Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-12-01

1r'Nces OF hasty cleansing We're visible in
al corners. and in the dim light filtered
through dusty panes the apartment had
slnguiariy uninviting aspect Again
that premonition Of misfortune came
over me.
Il wonder you took up the house at
all, sand l. You won't make your
fortune in this locality
The landlord made no reply, but NUT.
terlng something about supper left the
room. His daughter had already depart.
cd, presumably in the direction of the
kitchen, and | found myself alone with
Francis Briarfield. He was absently
looking out at the window and started
| when l addressed him directly
augured mystery therefrom
What's the meaning Of these myste-
ries!' l asked abruptly. The horror of
the place was already influencing my
| spirits.
! What mysteries?'' demanded Briar-
| field i'll listlcss manner
| This inn has been uninhabited fo-
some considerable period 4 suspicious
looking rascal and his pretty daughter
have taken up their abode here with no
possible chance of getting customers.
stumble on this castle grim in the twi-
| light and find You here-you of all men
whom believed to be in South Amer
lea. Don't you call these mysteries?
| If you put it that way, admit the
mysteries, replied Francis, coming to-
| ward the fire. Il know little about the
inn, still less about the landlord and his
daughter. As to myself, | am here by
appointment to meet my brother Felix
Came from London to STARRY and rode
from thence to this inn
why meet him in this rnurderous
looking house?'
He named the place of meeting
himself. -
And ycu?"
Il only arrived this month in Eng
land from South America. / wrote him
from London, asking to see him. Fe
appointed this inn rs neutral ground 70,
Us to meet, so here | am. -
why neutral ground? Have you
quarreled:"
Bitterly"
"You did SO at college," said 1. look
ing steadily at him. strange that such
i'll blood should exist between twin
brothers"
THE inevitable woman" said Fran.
els in a harsh tone, quite at variance
with his usual soft speech.
ooh! Aud her name:"
"Clivia Bellinr'
81 know her. Do you mean to say,
Driarfield, thaC"-
"Hush!" he said, rapidly indicating
the door, and there stood the girl Rost
listening to our conversation. Her face
was pale, and it was evident that tht
mention of the name had powerfully
affected her. Seeing our eyes We're OF
, her, she apologized in low, nervous
1 voice.
Your pardon, gentlemen, she said
placing tray on the table. Il did no
intend to interrupt your conversation
Allow me TO lay the table for supper. ,
First show me my room, F" said l
: picking up my knapsack. Il am dust.
and wish to give myself 4 brush up"
. Rose nodded and preceded me out o
D the apartment. | glanced back and saw
that Francis had returned to his old pos
v
: watching for the arrival of his brother
> when does Mr.. Felix Briartield ar
Irive:'' asked Rose as we assembled tn
stairs
Il don't know the name, sir, y sh
+ said, with an obvious effort
: "You don't know the name?' l re
peated, seeing she was lying, yet Nj
Francis Briarfeld is here to meet HI
brother "
Il 1T may be so, sir. But ! know not!
ing about it. Mr.. Briartield is a strar
IL ger to me, like yourself. "
1T is to be hoped you received hiI
more willingly than you did me- .
Ie Ny words fell on the empty air, fo
after her last remark she hastily depart
II cd. | mechanically attended to III
/ wants and wondered what could be I'll
n meaning of the girls attitude.
TO 'Shc knows Miss Bellin and Fell
II Briarfcld. ] thought. perhaps ne
Is personally, but al least their names
She is also aware of the intended WIS
of Felix to this place. | must find OF
from Francis the reason OF that vlsl
- and it may throw some light on the q
d meanor of Rose. ! am glad l came hel
O. tonight, for that landlord is scarcely
person to be trusted. Certainly my pr
le sentiment of romance is coming true.
ID When descended to the dining roon
ID l found supper laid and Francis imp
tiently awaiting my arrival. A Ian
III was lighted, and for the first time sa
no his face plainly The alteration in h
I'd looks ard demcanor since our cole;
til DAVIS was astonishing. Felix had aiwa.
"a been the graver of the twins. and 1t W
is the Distinguishing mark between ther
&c Now the livelior spirits OF Francis n;
AZ Gained down to subdued gravity wlli'
81 made the resemblance between the
still greater We seated ourselves at I!
q, table in silence, and he colored as
H. caught my earnest look.
y, lyon find me altered: he asKc
with nanifest discomposure.
p "yory much alter ed and more III
nd Felix than ever.
ar t.,,,t COON bi,,, for over wear,