The Holly chieftain., 1902-08-08
cHAPrkn XVI {contlnued.l

VI = ti&p 0OuI huONCy nV uuubu0A luAAA&
in these old Berlin houses which have
stood the CRIME and storm of centur-
les. s 's
To reach 1t he utilized a table that
stood in corner, upon, the top of
which he placed chair.
Eureka! The extempore ladder ac-
complished all that was expected of
1t, 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.
Being 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 1t laid him open to attack
at any moment
AS though the situatibn 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. s
Bent upon defending himself, he
prepared to receive the party who
rashly advanced but there was no
need of warfare. 4
Suddenly descending shrek at
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, 80 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 1t. 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 hall-at least he judged
1t to be such, for there was no light
to betray 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
r disappearance when Paul sought to
detain the countess.
1t began to lock 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 a. It remained faithful, he
would control the situation.
But this was not making progress.
To remain where he was increased
his dificulties. whereas by bold rush
he might be 90; 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. 4
Paul reached the outer door and
was drawing the bolts. when cry at
tracted his attention.
Looking up he saw the countess,
with atartled eyes. surveying him.
He bowed with the grace Of
ChesterAeld.
"Ah! countess. you see It il hard to
hold one who has been cowboy and
Texas ranger" he said.
"You are frss- -you--y will be-
tray me, and I shall be shut MP in 4
gloomy fortress even II my life IL
spared. Mon Dfeul how cruel, ana I
love you 70, monsieur. = she cried,
vringfng her white hands In distrac-
tion. Il 4
Countess. there are soma hours be-
fore morning, and you viii have until
Then to escape. am not without pity.
Endsayof to foitst your lackless IT.
taxhmnnk afnca only nlsarv enn .en,na