Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1897-08-18
CHAPTER V-(ContinuedJ

CHAPTER VvContinued)
Then he was Overpowered by physical
and mental fatigue, and fell into a dis
turbed sleep, from which he was reused
ny the knocking of housemaid at the
door of his room. 1t was difficult. In the
light of bright January morning, to
realize all the marvels which had come
under his notice since he last saw day
light. He was careful to examine the
bedstead, and found that It was fixed to
the floor close to the wall: In the center
of the upright frame at the head Of the
bed was the usual small embossed iron
ornament where the bars crossed; this
was exactly on a level with the head of
the sleeper. In the middle the ornament
was hollow. and behind this hollow was
a hole in the wall which proved, on care
fnl inspection, to be covered with n graf
ing of the finest wire. This, Armathwaite
had no doubt was the opening to n tube,
or a series of tubes which, In days dating
before the telephone. formed an ingenious
means of communication with another
room. He had just resolved, without
much need for deliberation, TO keep his
discovery TO himself, when he heard an
other knock at his door, and the voice of
Uncle Hugh asking if he was ready for
breakfast.
SO he has breakfasted," Mr.. Crosmont
explained ps they went down stairs. As
they came to the last step of the stair
case, Mrs. Crosmont met them, coming
along the corridor from tho back of the
house. She looked very fresh and sweet.
''Ned's gone, I supposer' asked ME
Crosmont.-
"Oh, yes, long agoI He's going 20 lunch.
at The Crags, snd won't be home ill
dinner time" she answered, as she led
the way to the dining room, where break.
fast was laid.
But uncle and niece questioned Arma-
fhwate with much interest as to his ad-
ventures in the Dolly Warden room. and
were disappointed by his assurance that
he had met with none.
They had left the breakfast table ann
we're standing ut the window, looking
through the struggling, thick growing Ivy
at the snow-laden evergreens. and at the
hill on the opposite shore OF the lake,
when Uncle Hugh suddenly stopped in
the middle of something he was saying
to out his head on one side In a listening
attitudsTioL
1Rr -. Z .hen be added after a
pause. during which a sort Of dead calm
ness had fallen upon his niece: "Sleigh'
bells"
Nobody spoke again for a moment, IN
ill the iingling of the bells had come quite
near and stopped. "HalloP' cried Uncle
Hugh, In astonishment Its stopping
here!
"They are Mt the gate" said Alma,
quietly. Then in explanation she turned
to her visitor: 1T Is Lady Kildonan-the
wife of my husbands employer. You
will be glad to see her-she is quite
celebrated beauty
Il have seen her." stammered Arm
ithwaite.
In spite of himself the blood had rushed
40 into his face AS Mrs. Crosmont look
ed at him, he saw what seemed like
film of disappointment come over her
soft cves. The next moment she was lead
Ing the way to the door, glancing at the
gentlemen to follow her.
A maid entered and announced that
4....a,s.l= ~, iiadyship'' was In the drawing room.
They ali filed out. Alma walked first,
and had reached the drawing room door,
talking as she went. when her powers
seemed suddenly to fail her, and falling
abruptly into silence. she stood for sec
opd looking with intent, lmploring eyes,
straight up into the young doctors face.
Then she resumed her self-command, and
aligned to him TO open the door for her,
as Lady Kildonan's bright voice, singing
.oftly to herself, reached their ears