The stayer. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1896-1903, 1902-02-13

SHOWED THE REPORTER INTO THE
EXTENSION.
discovery which would throw positive
light upon the somewhat hazy situa-
ton.
Very we'll" said Murdoch: wait for
me just one minute while | open the
ycntilatorS of the laboratory. 1t be-
comes pretty close in there when the
place has been shut up for some time"
50 saying. Murdoch turned a crank
which projected from the wall a
grating sound was heard. as of the
rasping Of metal upon metal. Then
he returned to his desk. where he
busted himself for few minutes under
prettXt Of looking for some notes of
his experiments. When apparently he
had found what he was seeking he
went toward the door of the extern
sion. This was Of massive hard wood.
Before turning the knob. the chemist
stopped as though TO examine the
lover hinge. Sturgis was not con-
sciously following Murdock's move
ments. His mind was bent upon ac-
comprising a certain object; and, with
thar Gnu in view. he was gradually
drawing nearer to the typewriter. But
so accustomed was he 10 receiving de-
tailed impressions of all that occurred
before his eyes, that the chemists ac-
tionS, unimportant as they seemed at
the time, were unconsciously recorded
upon the reporters brain.
Murdoch opened the door of the ex-
tension and passed out of the room.
Sturgis. watching his chance.
snatched up Z sheet Of paper from
the table, inserted it in the typewriter
and ratified of something as fast as
he could. Looking up when he had
finished he saw that Murdoch had re-
turned and was observing him with
sardonic grin.
More happy thoughes?" he in
quired.
Yes" answered Sturgis, calmly
folding the paper and Slipping it into
the pocket of his coat.
Murdoch chuckled to himself, as If
enjoying a quiet joke.
Well" said he, IF you will do me
the honor, we can step down into the
laboratory"
Sturgis nodded and went toward
the door which Murdoch held open.
As he passed the chemist the reporter
caught his eye and, in a flash, read
there some sinister purpose which
caused him TO hesitate, on his guard.
At that moment there came knock
upon the hall door
"Pshaw!" exclaimed Murdoch. "here
comes an interruption, suppose.
Please step downstairs; l shall be
with you directly"
With these words he quietly but
firmly showed the reporter into the
extension and, with a rapid motion,
pushed forward the door.
Sturgis almost lost his balance. but
instinctiveiy put out his foot between .
the door and the jamb. He felt a
strong pressure from the outside. but
he knew he was master of the stu
alton and patiently bided his time.
Presently the pressure ceased and he .
was able to open the door.
Murdoch wore an air of panied sur /
prise.
What is ?" he inquired.
Il have just remembered an impor- .
tant engagement" said Sturgis, I'M
ruflied. 81 fear, after all. that | shall |
be unable 70 visit your laboratory at |
present. | hope. however, that the
pleasure is only postponed for a short
time"
Il hope So" replied Murdoch, calm
Is meeting his steady gaze.
All this had happened in the space
IF few seconds. Meanwhile the
knocking at the door was renewed.
Come in" said Murdock, moving
toward his easy-chair
The door opened and servant APP
peared.
"Plaze, sur, Miss Agnes wud loike
ter know kin yer resarve her sum
tonne this afthernoon?"
YES, Mary; tell Miss Agnes / shall
DE in all the rest of the afternoon,
and that shall be at her disposal at
any time"
sturgis, picking up his hat and coat,
hurried from the house.
why did he want to shut me in
he extension" he asked himself over