The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1895-07-30

- W" Daie imagination OF feast,
but by tho feast itself. 1t was TO
feast of tho Barmecide, either, for the
viands were actual. The poor pro-
iessor felt like saying to his neigh.
Dor, pinch mel" for it was like n
dream or an illusion rather than 2
reality.
But the striking OF the clock re-
minded him that he had been there an
hour, and rs he had broken the spell
OF the unlucky thirteen, he ventured
10 excuse himself, and rose stifily from
his place and bowed himself out of the
room.
He WINS followed 10y n servant who
handed him an envelope with the com
pliments of the gentleman with whom
he had just dincd. Not for worlds
would he have opened it, though it
was unsealed, before the man, but he
accepted it Graciously and went mp
stairs to get his hat and ovcrcoat I'M
attended
A number of handsomely appointed
chambers were on the upper hall. and
the professor glanced into each as he
passed on his way to TIE particular
guest chamber where he had left his
belongings. Perhaps he was n trille
overcome by the beverages. but he
thought the room had been darkened
and that he was right. He stood n
moment in the doorway and looked
cautiously i'll, peering about ut the
luxury, but at the same time NOTING
that 1T was not the dressing room for
which he was looking. Before he
could step back and turn down the
corridor again, the unexpected hap
gened. He received sudden and
violent push from behind, which flung
him forward out OF the doorway into
The room, the door was instantly
locked upon him, anil he was II
prisoner.
''Smytho luck ! said the poor man
as he tried in vain to open the door.
and knew by the rumpus he could
hear outside, that the house was in n
state of excitement; 81 suppose they
viii think | was trying to steal some.
thing"
Then a frightful thought took pos.
session of him, which caused cold
drops OF anguish to stand out on his
gaunt cheeks. Did they suspect him?
Had he been observed? lie opened
the envelope in his hand it contained
II five dollar note. That was generous.
and he was sure his host had lus-
pected nothing, but the mere thought
OF the situation in which he was
placed drove him to the verge of dis.
traction.
And to add to mis- terror, he heard
the alarmed household comiug down
stairs, and the next moment the door
of his room was opened, hal his host,
backed by all the male guests, stoo
in the open doorway.
What were you doing here?" was
the first question his host pronounced
tell the truth now as you would hope
for mercy"
81 came here to get my hat and
coat, said the professor. the dignity
OF all the Smythes since Mount Ararat
III his thin, rasping tones.
"a likely story. Turn your pockets
inside out, commanded the host.
''I refuse to DO it.
"Iheu l will send for the police. |
wns willing to give you T. chance, but
II YOU refuse to be searched, you are
guilty"
81 am not a thief"
81 do not know. Your actions nre
very suspicious. You can explain
matters to the chief of police. There
must he reasons why you refuse to be
searched; if you are honest, you can
have nothing to conceal"
''Wait - cried the info -tunate pro-
tcssor, 81 came here tonight mt your
earnest solicitation TO do YOU a ser
vice. and you trap me as ii [ we're
burglar"
You are caught prowling in n dis
tant part of my house you refuse TO
be searched-an innocent man would |
be glad to clear his name from suspic- |
lon-how do | know what valuables |
yOu have sccreted about you?"
A hollow laugh rang through the
room. Was it possible the bold in /
trudcr dareI to laugh at them? 1t /
was the laugh of despair, and MS such
1t smotc upon the heart OF the host.
who looked troubled anil perplexed. |
Ills enforced guest saw the look, and /
1t suggested u line Of action to him.
send these men away" he said. .
pointing to tie group of alarmed guests
rrowjing ia at the door He was glad F.
thr women had remained below stairs.
ON not come 90 gaze upon lis dis. /
comiture. llc did not know that they /
Verc locked up in fear and trcmbling /
IN distant plr!or.
"N, won't goo, chorused the group. /
che may want 90 murder YOU"
81 don't think he will" said the /.
host, who was really soft-hoartcd am +.
trust him, and you fellows con goo &, I
The ladies. III cll If ueel help"
They went, rather glad to be ont of .
IT, gut the two men left together, eyed .
each other, ono waiting for the other .
t. sp01F. They were exactly opposite .
ia appearance, one rosy an rubicuuI, /
the other thin aud anxious seq mongcr .
traSys'y ON 70 successful man
"l refused TO let you search me. "
said the professor, slowly, beeause-
on, my God, how can acknowledge 10 .
Il nm % theft"
Tho other man started aud moved .
towards the door. Then he waited.
'i have stolen from You here, let
mn show You, and YOU will know why I.
] could have died easier thnu 60 have
those people gl0Ytiuv over mao 500