The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1902-07-24
7ascrin1son
| By Fred m. dJhhe AHnn


1 is necessary. Courage, my dear, cour-
age. and the game is yours. Ali"
| The intruder dropped inside and
| pulled the window behind him. Evil
! IDENTITY 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 / have at least
three unique kinds. And now. II you
will permit me. an; going 10 smoke.
The drawing room Is at your disposal,
though rarely enter II myself. al
ways retire at IL but that need not
, bind you In any way. It 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 q
moment I'm the alcove where the pre-
cious 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 ~ as she finished.
She looked at the door. The whole
house was in darkness. the silence
seemed TO cling like curtain.
She paused for a moment. as II afraid
to take the next step. II IL was fear,
she shook II 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 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. II was 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 resuming again. IL was no longer
matter of imagination. II was GER
though he seemed to be seeking an un-
familiar object. Christabeps hand stole
along to the switch: there was a click.
and the alcove was clothed in brilliant
light. The intruder shrank back with
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 a
moment. He was wondering who this
woman was. and what shs was doing
here. American, evidently. by her ac-
cent. and also by the revolver that she
handled so assuredly.
THAT is the way you used to enter"
christabel proceeded, when you had
been out contrary TO parental instruc-
tions and the keepers expected TO have
f-ecas with the poachers. Your bed
room being exactly opposite, detection
was no easy matter. Your bed room has
never been touched since you left. he
key is still outside the lock. VIII you
kindly enter it?"
But" Frank stammered. But ]
assure you that cannot"
TAKE the Rembrandt away, You
cannot. The frame is of iron, and 1t is
fastened to the wall. II would take an
experienced carpenter quite a long time
Il
has failed. II Is very annoying. because
IL puts the other man in a very awk-
ward position. The position is going TO
be still more awkward presently. Please
go to your room"
my dear lady, II my father knows
that / am in the house"
the is not going to know that you are
In the house. at lesst not for some little
a ~ a w.wflN ~
better not to say more than Is neces.
sary Later on you will recognize what
a friend / am TO you"
"You are not showing II at present"
Iittirler said. desperately.
1.-THE patient rarely sees any virtue in
his medicine Now, please go to your
ro0 N. can hear the other man NUT
tering ana getting anxious down below.
Now II you approach that window
again, I am pretty certain that my fe-
volver will go Off. You see. am An
American. and we are so careless with
such weapons. Please go to your room
at once"
"And IL refuse your ridiculous re-
quest7"
.'You will not find my request In the
least ridiculous. II you refuse I shall
hOlO you up with my fcdpOu anu didTIu
the whole house. But don't want 10
do that. for the sake OF the other man.
He Is so very respectable, you know,
and anything unconventional may be
so awkward for him. Yes. Il Is just as
expected. He is coming up the Ivy TO
investigate himself. Col"
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 best
OF times: IT is doubly hazardous In the
hands OF a woman.
What do you want with me?" he
tsked.
"My dear man, want TO do nothing
with you. Only do as you are told and
--therel The other man is coming up
the ivy. He can't understand the light,
end you not returning, He imagines
that you are looking in the wrong place.
Please go.'
Littimer backed before the weapon,
backed until he was in the doorway.
Suddenly the girl gave him push, shut
the door TO and turned the key In the
lock- Almost at the same moment an
other figure doomed large In the window
frame.