The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-17

to be content with cultivating the lady's
friendship during that time without
claiming her love. This promised, and
so the matter rests"
So there is one of our small mysteries
cleared up. It is something to have
touched bottom anywhere in this bog in
which we are loundering. We know now
why Stapleton looked with disfavor upon
his sisters suitor-even when that sultor
was so eligible a one as Sir Henry. An now
pass on to another thread which have
extricated out of the tangled skein, the
[ mystery of the sobs in the night, Of the
tear-staIned face OF Mrs. Barrymore. OF
the secret journey Of the butler to the
western lattice window. Congratulate
me, dear Holmes, and tell me that have
not disappointed you as an agent-that
you do not regret the confidence which
you showed in me when you sent me
down. All these things have by one
nights work been thoroughly cleared.
I have said .'by ono nights work. but,
In truth, it was by two nights work,
for on the first we drew entirely blank.
sat up with Sir Henry in his room I'M
til nearly three o'clock in the morning,
but no sound of any sort did 17e hear ex-
cept the Ginning clock upon the stairs.
It was a most melancholy vigil, and
SuQGU Oy each Ol Us ltIil1llS dSleSp AAA oIA
chairs; fortunately we were not discou-
ragged, and we determined to try again.
The next night we lowered the lamp.
and sat smoking cigarettes, without max
ing the least sound. It was incredible how
slowly the hours crawled by. and yet
we were helped through IL by the same
sort of patient interest which the hunter
must feel as he watches the trap into
which he hopes the game may wander
One struck, and two, and we had almost
for the second time given it up in dspair.
when in an instant we both sat bolt up
right In our chairs, with all our weary
senses keenly on the alert once more
We had heard the creak of a step in the
passage.
Very stealtnily We heard 1t pass along
until it died away in the distance. Then
the baronet gently opened the door and
we set out in pursuit. Already our man
had gone round the gallery. and the cor
ridor was all In darkness. Softly we stole
along until we had come into the other
wing. We were just in time to catch
glimpse Of the tall, ,black-beared figure.
his shoulders rounded, as he tip-toed down
the passage. Then he passed through the
same door as before, and the light OF the
candle framed it in the darkness and
shot one single yellow beam across the
gloom of the corridor. We shuffled eau
tiously towards II, trying every plank
before we dared to put our whole weight
upon it. We had taken the precaution of
leaving our boots behind US. but. even
so, the old boards snapped and creaked
beneath our tread. Sometimes it seemed
impossible that he should fail to hear
our approach. However. the man is for
tunately rather deaf, and he was entire
ly preoccupied in that which he was
doing. When at last We reached the door
and peeped through we found him crouch
ing at the window. candle in hand, his
white. intent face touched against the
pane exactly as had seen him two
nights before.
We had arranged no plan of campaign.
but the baronet is man of whom the
most direct way is always the most nat
ural He walked into the room, and as
he did so Barrymore sprang up from the
window with sharp hiss Of his breath.
and stood, livid and trembling. before US.
His dark eyes, glazing out of the white
mask Of his face, We're full of horror
and establishment as he gazed from Sir
Henry to me.
What are you doing here, Barrymore?"
Nothing, SIR" His agitation was SO
great that he could hardly speak, and thu
shadows sprang up and down from the
shaking of his candle. ct was the win
dow, sir. go round at night to see that
they are fastened
''On the second foor?"
Eyes, sir. all the windows"
Look here, Barrymore" said Sir Henry
sternly; I'VE have made up our minds
to have the truth out Of you. so it will
save you trouble to tell it sooner rather
than later. Come now! No lies! What
We're you doing at that Window
The fellow looked at US in a helpless