The Globe-republican., 1894-01-19

They lett the cave once more and
made their way back across the sand
hills. Brinkley pausing to obliterate
their footprints as they went. When
they had proceeded some distance he
paused and took the girls hand.
"Good-by, Matt" said he. IF ii
wasn't for that promised smashing
should certainly see you home"
"Then do," returned Matt. II don't
care if he does smash me!''
Probably not. but do. 1t would be
would not be pleasant to reflect upon
therefore, good-by, Matt and-and
God bless you, my girl!'
He gave her fatherly salute upon
the forehead; bright flush overspread
her cheek as she bounded away.
Brinkley watched her until she was
out of sight, then he turned and
strolled quietly on in the direction of
the caravan.
''It's strange game" he said, land
requires careful waiting. 1 wonder
what my next move ought to be?"
He fought very deeply, but when he
reached the caravan he found he had
come to no definite conclusion as to his
plans. He therefore partook cheerful
ly of the repast which Tim had prepared
for him, and after he had smoked a
couple of pipes in the open air he re-
tired to rest.
The next morning he began ponder
ing again.
Il have got my trump card" he said
to himself, but how to play up to it?
1 have a splendid hand, but it will
want skillful managing if l am to win
the game. One false move would do
for me, for my opponents are crafty as
foxes; and there are two against one.
What is my right move, l wonder? 1
wish some good fairy would guide me"'
He took out his pipe. which was his
usual consoler. and smoked while he
took few turns on the greensward
outside the caravan.
Suddenly an idea struck him.
Il think I'll pay a domiciliary visit
to Mr.. Monk he said. Il can meet
h: 4 now on pretty equal terms. If l
hint a few things to him the amiable
gentleman may think of becoming
just
He called up Tim and sent him on
some trivial errand down to the village.
AS soon as he was well out of the way
Brinkley entered the caravan. pro-
duced some papers from the inner
pocket of his coat ana locked them up
securely in his trunk.
$50 far SO good" he said. '''My
amiable friend may not be in an amia-
BILE mood, and don't wish him to get
any advantage of mer'
He did moi even take with him the
key of the box. but having attached to
it a small piece of paper, on which were
some written instructions, he hid it in
the caravan and started off upon his
journey.
1t was dark. gloomy morning, Civ
ing every promise of coming storms.
AS he passed through the wood which
Monkshurst house the wind
whistled softly among the trees, max
ing moan like the sound Of human
voices.
"a gloomy place." said Brinkley; "a
nj residence Tor Sucn as ne. "A DARK
deed might be committed here, and
who would know?"
The path which he travelled was a
neglected carriage drive, strewed with
overgrown with weeds and
bordered on either side by the thick
trees of the forest. Presently the trees
parted and he came in view of the
house.
A large gloomy-looking building, as
neglected as the woodland, in the cen
ter of which it stood. 1t seemed as if
only part of it was inhabited. and the |
large garden at its back was unpro-
tected by any wall and full of over
grown fruit trees.
The door was opened by a grim. ell
derly woman. He inquired for Mr..
Monk. and was informed that he was
at home. The next minute he was
in lonely library, where the
owner of the house was busy writing.
Monk rose, and the two stood face to
face