The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-05-29
CHAPTER XVI tContInued.)


OF a trap door above, no unusual thing
in these old Berlin houses which have
stood the CRIME and storm of centur-
les.
To reach it he utilized table that
stood in corner, upon the top of
which he placed chair.
Eureka! The extempore ladder ac-
complished all that was expected of
it, and when he found small section
OF the ceiling actually yield to his
gentle, persuasive pressure, Paul be-
gan to believe that he had the game
in his hands.
f Being a thorough athlete he expert
enced no trouble in drawing himself
up and passing through the opening.
Had he bettered his condition? He
seemed to be in an apartment of some
sort.
While moving forward to find wall,
he halted several times to listen, and
thus became fully convinced that there
was something or some one in the
room with him. This was not pleas
ant, since it laid him open to attack
at any moment.
AS though the situation was not in
teresting enough for Paul, his hands
by accident, while cropping around,
came in contact with some object that
had rested upon small table; and
such was the unexpected force en-
ployed that the vase toppled over upon
the floor with crash.
It was loud enough to almost arouse
the dead.
Paul heard the unknown spring
erect in surprise and start toward
the spot where the table had betrayed
the intruder.
Bent upon defending himself, he
prepared to receive the party who
rashly advanced, but there was no
need of warfare.
Suddenly descending Shrek at
tested that the unknown had struck
the chute-the open trap had received
him most affectionately, and ventured
to kiss his face, no doubt several
times as he was passing through.
At least, SO far as our friend was
concerned, he wasted no pity upon
the late inmate of the room who had
gone into such sudden exile.
A door would be very welcome ad-
dition to his requirements just then
And he found it,, since this roof
above was of the plain everyday cali
bre, and not fashioned to deceive stray
pilgrims.
Once out Of the door, Paul found
himself in a hall-at least he judged
it to be such, for there was no light
to tbetray the fact.
He could hear voices and the rust
ling Of moving persons around; then
lights flashed up in the same wonder
full manner which had marked their
disappearance when Paul sought to
detain the countess.
1t began to look as though he would
yet be brought face to face with the
forces of the enemy, and compelled to
fight his way out Of this spies nest.
How lucky he was armed! What a
glow of satisfaction to draw that little
toy from his hip pocket, and feel that
so long as it remained faithful, he
would control the situation.
But this was not making progress.
To remain where he was increased
his difficulties, whereas by bold rush
ne might be SO lucky as to reach an
outer door, which, upon being forced,
would bring him to the street.
He found the stairs.
Nothing seemed to hinder his prog
ress in that direction, although there
was considerable racket in other parts
of the house consequent upon finding
the unfortunate victim of the open
trap in the room where the American
had been confined
Paul reached the outer door and
was drawing the bolts, when a cry at
tracted his attention
Looking up he saw the countess,
with startled eyes, surveying him.
He bowed with the grace of a
Chesterfield.
"Ah! countess. you see it is hard to
hold one who has been cowboy and
Z Texas ranger" he said.
You are free-you-you will be-
tray me, and shall be- shut up in a
gloomy fortress even if my life is
spared. Mon Dieu! how cruel, and I
love you SO, monsieur she cried,
wringing her white hands in distrac-
ton.
Countess, there are some hours be-
fore morning, and you will have until
then to escape. I am not without pity.
Endeavor to forget your luckless at
,achment, since only misery can come
Of it. Countess, have the door open;
allow me to say bon soir."
She had one last glimpse Of his
manly figure, and then the closing
door hid it from view.
When next they met, these two, the
one who. would not and the one who
wooed, it must be under skies that
were glowing with the blaze of battle
and upon the greensward drenched
with the blood of gallant men.