Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-08-18
THELONE INN
By FFlGUS HUME.
[Copyright, 1894, by the Author.l
CHAPTER I.

of the inn. The monstrous bulk of gables, sloping roofs and lean chimneys hunched blackly against the sky would have scared bolder spirit than mine. All day had walked under blue sky, between green hedgerows, with light heart and whistling lip Confronted in the twilight by so sinister a scene, felt qualmish- Ragged clouds dropped their fringes over sullen western red, around spread the salt marshes, evil in their desolation, and I. with chilled blood, stared at the lonely mansion dominating the outlook Here, thought l, an adven- ture awaits me. The hour, the house, the scene, hint at romance, and that of the strangcst-
 So much were my spirits dashed by these ominous environments that it was ill my mind to walk the farther 10 miles and shelter for the night at Marshminster Yet some fate compelled my unwilling feet toward that inhospi- table door, and almost before I knew my own mind I was knocking loudly. It opened while my hand was still raised for the final rap, and a handsome wom- an presented herself to my astonished eyes. What beauty did among the tombs I know not. yet there she smiled Though handsome, she was not lady and lacked the undefinable stamp of birth. At the same time she was above the commonality. Not a lady, not a servant, but something between the two. Her appearance confirmed the promise of romance.
 II have walked from Eastbury, said I, cap in hand, ''and wish to put up here for the night
 ''Marshminster is only 10 miles away" answered she, in nowise dis posed to admit me
 And for that reason l want a bed here Twenty and more miles walking under hot sun has wearied me consid- erably.''
 II am sorry We cannot accommodate you. sir"
 This is an inn," I said. glancing at the sign.
 The Fen inn, sir" she replied, still smiling, and full of guests for the time being"
 Full of guests in this localityl You must then entertain waterfowl, for I have seen no human being for the last l2 miles ''
 She made no direct answer, but shook her head and prepared to close the door. Piqued by the discourtesy and still more by the mystery of this reception, l was about to insist upon admission when my attention was attracted to a face at the near window. Irecognized it as that of a college friend and waved my stick in greeting
 Hello, Briarfieldr shouted lust fly. Come and help me to 6 nights lodgings
 The girl was surprised by my remark, and, as l thought, changed color. She stepped aside to let Briarfield pass and exhibited further astonishent at the ur- hanity of our greeting.
 What wind blows you here, Den ham:" asked Briarfeld, shaking my hand.
 II am on a walking tour." I an- swered, "and hoped to have reached Marshninster tonight. but as it is 10 miles away and I feel weary wish to sleep here. This young lady, however, says the inn is full of guests and'--
 Full of guests!'' interrupted Briar- field, looking at the girl Nonsense, Rose. am the only guest here!'
 We expect others. sir. said Rose ohstinately.
 You can't expect sufficient num- Der to fill the house." he retorted Surely Mir Denham can have bedr'
 ''I shall ask my father, sirl"
 When she disappeared, Briarfeld turned to me with smile and asked a strange question
 "Now. I'll be bound" said he, "tha, you don't know my first nameP'
 Felix"
 "No! You are wrong. am not the rich Felix. but the poor Francis"
 You see tho result of being one oi twins, ' said impatiently. ''If at col. lege I could not distinguish between you, how can you expect me to do sc now: haven't seen either you or youl brother for at least two years. Where 1: Felix"
 'At Marshminster.
 And what are you doing here?"
 ''Ah, that's long story! If you'-
 Please to walk in. sir," interrupted Rose at this moment My father de sires to speak with you" l I approval of the landlord. said and forthwith entered the house. followed by Francis Briarfeld-
 The landlord, a lean, saturnine mar above the common height, saluted me with sour smile. In appearance anC Gemeanor he was quite in keeping witt that dreary inn. About him lurked |; Puritanic flavor not ill suited to hi! somber attire and unctuous speech. H. was less like an innkceper than a smuE valet. I mistrusted the man at frs sight
 ''I can give you supper and O bed sir" said he, bending his body and rub bing his hands, neither, I regret to say of tho first quality"
 Never mind" answered. unstrap ping my knapsack II am too tired ana hungry to be particular.
 "We have only lately taken up thii house. sir," he continued. still lowing land things are a trifie disordered-
 I glanced around Despite the cheer ful blaze of fire, the room had a mil dewed look. as though long uninhabited Traces of nasty cleansing were visible i all corners. and in the dim light fltere through dusty panes the apartment ha singularly uninviting aspect Agai that premonition of misfortune cam over me
 II wonder you took up the house g all, " said L You won't make you fortune in this locality" The landlo,d made no reply, but nut tering something about supper left th room- His daughter had already depar ed. presumably in the direction of th kitchen, and found myself alone wit Francis Briarfeld TIe was absentl looking out at the window and starte when I addressed him directly
 augured mystery therefrom
 Whats the meaning of these myst