The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-09-02
Twas about to station myself in posi-

was about to station myself in posi-
ton to carry out this plan when band
of light streamed down and made
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 and deliberately the unknown
came down When he reached the bot
tom step he paused. Then the beam of
light from the dark-lantern was thrown
upon the plank, and moved from side to
side as if in investigation.
The secret of the plank was evident
ly known to the newcomer, for when
he left the stairs it was by a jump which
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.
I held my pistol ready, determined
the instant the light fell upon me to
fire, aiming at 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 OPP
posite wall widened.
The fellow paused but an instant be-
fore the wide open door, and then, as
Stunning a crouchirg position, entered
into the region beyond.
He had had his back toward me, and
the light, coming from the walled-up
cellar through a narrow, low passage
way leading to it, was faint; but my
heart took q sudden bound from the
glimpse of that form, feeting and in
distinct though it was. Here was a new
element entering into the mystery
which surrounded me. For a 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, as he went slowly along the low,
narrow passage. He could not proceed
without making some noise, and I saw
startled face appear at the other end.
1 could hardly repress a cry of aston
ishment.
The light in the room was at one side
of the passage; it shone full upon the
fellow and revealed the form ard face
of Horace Jackson. In one hand he
held bundle of papers, and he APP
peared too dumfounded to move. The
man he was watching reached the end
of the passage and stepped into the
apartment beside him.
I was eager to verify my first i'm
preston, which the glimpse of the new
comer's back had given me, but imme-
diately upon his entrance into the
walled cellar he stepped to one side,
ont of the line of vision.
Jackson's eyes followed him, and
were evidently resting upon him in
doubt and suspicion.
"You?" he finally exclaimed.
I listened intently for the answer,
and the sound of the voice sent a shud-
der over me. The voice was familiar,
and it was with deepest dread I heard
it.
eyes. You wonder how I found you
out" came in response to Jackson's ex-
clamation. 'That I will not say.
Enough that am here
"Well, we can't talk in this place."
Jackson said, after pause. "His bed
room is right above u.s."
"You mean Mr.. Conway. No fear of
his hearing. He was called to my house
by message from my daughter, and
is with her now, have no doubt"
fro BE CONTINUED