Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-08

' | "How did yau find the combination | so quicfly?" asked the artist, prepar- ing to follow his frisnd. Ut. is not conbination-only a concealed bolt. Our friends of the de- tective force might have discovered it themselves if they had taken the trou- ble. The first thing noticed was that a truck had recently been wheeled through the cellar in the direction of this door, from under the grating on the street side. And this truck was not here; neither was a large case which we know was delivered here to- day. The trail extended clear up to the wall below the shelving; and yet no truck. even unloaded, could pass below that lowest shelf. The conclusion was evident. I sounded the back of the shelving and found that it covered an opening of some kind. After that, all that remained was to notice that one of the shelves was slightly soiled in just one spot, as though by the re- peated contact of a hand. From this, urgued that the bolt must he attached to this board. And it was. That is all."
 As he spoke, the reporter entered dark and narrow passage.
 Don't shut the door, said he to his companion, who followed him.
 At that moment, however, the artist stumbled; and, instinctively holding out his hands to save himself from fall ing, he released his hold of the door, which closed with slam.
 That is unfortunate, said Sturgis; i've may have. to lcse some time in learning how to work the bolt from this side. Hold OH; it will be prudent to keep open line of retreat, in case of unforeseen emergencies. Hello! we are in luck. Nothing concealed on this side; the bolt in plain sight; works easily. Alls well. Then let us go on; unless I am greatly mistaken, We shall find another exit on the other side.'
 After following the underground passage for some distance the men climbed some steps and reached a l square chamber, on one side of which rose a stairway leading to door 1 above. The room was surmOunted by a skylight. which was wide open, admit ting a draught of cold air from the | outside.
 Sturgis set do-vn his lighted candle and proceeded to examine his sur 1 roundings In the middle of the room stood truck, upon which lay a long | pine box. A table and chair consti- tuted the only furniture of the place. At one side there was a long, low, lead-lined tank, filled to the depth of about two feet with a dark viscous ! liquid. Near it Jay a few empty car | boys. In the floor there was what seemed to be hot-air register, of large size and of peculiar construction. The walls were bare, unbroken, save by the projection of the mouthpiece of a I speaking tube, and by q set of shelves filled with Tasks, crucib1es, alembics and the other paraphernalia of chem ist's laboratory.
 After the reporter had finished re- connoitering he sat down upon the long box in deep tn ought. Spra que ob- served him with silent curiosity for awhile, and then, with growing impa- tience:
 T say, old man." he ventured at last to ask, did you bring me here, armed to the teeth, to see you go off into q trance?"
 Sturgis started like a man suddenly awakened from a deep sleep.
 ''Eh? What? Oh, yes-those conf dences. Well, you start in with yours l am trying to find the denouement ot my story. l feel that it is just within my grasp; and yet l cannot seem to see it yet. But can listen to you while l am thinking. Go on.''
 T have not any story to tell" saic Sprague, somewhat offended at hi. friends apparent indifference to whar he had to say.
 ''Oh, yes. you have" retorted Stur gis, with conciliatory smile; ''yo, said you had news to tell me. Well, tel away. l am listening most respectful ly, in spite of my apparent absorp tion." '
 What strange fellow you are, Stur gis," laughed Sprague, good-naturedly All l wanted to tell you,and you ar the first to hear of it-is the, to me rather important fact that l am en gagged to be married.'
 You are?" exclaimed Sturgis, witt genuine pleasure. II congratulate you old fellow, from the bottom of m. heart"
 He seized the artists hand and shool . it in his hearty grasp. ITO the original of the picture yo , 1 Nanleu to SHOW me SeSlefOay II asked.
 Yes"
 ; "Then she was not betrothed to tn other fellow, after all?"
 "No; that seems to have been mis
 take"
 n ''I am glad of that, very glad," sai , the reporter. By the way, you hay , not yet told me the young lady
 name"
 & T thought had mentioned it ye e terday morning. Didn't I? No? M fancee is Miss Murdock." , At the sound of this name Surg r. started visibly, and a shadow crosse O his features. .- Miss Murdock?" he echoed. e "Yes,' said Sprague. What is ii n You do not seem pleased" " e Then, as a sudden thought struc ,- him: .-.... .- T hope I am not treading on yol k toes, old fellow" he said, putting h
 hand gently upon his friends shou