Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-06-21
CHAPTER XIX.

The elevator car, which was mere
rough-boxed platform, began to move up
through the tower with it's burden of four
men-Towns having likewise stepped on
board at Sir Lukes suggestion-but in
such jerky and imperfect manner as in
no wise to verify it's Wanted value as an
improved means of ascending from one
story of another.
At last, however, after numerous
pauses and bitches, it reached the top,
when the party stepped out into very
handsomely furnished apartment that had
already been lighted up for their recep-
ton, and whose one great window, un-
curtained as yet, looked out from lofty
height upon the Thames, which, with its
moving lights and shore attractions, pre-
scented a very pretty view.
Then, and with the door leading into
the car still Enclosed, Sir Luke began to
explain and praise the modus operandl
Of the machine, and to imprecate the al
legged stupidity of his workmen almost
in the same breath, and with such yolu-
bility that his visitors began to exchange
glances indicating some doubts as to his
sanity.
He was suddenly interrupted, however,
by a most unexpected catastrophe. With
out an instant's warning, the fastenlngs
of the car gave way, and down thunder
ed the entire contrivance into the depths
with the roar of whirlwir>l, and coming
to a stop at the bottom of the tower with
a fearful crash that seemed to shake the
whole building to it's foundations.
II always said as how it wasn't safe"
gasped Towns, white and staring.
"And what if you did, you Internal
old scamp" roared Sir Luke, in parox-
ysm of rage II say that it's just as safe
now as it ever was, if it were properly
managed Run down, and see if any
ones killed.
With that, he himself darted out of the
apartment by an opposite door, and was
heard rushing down the main staircase
like a mailman.
"No one was under the plaguy thing, L
am sure of that!' muttered Towns.
There's been neither comfort nor peace
in the old house since it was turned in
side out"
Don't fear to speak out bit before us,
Towns" said Weems. whats the mat
ter with Sir Luke? Is he And he
tapped his forehead significantly.
"'Deed, sir, an l don't know for GER
tain. but I half think you're right" re-
piled the old servitor, shaking his head
SADLY. Ever since the poor gentleman
has been in possession he's just done moth
ing but rip down and build up, tear out
and put in. The whole grounds, as well
as the mansion itself, have been gone
over with the improvements, as he calls
'em. for many times. He doesn't seem to
/ keep in the same mind for a week at
time. / don't know what to make of It.
Only be sure and not say anything
against his plans, or he'll rave at YOU
Still wagging his head disconsolately,
the old man quilted the room and follow
ed after his master. The latter re-enter-
+! ed the room minute later.
..The elevator will be all right and per-
manent in a few days, and, since no one
was hurt, I'm rather glad that the tenn
porary staging has gone to smash, SAID
he, with an attempt at cheerfulness,
though still evidently in q bad humor
ut will teach all hands to be careful IN
the future What do you think OF my
little snuggery up here, Weems! Quite
an eyre, isn't it?''
..There's plenty of richness in the at
/ fair. at all events replied Weems, pre-
| tending great satisfaction, as he glanced
perhaps for the twentieth time around
upon his costly surroundings. What use
will you put it to? It's too high up for
an extra drawing room, but might do Tor
library, or observatory.
| 81 don't know what to use it for now,
| murmured the young man, in suddenly
desolate and despairing tone, and, as he
sank into one of the richly upholstered
armchairs, there reappeared on his fea-
lures the haggard, woe-begone expression
| that had possession Of it upon his tlrsf
realizing Weems' notification concerning
Miss Muir. "A sudden change seems to
have come over everything. However.
and he started up with htful energy,
| shall continue my improvements. you
know. 1 intend to make Dalziel Towers
the prettiest and most original gentle
mans residence in England before mn
ish."
/ He was interrupted by a sharp knocA
at the door, which caused, not only nin'
but his companions as well, to start gullt-
/ ily; but it proved only to have been maue