Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-12-11

and from east to west, j believe you
would have found ~ difficult TO dis
cover a man who felt as foolish as I
did when I entered the gloomy dwell
ing place as Hayle's prisoner. To say
that I was mortified by the advantage
he had obtained over me would not ex-
press my feelings in the least. To
think that I, George Fairfax, who had
the reputation of being so difficult a
man to trick, should have allowed my
self to fall into so palpable q trap,
seemed sufficiently incredible as to be
almost a matter for laughter rather
than rage. There was worse, how
ever, behind. Miss Kitwater had been
so trustful Of my capability for bring
ing the matter to = successful conclu-
sion. that dared not imagine what
she would think Of me now. Which
ever way l looked at It, 1t was OBJ
vious that Hayle must score. On the
one side, he kept me locked up while
he not only made his escape from
Paris, but by so doing cut of every
chance Of my pursuing him after
wards; on the other, he might console
knowledge that l should be discredited
by those who had put their trust in
me. How could IL very we'll be other
wise? l had committed the criminal
folly Of accepting hospitality from the
enemy, and from that moment l should
not be seen. The natural superstition
would be that had been bought, and
that was not only taking 10 further
interest in the case, but that I was
keeping out Of the way Of those who
did. To add to my misery, could cas-
lily imagine the laugh that would go
up on the other side of the channel
when the trick that had been played
upon me became known. But having
SO much else to think Of, that fact,
you may be sure, did not trouble me
very much. There were two things,
however, about which l was particu-
lsrly anxious; one was to set myself
right with Miss Kitwater, and the
other was to get even, at any cost,
with Hayle. The first seemed the most
difficult.
1t must not be supposed that when
had alighted from the carriage had
given up all hope Of escape. On the
contrary, had 1t not been for the pres
ence of three burly fellows, who imme-
diately took up their places beside me,
] fancy I should have made dash for
liberty. Under the circumsta nces,
however, to have attempted such a
thing would have been the height of
folly. Five to one, that is to say, il
/ include the coachman in the num-
Der, with the gates closed behind me,
were too long odds, and however hard
I might have fought, could not pos
sibly have been successful.
perhaps you will be kind enough to
step into the house." said Hayle.
"The air is cold out here, and an
afraid lest you might take q chill"
Before complying with his order I
looked around me once more, to SEQ
If there was any chance Of escape. But
SO far as I could see there was not
one. I accordingly followed one of my
captors into the building. the re-
mainder bringing up the rear.
From what / could sec of the house
with the help Of the light from . soli-
tary candle hanging in a sconce upon
the wall, it had once been a handsome
building. Now, however, 1t had fallen
sadly to decay. The ceiling Of the hall
had at one time been richly painted,
but now only blurred traces Of the de-
sign remained. Crossing the hall, my
guide opened door at the further end.
In obedience to request from Hayle,
/ entered this room, to find myself
standing in a fine apartment, so far as
size went, but sadly lacking in COM
fort where it's furniture was con-
cerned. There was bed, a table
three rough chairs, and an entirely in
adequate square of carpet upon the
floor. / have already said that it was
large room, and when / add that il
was lighted only by two candles. which
stood upon the ia BILE in the center. some
idea will be formed of its general
dreariness.
"Now, look here, Mr.. Hayle," said
the time has come for us to have O
serious talk together. You know as
well as do that in kidnapping me you
are laying yourself open to very serious
consequences. If you think that by SO
doing you are going to prevent me
from eventually running you to earth
you are very much mistaken. You
have obtained temporary advantage
over me, l will admit; but that al,
vantage will not last. Do not fatter
yourself that it will..'
II am not SO sure upon that point
said Hayle. lighting o cigarette as hi
spoke. 1T did not think so should
not have gone to all this trouble and
expense. But why make such fuss
about it? You must surely under,
stand, Mr.. Fairfax, that your profess
sion necessarily entails risks. This ia
one of them. You have been paid tc
become my enemy. had no persona.
quarrel with you. You can scarcely
blame me. therefore, if l retaliate
when ! have an opportunity. I dom,
know what you may think Of 1t, bu,
the mere fact Of your dining with me
tonight is very likely to go hard with
: you, so Tar as your clients are con
cerned. Would it be good adver
tissment for the famous George Fair
fax to have it known that, while he
was taking his clients money, he was
dining pleasantly in Paris with the
man they were paying him to find
/ laid my trap for you. but I mus,
confess that ! had not very much faith
in its sucreSs Vour axnsviaora .h 49,, :