Evening star., 1901-12-21

said. "and I think Sir Burton and had
better talk it over together"
II have no wish for your interference,
Sir Geoffrey,' he replied. insolently. II can
manage my own affairs
But this more my affair than yours y
l retorted, and before he knew what was
intending, l linked my arm in his and
pushed him roughly through the door, and
him through into the dining room beyond
Tnen freed his mouth. and he did precise
iy what had recokoned on his doing.
he sent up a cry for help. shouting that
there was treachery, and called for Can't
Hilary, who came running in from the hall.
onto which the dining room opened, AS
soon as the captain entered ! slammed the
ooof oehnd him; and this gave Gorham his
cue TO act, and setting my back to the
doer: turned upon the two men.
Ih1s Is private quarrel between Sir
burton Prendergast and myself, Capt Hill
interfere" ~
There is treachery afoot." shouted Sir
Burton. mad with rage. "The prisoner YOU
want Is In the hall concealed In the statue
captain This Is trick to cheat you OF
him." 'oN "a
Let me pass, sir; shall hold You re-
sponsible," said the captain to me on tbe
instant, speaking very angrily.
Responsible for what?" I exclaimed
me mans mad. Does he mean that he
and You have been all this time In the hall
there and he has given you no inkIing OF
the story he now tells? You don't believe
mat: sureiy?, said, holding my place at
.ne dooE ana listening with all my ears for
some sound that Gorham had done his
work. ~
Let me pass, sir" cried the officer draw
ing his sword In the name Of the king
let me pass"
do you draw upon an unarmed man >"
l exclaimed. and as I spoke I heard a
sound from the hall which seemed to show,
that young Gorham had succeeded.
IF you hinder me further your blood
VIII be on your own head WIN YOU let % me
pass?' said the officer iercely.,
DO you mean you would murder me for
cock-and-bulls story such as Sir Burton
Iphrendergast's" ! asked. delaying him to
through the ariteroom is open, but IL You
prefer this 1T is nothing to me-
He dashed out sword in hand. and Sir
Burton was following when laid my hand
on him and barred the way
II have a reckoning with you" I said
for wished to give time for Master Love-
lace to get clear away; and words between
US grew hot and fast until Captain Hilary
came back and demanded that Sir Burton
should come and explain the secret Of the
hiding place. lalet him go then, and fol-
lowed. s. ssv
Then Awdrey and some of the guests
came ero out into .ne hall, and pretty scene
Prendergast asserted that the horse was
the hiding place, and he and the officer
tried vainay TO discover the opening until
Capt. Hilary. losing all patience, declared
that he would have the statue hewn In
pieces II the secret could not be found.
but there is nothing in it, said for the
twentieth time: and at length. when saw
Gorham among the rest. and glance told
me all was we'll, and fearing. moreover
that the statue would really be DESTROYED. /
myself opened It..
You can see for yourself I said; and
while Captain Hilary thrust his head into
the opening smile ran round the faces Of
the guests. who came crowding forward in
curiosity at the secret Of the statue and
amusement, at the apparent farce OF the
proceedings.
The captain flushed with vexation at ont
ting SO sorry figure, and was in doubt
whether to vent his anger on me or on Sir
Burton. s58,. s =
There was some one there know. -
said the latter, trying to blum 1t OF. Z
DO / understand that you make an IN.
sinuation of falsehood against me. Sir R.Ir-
ton Prendergast?p asked. facing him and
speaking sternly. This matter is now
personals to me" And not reiishinx INV
stare and having no stomach for quarrel.