Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1894-03-22

tunity Of consulting You about Cicefy,"
said the young girl with polite defer
ence. but with some nervousness. She
had resolved upon the bold step of TAX
ing her uncle fully into her confidence.
And forthwith she gave him n descrip-
ton of her experience of the last two
nights; her following Cicely downstairs,
the strange noises She had heard In the
cellar, and lastly her meeting with
Cicely, when the latter appeared to
be in n somnambulistic condition. She
had argued with herself rapidly before
giving this account. that 1t could do no
harm. since her uncle. as a member
of the family. would certainly be silent
concerning anything discreditable to IT.;
while, on the other hand. this proof of
Cicely's distress of mind would in any
case soften him toward her.
But her narration had n much strong
er effect upon him than shs had expect
ed. Mr.. Bennington was shrewd enough
TO couple it instantly with the fact Of
Joseph Radstock's disappearance, aud
it was with difficulty that he subdued
his intense curiosity and excitement
sufficiently to listen quietly TO the end
of Minna's recital.
Algy Hurst also heard the story with
much interest, though for 4 far less
serious reason.
why, Miss Bennington" he cried,
when she had ended. II believe l can
give you an explanation Of that. Do
you remember Dukes taking US down,
a few evenings ago, when the vanish
ing clerk was dining here"-Mr. Ber-
rington grew suddenly attentive
down into the cellar and showing us a
little underground room where some
choice wine had lain bricked up and
undiscovered for years.
Minna was noticing With surprised
attention the expression Of her uncle's
face. Suddenly he arose to his feet,
unable any longer to control his excite
ment.
Il think" he said. in solemn tones,
that the best thing we can do is to eX-
0lore the cellar during her absence,
nd see"-he paused, for his voice was
trembling a little in his excitement
and see whether there is any pCssibil-
ity of herr harming herself on these
sleep-walking expeditions. Fetch me
the cellar key, my dea:," said he to
Minna.
And the girl did not dare e to en-
terrain the thought of d~Sobayins him.
or of feigning not TO know where it
was. SO she stole up h stairs guilt
lily, but returned in a very few mo-
ments, announcing with pale lips, that
It was not in its usual place.
"She must have hid it," said Mr..
Bennington, shortly.
They oil felt that the matter was
growing more serious.
The elder man led the way toward
the cellar stairs, having evidently learn
ed from Algy which way to turn,
What are you going to doT' Minna
ventured to ask in a ~falterTng voice.
Pick or force the lock-" answered
her uncle, shortly.
She did not dare to demonstrate, ex-
cept by a long drawn breath of amaze
ment at this high-handed proceeding.
1t was the most intense relief that,
when the two gentlemen were already
halfway down the stone steps, she
heard the carriage wheels outside, fol-
lowed Immediately by a ring. She
rushed back through the hall and met
Cicely as the latter entered.
"Ohr" cried the girl. in a voice full
of contrition, I'm so glad you've
conner Dragging her sis 1er-in-law
along III ulc dlEeCttoH VI thc Sclidl
staircase. out Of earshot of tn, servants,
she whispered rapidly: Our uncle is
here-Mr. William Bennington. He is
going down-to the cellar!"
In q moment Clcely's face grew gray.
She tottered and swayed as if all her
strength was suddenly gone. But as
Minna put out her arms to support her,
the elder woman thrust her aside, and
recovering her powers, reached the bot
tom of the stone staircase before the
girl had ever time to turn round.
Mr.. Berrington's hands We're already
busy with the lock. Cicely, with a vio-
lence of which her slight form did not
seem capable, pushed back the solidly-
built man and placed herself between
him and the cellar door.
CTo Be C~onlinued.)