Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-07-05
Copyright, 1881, by Robert Bonner's Sons.
CHAPTER XXI.


rather dilapidated building, the one re-
manning upper story comprising attics sell
dom entered, and used for no other pur-
pose than the storage Of lumber and law
rubbish, while the ground floor was de-
voted to shops one on either side Of the
street entrance, and steep staircase, the
latter leading straight up to short pas
sage that partly separated the two pri-
vate offices from the larger magistrates
room, all of the latter being connected
together by a covered private passage at
one side. Thus the two private offices
occupied the front of the building, each
with window looking out on the street,
while the public room was entirely inclos-
cd behind, with only some narrow win
dows overlooking dingy courtyard in the
rear.
Both the lawyer and his companion
started guiltily as the street bell sent its
angry and unexpected summons echoing
through the passages of the house.
''It can't be Dalziel already returned
from the-the deed, can it?" said Weems,
In low voice.
mo; / provided him with latch key,
and he would have entered without ring
ing" was the whispered reply.
Then, without moving, they looked ut
each other terrifedly, as the same
thought Perhaps he has been foiled, or
taken red-handed in the act-perhaps this
summons is from the minions of the laww
simultaneously flashed across the mind
of each.
Then the ring at the door was impa
tiently repeated, and Weems, shaking off
his terror, crossed the floor and looked
out with the utmost caution.
ITS Mrs. Graeme,' he called back to
Chelmsford, in a hoarse whisper. "a man
accompanies her. and l can see by the
light Of the street lamp that she is greatly
disturbed"
What the deuce can bring her here
at this hour?" whispered the lawyer.
"Shall question her?'
yes; there Is no help for it,
''Who is it below there?" called out
Weems, in a gruff voice.
"It is l, Mrs. Graeme. and If Sir Luke
ds with you, must see him at once, Mr..
Weems," was the reply. MIR. Towns is
my escort. He will remain here, if Sir
Luke will only consent to speak with me-"
But, my good woman. this is most
upseemly visit on your part, l am COMPEL
I'd to say" replied Wcems, with no at
tempt to conceal his anger. There is no
one here but Mr.. Chelmsford and myself.
Sir Luke quilted us directly after our
leaving the exhibition, doubtless to return
to The Towers"
~ know very much better than that,
from inquiries recently made, Mr..
Weems," called up the mistress Of Rose
Cottage, in her quiet but determined tone.
"Sir Luke was seen to enter these offices
In your company more than two hours
ago
Madam, you have been misinformed!
Sir Luke has not been here this evening""
called out the lawyer. Let me beg of.
you to go home at once. Sir Luke will
be MORALLY offended when he learns Of
your strange conduct"
Nevertheless. shall not go away until
I shall have satisfied myself that he is
not with you in these Offices" was the
firm and collected reply.
what are we to doT said Weems, as
he drew in his head and closed the win
dow shes as stubborn as Highland
steer. and may stay there all night"
I'VE must satisfy her that Dalziei is
not here by permitting her to search the.
rooms, and then trust to luck in getting
rid of her before his return" said
Chelmsford. wait; will bring her up"
He passed through the outer chamber
into the hall passage, lighting a gas jet
on his way, and then went down stairs
presently returning, followed by Mrs.
Graeme.
ENTER at once and commence the
search without delay, most royal
madam" said Weems, making low bow
OF mock respect
Thanks for your gentlemanly courte-
sy," said Mrs. Graeme, calmly. II am
now satisfied that the gentleman / seek
10 not here; hut as am not so sure that
be may not come in ut almost any mo-
ment, I will take the liberty OF tarrying
a little while. | am determined to deliver
O message to my husband before quitting
this place"
plague take it, whom does your mes
sage concern
"My husbands elder brother, who has
returned from Africa, and-one other,
more important than all, whom ! shall
not mention to YOU
Chelmsford and Weems exchanged a
look of astonishment, and at that instant
there was heard a noise from below, as
OF the rapid opening and closing of the
street door.
HE is coming backw exclaimed the
lawyer Madam, 1t is now too late for
you to retire, and heaven help you when
Sou come face to face with him.
with hinr-with whom?'' said Mrs
Graeme, painfully impressed in spite OF
herself
ut is, indeed, your husband, and he is
returning to us, red-handed,. from the
S0ctN 81 z31ah n ArsnI
yurdle your blood to guess atp' hoarsely
exclaimed Weems, clutching her wrist,
and dragging her to the. back part OF the
cface. Come, you must conceal your
eelft In his present mood he will kill
you, too, IL he finds you here"
.sBut what can this meant" she gasped,
making an effort to resist, though now
white and trembling.
"SEencel and. on your life. make no
Estimation Of your presence herel" was
sems' stern response.