The Delta independent., 1895-12-25
90 be conti, ued In our merit issue.)

his visitor ana then Saul lsilfy
comfortable retreat, professor, ana
think you will now agree with me that
it is a safe one. Here is a speaking
tube and signal bell communicating
with the house above. Here is a sleep
ing room," he added; as he threw open
side door and disclosed q narrow
apartment with comfortable bed and
all the necessary chamber appurten-
ances. "You can work ont your de-
signs here without fear of Interrupt
tion and be entirely safe from the vari-
atoms of the season, as this thermom-
eter will show you. But of course do
not expect you to spend all your time
out of the sunlight l should advise you
not to give more than half your day to
this part OF the establishment unless
there is danger of discovery. You are
free to go and come at your inclina-
ton
Laport sat down in a comfortable
chair. 81 should like to ask you few
practical questions he said. ''but the
fact is the whole disclosure is SO much
like one of the stories of the Arabian
Nights that anything practical seems
out of place"
''Well, pray dismiss all notions of
magic and Illusion" replied Kent with
smile. 1.-THE cave is the only thing
that approaches the miI.aculous-all
the rest is plain sailing hard work with
the assistance of science. 1t remains
for you to say, after you have made a
thorough examination of the place, if
it can be made tenantable for Il year"
II should say at once" said Laport,
that if you have the means at COM
mand-that it can. 1 know nothing
about the ventilation or salubrity of it,
and the work is so gigantic that at
first sight should say it would require
stock company with unlimited capi-
tai to effect the purpose
81 have roughly figured the improve
ments at million dollars" said Kent,
land that of course is an economical
estimate. The money l have. 1t is
not question of resources. 1t is
a question of practicability. 1 want
you to familiarize yourself with the
place-make yourself comfortable,
look over my plans which you will find
in that portfolio there, estimate care
fully just what tools and materials you
need and be ready to talk to me more
fully at the end of u fortnight Your
salary will commence from to-day and
you can draw on me for money when
you please. The sooner you get an ac-
curate estimate of the material, the
sooner can begin to get it in. The
first thing is to make a survey for an
electric plant and tramway. We
must have light and means of convey
ance. 1t is impossible to deliver the
heavy material at this entrance. / am
going away tomorrow and will be
back in about n week. In that time l
expect you to have formed clear
judgment of what you can do. You are
too tired to-day to go over the ground,
but | will introduce yon to my right
hand man here who will be subject to
your directions when we get to work
and he will guide you in your explora-
tions. l shall be gone one or twowcelss.
You will find many of the conveniences
of life here. The mail is brought once
a day and includes the principal pa
pers of the country and some of its
best periodical literature. There are
stationery and appliances in the
rooms. / would not, if l were you,
venture far from the house above
ground alone, and remember that my
name here is Hendricks and yours is
Franklin. Is there anything you
would like to say to me before l go?"
Laport hesitated moment. and then
replied: "Yes. There is one person
whom 1 should like to know of my
freedom. 1t is the only person on
earth for whom have deep affec-
ton, and who on hearing of my escape
will be tormented with anxiety"
''And who might that person be?"
''It is my daughter" ms,
where is shc?" ''N'sf'ss"
'In Boston,"
'You want to communicate with
herP''
81 should like to set her mind at rest
in some way, even if cannot see her."
81 need not tell you" said Hen
bricks, that communication with her
is exactly what the detectives who are
searching for you expect. They have
already put II watch upon her; know
all her actions and follow every one
who calls upon her. Her mails are
even intercepted. No, no. Not at
present. BY and by when the scent is
cold, we can get word TO her, and
when we have proper accommodations,
you can have her with you if you like,
but not now"
CHAPTER VI.
The next morning there arrived at
the house very early darl-visaGed.
heavily-whiskered and somewhat
rough-loolSing parsonage, whom Hen
bricks called ''the captain" They ate
their breakfast together and then set
out on horseback in southwcstcrly
direction. They were armed with re-
volvers and carried on their saddles
luncheon which the servant had pre-
pared for them.
The moment they were alone Hen
bricks said:
"Well, you are on time. Have you
succceded?"
eyes, sir" said the captain, who
spoke in deep, hdsky voice and
stopped ut intervals to eXpectorate