Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1902-07-24

The intruder dropped inside and
pulled the window behind him. Evil
IDENTIFY he was on familiar ground,
was shaking. She noticed the lines that
pain had given under those shrewd
black eyes.
You must see my Orchids he said.
Most of these specimens I obtained
myself. They tell me I have at least
three unique kinds. And now, if you
will permit me, am going to smoke.
The drawing room is at your disposal.
though I rarely enter it myself. I al
| ways retire at IL. but that need not
bind YOU in any way. 1t has been alto
gether most delightful evening"
But Christabel did not daily long in
the drawing room. AS she went up
stairs and along the corridor she heard
the swapping Of the electric lights all
over the house as the servants were
preparing to retire. She paused just a
moment in the alcove where the pre-
ccus Rembrandt was. and located
carefully the position of the switch
there. Then she retired to her own
room, where she changed her dress to
simple black gown. A big clock some
where was striking 10 as she finished.
She looked at the door. The whole
house was in darkness. the silence
seemed to cling like curtain.
She paused for moment. as If afraid
to take the next step. If it was fear.
she shook it aside resolutely and crept
into the corridor She carried some-
thing shining in her hands. something
that cleaned in the dim, uncertain
light from the big window. She stood.
Just for an instant with a feeling that
somebody was climbing up the ivy out
side the house. She felt her way along
until she came to the alcove containing
the Rembrandt and then she stopped.
Her fingers slid along the wall till her
fingers touched the switch of the cleo
trio light.
She stood for long time there per-
fectly motionless. 1t was a still night
outside, and there was nothing to ac-
count for the rustling of the ivy leaves.
The rafting came in jerks, spasmod-
ically. stopping every now and then
and resumng again. 1t was no longer
matter of imagination. it was a GER
though he seemed to be seeking an I'M
familiar object. Christabers hand stole
along to the switch: there was a click,
and the alcove was clothed in brilliant
! a startled cry. He rubbed his dazed
eyes.
"Why not come in through the
front door, Mr.. Littimer?" Christabel
| drawled, coolly.
| Frank Littimer had no words for
moment. He was wondering who this
woman was, and what she was doing
here. American. evidently. by her ac-
| o1e nv, n
| handled so assuredly.
THAT is the way you used to enter
| Christabel proceeded, "when you had
been out contrary to parental instruc-
| tons and the keepers expected TO have
a f:acas with the poachers. Your bed
room being exactly opposite, detection
was no easy matter Your bed room has
never been touched since you left. ne
key is still outside the lock. Will you
kindly enter it?''
| "But-" Frank stammered. But I
assure you that cannot"
"Take the Rembrandt away. You
cannot. The frame is Of iron, and it is
fastened to the wall. 1t would take an
experienced carpenter quite a long time
to remove it. Therefore, your mission
has failed. It is very annoying, because
it puts the other man in a very awk-
ward position. The position is going 10
be still more awkward presently. Please
go to your ROOM"
"My dear lady, if my father knows
that l am in the house."
"He is not going to know that you are
! in the house, at least not for some little
time. And when you see him it will be
better not to say more than is neces.
sary. Later on you will recognize what
a friend I am to you.''
"You are not showing it at present.
I,ttimer said, desperately.
'"The patient rarely sees any virtue ir
his medicine. Now, please go to your
room. I can hear the other man NUT
tering and getting anxious down below
Now, if you approach that window
again, I am pretty certain that my re.
volver will go off. You see, I am ar
American, and we are so careless with
such weapons. Please go to your room
at once"
"And if refuse your ridiculous re.
quest?"
You will not find my request in the
least ridiculous. If you refuse shall
hold you up with my weapon and alarm
the whole house. But I don't want tc
do that, for the sake of the other man
He is so very respectable, you know
and anything unconventional may BIZ
so awkward for him. Yes, it is just a:
1 expected. He is coming up the ivy K
Investigate himself. Coz
The revolver covered Littimer quite
steadily. He could see into the blue
rim. and he was conscious of strange
cold sensations down his spine. A re
volver is not a pretty thing at the bes
of times; it is doubly hazardous in thu
hands of a woman.
What do you want with me?" h
asked.
my dear man, want to do nothing
with you. Only do as you are told anc
there! The other man is coming VI
the ivy. He can't understand the light
and you not returning. He imagine!
that you are looking in the wrong place
Please co.
Littimer backed before the weapon
backed until he was in the doorway
Suddenly the girl gave him push, shl
the door to and turned the key in TIL
lock. Almost at the same moment an