The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-04-20
GERS were standing in a little group.

entering it by force. I am mistress,
not alone here, but Of all this house.
The house I o place at your dispos-
al for your search, begging that you
will begin it here. MY cousin, Mr..
! Chester, is familiar with every nook
and corner. You can have nc more
valuable assistant. To my knowledge,
my roof harbors no criminal; but since
the spies surrounding my house declare
it otherwise, I beg that o viii: satis'
fy yourselves"
She motioned with her hand that
they should enter, then turned and pre-
coded them back into the room.
They stood, uncertain what to do.
but Randolph Chester, livid with an
ger, and trembling with the fear born
of Beatrice's cold and naughty lin,
that some strange mistake had been
made, roughly ordered that they begiy
the search.
Once more Beatrice threw herself
listlessly back upon the cushions of the
lounge, and watched them with quite Q
smile of inexpressible scorn.
The opened closets and peered be-
hind curtains; ruthlessly invaded pos
sible and impossible places where a
mar might be concealed; but, at the
end Of fifteen minutes, they were fain
to confess themselves defeated, and to
acknowledge that at least in the pri-
vate apartments of Grey Oaks young
and beautiful mistress no n was in
| hiding.
"Are you satisied?" h asked her
cousin. in cold, cutting tones.
"Satisfied?' he echoed. Satisfied
that Bertram Talbot is under this roof?
Yes; and I nm also satisfied that o
could disclose his hiding place."
II thought that you were searching
for a thief" was the reply she deigned.
AYE, and we will find. a thief" re.
piled Chester.
"You know the house." she said. Il
trust you will see that these gentle
men Slightly emphasizing he latter
world will have no to complain
that any portion of it has been over
looked"
He drew to her as she spoke these
words, and leaning over, whispered In
her ear, so chat only she might hear:
Take care, Beatrice!" he said. "Dc
not try me too far. Remember that I
am master here!"
"Of Grey Oaks-yes, perhaps" h
answered, aloud, the blood rushing hot
ly to her cheeks. But of Beatrice
| Markham-no!"
"Of Beatrice Markham" he ques.
toned, drawing out the latter name.
'Is there a Beatrice-Markham?"
"Coward!'. she rejoined, and he
WINGED as though she had struck him
with her open hand.
But he turned and led the men from
the room.
For two hours, from turret to cellar,
the search was carried on without re"
suit.
I'VE must have been misinformed.
Mr.. Chester" said their foreman; land
we have lost valuable time, I fear.
Could. the man who first gave you this
news have any motive in leading you
on a false track?"
"None," answered Chester. gloomily.
IT could have sworn that Talbot en-
tered this house; but unless he pos
sesses the power to render himself in
visible, it cannot be-"
Then, left alone. the search aband-
oned, and the officers gone in pursuit
of some new clue, he gave himself up
to black thoughts and baffied anger.
"Again the officers words occurred
to him:
Could the man who first gave you
this news have had any motive In lead
ing you on a false track?"
Surely, all Tyrrell's interests lay In
serving him; but suppose-suppose he
were attempting a double game?
Tyrrell was still (by his orders) hold.
ing his vigil beneath the windows OF
Beatrice's room. Beset by this new
doubt, he walked to The window, n
gave a long, low whistle, which would
Indicate to the man that his master
wanted him.
The summons was almost instantly
obeyed.
With a slow, shutting step. TyrreD
approached.
1T. wish to speak with you," said
| Chester, noting that the mans eyes
| sank beneath his gaze. "You gave us
false information last night. Whas
prompted you?"
IT told you the truth, sir!" was the
half-sullen, half -dogged answer.
1.-THE TRUTH" repeating his question.
"Where, then, is the man you swore
you saw enter the house. We have
searched in every nook and corner, and
can discover no trace Of him.
tits rot my business, sir, to know
his hiding place; but I saw him, plain
enough; I saw him climb the tree. and,
as he sprung from 1t to the balcony
outside Miss Beatrice's window. the
light streamed on his face and I rec
ognized him, quick enough"
"You are sure there could be no mis-
take?"
"I'd swear to 1t, SIR"
Chester laughed, ironically.
sI'm afraid your oath would not go
for much in a court Of law, Tyrrell.'
SIT d be Is good as some other mems.
sir"
Chester's face flushed holly.
"what do you mean?" he Numbered.
s'Take care, you scoundrel! Remem-
Der that I have a moose about your
neck and can make you swing; and, by
heaven, If I ever hear of your playing
me false I'll do It! Now, go! You need
watch no longer. If our story was
true, the man has escaped U.S.; IL false.
It will be the worse for you. Your
debt to me is not easily paid. and I'll
exact 1t to the uttermost farthing."
The man silently obeyed him and
shufled from his sight.
But, outside, a swift change passed
over his face, and, turning, he shook
his fist. in the darkness, toward the
room where his master sat.
CTo he Continued)