The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1902-01-25
CHAPTER IL


CHAPTER IL
It was a small, square room, and 1
shall not soon forget with what fore
boding shudder / observed that it's four
blank walls were literally unbroken by
a single window, for this told me that I
was in no communication with the
street and that it would be impossible
for me to summon help from the out
side world. The single gas jet burning
in a fixture hanging from the ceiling
was the only relief given to the eve in
the blank expanse of white wall that
surrounded me, while as to furniture
the room could boast of nothing more
than an old-fashioned black walnut
table and two chairs, the latter
cushioned, but stiff in the back and
generally dilapidated in appearance.
The only sign of comfort about me was
tray that stood on the table, contain
ing couple of bottles of wine and two
glasses. The bottles were full and the
glasses clean, and to add to this appear
ance of hospitality a box of cigars
rested invitingly near, which 1 could
not fail to perceive even at the first
glance was of the very best brand.
Astonished at these tokens of consid-
Grafton for my welfare, and COMPOUNDED
by the prospect which they offered of
lengthy stay in this place, / gave
another great shout; but to no better
purpose than before. Not voice an
swered and not stir was heard in the
house. But there came from without
the sound of suddenly moving wheels,
as if the carriage which l had left
standing before the door had slowly
rolled away. If this were so then was
l indeed a prisoner-a prisoner while
the moments so necessary to my plans,
and perhaps to the securing of nv
whole future happiness, were flying by
like the wind. AS l realized this, and
my own utter helplessness, l fell into
one of the chairs before me in state
of perfect despair. Not that any fears
for my life were disturbing me, though
one in my situation might well ques-
ton if he would ever again breathe the
open air from which he had been so
ingeniously lured. 1 did not in that
first moment of utter down-heartedness
so much as inquire the reason for the
trick which had been played upon me.
No, for my heart was full of Dora, and
l was asking myself if were destined
to lose her after all, and that through
no lack of effort on my part, but just
because party of thieves or blackmail-
ers had thought fit to play game with
my liberty.
1t could not be: there must be some
toll OH +.
joke or was the victim of a dream, or
suffering from some hideous night
mare. Why, only half hour before /
was in my own office, among my own
familiar belongings and now. But
alas, it was no delusion. Only four
blank, whitewashed walls met my in
quiring eyes, and though knocked and
knocked again upon the two doors
which guarded me on either side, hol-
low echoes continued to be the only
answer / received.
Had the carriage then taken away
the two persons l had seen in this
house, and was l indeed alone in it's
great emptiness? The thought made
me desperate, but Notwithstanding this
| was resolved to continue my efforts,
for | might be mistaken; there might
yet be some being left who would yield
to my entreaties if they were backed
by something substantial.
Taking out my watch, laid it on the
table; it was just a quarter to eight
Then l emptied my trousers pockets of
whatever money they held, and when
all was heaped up before me, l could
count but twelve dollars, which to-
gether with my studs and seal ring
which l wore seemed a paltry pittance
with which to barter for the liberty of
which had been robbed. But it was
all l had with me, and | was willing to
part with it at once if only some one
would unlock the door and let me go.
But how make known my wishes even
if there was anyone to listen to them?
| had already called in vain, and there I
was no bell-yes, there was; why had /
not seen it before? There was a bell
ard | sprang to ring it. But just as my
hand fell on the cord heard gentle
voice behind my back saying in good
English but with a strong foreign ac-
cent:
Put up your money, Mr.. Atwater;
wv N'O INV "ohO yONI hAOhCJs ohly your
society. Allow me to beg you to re-
place both watch and money"
Wheeling about in my double sur
prise at the presence of this intruder
and his unexpected acquaintance with
my name, l encountered the smiling
glance of middle-aged man of genteel
appearance and courteous manners He
was bowling almost to the ground and
was, as l instantly detected, of German
birth and education, gentleman and
not the, blacl1leg had every reason to
expect to see.
You have made slight mistake" he
was saying; lit is your society, only
your society that we want"
Astonished at his appearance and ex-
ceedingly irritated at his words, l
Stnnnp6 hanlx ha off mo nv,