The Delta independent., 1898-01-07
CHAPTER XVI.

The sounds of footsteps upon the
landing ceased for short time. was
not afraid to cope with a single man,
but | naturally felt no desire to have
two or more upon me at once. 1t might
be that Skinner had returned. Inerved
myself for supreme effort against
odds, and waited for the alarm which
would sound the note of warning to
the colleague in the walled-up cellar.
To my surprise no alarm was given.
The footsteps again began to move
slowly forward. To lie in wait for the
newcomer ut the foot of the stairs, trip
him up, anil SO make my escape, was my
first impulse.
was about to station myself in posi-
ton to carry out this plan when a band
of light streanned down and made a
round, yellow patch on the stones be-
low.
Thus being prevented from follow
ing my plan, hastily but silently with
drew behind the stairs, and, crouching
down, breathlessly waited.
Slowly ard deliberately the unknown
came down When he reached the bot
tom step he paused. Then the beam of
upon the plank, and moved from side to
side as il in investigation.
The secret OF the plank was evident
ly known to the newcomer, for when
he left the stairs it was by jump which
landed him on the stone floor beyond,
and thus, as in my case, the sound of
the warning voice was avoided.
had no opportunity then for specu-
lation as to the close connection be-
tween the plank and the voice, for the
time of danger was upon me. The
round glow crept slowly over the walls.
gradually approaching my hiding place.
held my pistol ready, determined
the instant the light fell upon me to
fire, aiming at a spot in the darkness
directly above it.
But the glow suddenly died away,
and total darkness again reigned. The
footsteps went lightly across the floor,
and soon the crack of light in the op-
posite wall widened.
The fellow paused but an instant be-
fore the wide open door, and then, as
suming crouchirg position, entered
into the regi IN beyond.
He had had his back toward me, and
the light, coming from the walled-up
cellar through narrow, low passage
way lea1ing to it. was faint; but my
heart took n sudden bound from the
glimpse of that form, fleeting and in
distinct though it was. Here was a new
element entering into the mystery
which surrounded me. For moment
amazement. wonder, held me spell.
bound. Then, rising from my hiding
place, swiftly went to the door. which
the person who had just entered had
left wide open.
The faint light from the room beyond
was almost blotted out by the mans
form, MS he went slowly along the low
narrow passage. lie could not proceed
without making some noise. and saw
startled flce appear at the other end
! could hardly rcpress a cry of aston
ishmcnt.
The light in the room was at one side
of the passage: il shone full upon the
fellow and revealed the form and face
of Horace Jackson. In one hand he
held a bundle Of papers. and he. np.
peared too dumfonnded TO move. The
man he was watching reached the end
Of the passage and stepped into the
apartment beside him.
was eager TO verify my first inn
preston. which the glimpse of the new
comer's back had given me. but imnc.
diately upon his entrance into the
walled cellar he stepped to one side
ont of the Inc of vision.
Jackson's eyes followed him, and
were evidently resting upon him in
doubt anu suspicion.
"Your' he finally exclaimed.
listened intent,y for the answer
and the sound Of the voice sent shud-
der over me. The voice was familiar,
and it wss with deepest dread heard
Il.
"Yes. You wonder how found you
out" came in response To Jackson's ex.
clamation. THAT will not say.
Enough that am here"
well, We can't talk in this place.
Jackson said, after pause. Ills bed
room 10 right above u.s."
you mean Mr.. Conway. No fear OF