The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-11-24
CHAPTER X.-CoNT.NUED.

Now it happened that as l gained the cor
ridor i saw in the dim light a figure re-
treating hastily before me, but with noise
less footsteps; and having in mind the
strange attempts to play spy on us. ] made
no doubt but that here was the culprit, and
followed up. l saw the figure turn at the
end of the corridor and enter another gal
lery, then another, and yet another, finally
vanishing as it were against the WALL Owing
to my not knowing the way properly, and to
the semi-gloom, ! was unable to follow fast
enough to overtake the spy, who fiitteI
before me like ghost, but in very human
hurry. When at length l came up to the
wall, looked to Sc if there was door of
any kind; but could discern nothing, and was
80 astonished that for moment felt a lit
tie chilled, thinking that it may have been
spirit after all. Fortifying myself, how
ever, with the thought that if it was spirit
it seemed in no way anxious to meet me, /
went to. a closer examination, and saw by
the moonlight that was before door,
painted in exact imitation of the marble
wall. This settled my doubts, and, putting
my shoulder to it, made trial, with all
my strength, to force passage, but in vain.
/ therefore gave up the matter, and turned
to find my way back. This was, however,
easier said than done. could not find the
gallery l wanted, and, after cropping about
hopelessly for a little time, thought l had
best give shout, which would no doubt
summon some one to my aid. was just
about to carry this into execution, when, on
further reflection, it struck me that might
be landed in other difficulties thereby, and
that might make another try to free my
self, without bringing the house about my
ears, and perhaps compromising the sec
rotary, who had, l saw, an enterprising and
active enemy under his roof. So stilled my
tongue and made further exploration, with
the result that found myself before stair
way that led to the floor below me, and de-
termined to see where this would take me.
Accordingly l descended as softly as pos
sible, and arrived in few steps at small
landing, covered by a carpet 80 thick that
/ felt as if / was treading on the softest moss.
At the end of the landing, and opposite to
me, was a half-opened door, the room in
side being in light. Stepping noiselessly up
to the dool peered in, and saw q chamber
furnished with the utmost luxury, and ap
parently just vacated by its occupants. In
. corner of the room stood harp, lying on
table close to low luxurious seat were some
articles of dainty feminine embroidery; soft
silken curtains shrouded the walls, and the
ceiling was painted, apparently with some
approximation OF the history OF the mousse
A white marble figure of Cupid held out at
arms length lamp, whose opal shade soft
ened its bright light; and on a gilded tri-
angle, set In an a1cove, swung blue and
scarlet macaw-a rare eastern bird-who.
with his head tucked under his wing, slept
IN a position which would be intolerable
torture to any other created thing except a
bird. 1t was clear that had invaded the
private sitting-room of the ladies, or lady,
Of the household; and I was about to beat
hasty retreat, when the screen of an inner
room was swung aside, and / saw before me
my two unknowns of the garden of ST
Michael, and the giver of the tart which had
saved me from death. 1t was too late to go
back now, as the sound of my feet on the
marble stairs would certainly reach and
perhaps alarm them, tread 1 ever 80 softly;
% resolved to stay where / was until they
retired again, and then 60 back. This
judged would be very shortly al it was
late. 1 had not, however, sufficient expert
ence then, OF the lengths to which those
nocturnal condolences, in which the fair sex
indulge with each other, extend. In the
,neantime / could not hut admire the grace