desperate, but notwithstanding this l was resolved to continue my efforts, for might be mistaken; there might yet be some being left who would yield to my entreaties if they were backed by something substantial
 Taking out my watch. laid it on the table; 1t was just quarter to eight Then emptied my trousers pockets of whatever money they held, and when all was heaped up before me, could count but twelve dollars, which to- gether with my studs and 8 seal ring which wore seemed a paltry pittance with which to barter for the liberty of which had been robbed. But 1t was all had with me, and was willing to part with it at once if only some one would unlock the door and let me go. But how make known my wishes even if there was anyone to listen to them? I had already called in vain, and there was no bell-yes. there wasi why had I not seen 1t before? There was bell and sprang to ring it. But just as my hand fell on the cord heard Q gentle voice behind my back saying in good English but with strong foreign ac- cent:
 "Put up your money, MT. Atwater; we do not want your money, only your society. Allow me to beg you to re- place both watch and money"
 Wheeling about in my double sur prise at the presence of this intruder and his unexpected acquaintance with my name, I encountered the smiling glance of a middle-aged man of genteel appearance and courteous manners. He was lowing almost to the ground and was as instantly detected, of German birth and education, a gentleman and not the blaclzleg had every reason to expect to see.
 "You have made a slight mistake" he was saying; ''it is your society, only your society that we want"
 Astonished at his appearance and ex- ceedingly irritated at his words, I stepped back as he offered me my watch and bluntly cried: "If it is my society only that you want you have certainly taken very strange means to procure it. A thief could have set no heater trap, and if 1t is money you want, state your sum and let me go, for my time Is valuable and my society likely to be un- pleasant"
 He gave shrug with his shoulders that in no wise interfered with his set smile.
 "You choose to be facetious," he ob- served. q have already remarked that we have no use for your money. Will you sit down? Here Is some excellent wine, and if this brand of cigars don't suit you, will send for another"
 GG0ox@I e, Al,o Iox1{1 aI exasperated. "What do you mean by keeping me in this place against my will? Open that door and let me ou or"
 was ready to spring and he saw i Smiling more atrociously than ever, h slipped behind the table, and, before could reach him, had quietly drawn pistol which he cooked before my eye
 "You are excited" he remarked wi a suavity that nearly drove me ma "Now, excitementis no aid to good col pany, and am determined that no but good company shall be in this roS tonight. So If you will be kind enou to calm yourself, MT. Atwater, you and I may enjoy ourselves, but if not" The action he made was significant and I felt the cold sweat break out on my forehead through all the heat of my in- .dignation-
 But did not mean to show him that he had intimidated me.
 "Excuse me-" said I, ''and put down your pistol. Though you are making me lose irredeemable time, will try and control myself enough to give you an opportunity for explaining yourself. Why have you entrapped me into this place?''
 "I have already told you," said he, gently laying the pistol before him, but in easy reach of his hand.
 "But that is preposterous," began, fast losing my self-control again. ''You do not know me and if you did-'
 "Pardon me, you see I know your name"
 Yes, that was true and the fact set me thinking. How did he know my name? I did not know him nor did know this house nor any reason for which could have been beguiled into