The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-10-28
CHAPTER XII.
NADAME'S LITTLE DooR.

LEN ALI
MADAME's LITTLE DooI.
Next day Mr.. Gryce had an adven-
ture of which he is never fond OF
speaking. When asked about It he
shrugs his shoulders, says he is getting
old, and turns the conversation upon
happier topics. Having regard for
Mr.. Gryce We should be glad to sus-
tain him in his reticence, but as this
adventure forms link IN our story
we shall be obliged to describe it.,
though we will not do so without max
Ing our apologies to the aged detective,
whose record, after all, is chiefly one
Of triumphs.
As have already intimated he had
his own suspicious as to the identity
of the woman believed to be the insti-
gator Of the plot formed against the
girls Of the name Of Jenny Rogers. TO
prove these suspicious well founded he
took the first occasion to visit this
woman. It was not easy to gain ad-
mittance to her presence, but by dint
of little map4uvering at the door he
succeeded in getting into the house.
when the first move he made was to
push by the girl who guarded it and
hasten rapidly up stairs.
He found Madame" as she was
called, drawn up at the further end Of
the large front apartment. She was in
morning dress and looked frightened,
but he did not appear to notice this
any more than he appeared to observe
that the room was in great disorder,
though it was in the middle Of the day.
"Who are you?" she cried. why DO
YOU come here? What right have you
to push yourself into my room in this
way without an invitation"
"You will pardon me-" said he; with
a humble bow, "if I tell you that I
have been sent here by your friend,
Mr.. -" and he whispered name In
her ear. "He is Ill himself to-day, and
asked me to come and see if everything
Is going on right, and If you can do
without him for the present"
Her eyes, which had flashed open at
the sound Of the name he had men-
toned, fell suddenly at his final words.
Turning her back on him with an in.
describable air of disdain she drew to-
ward the open door Of small closet
and reached out her hand toward
shawl, which she took down and
wrapped about her.
"You are an impostorw she said, with
sudden vehemence II don't know any
person by that name, and if you persist
in staying here shall call for help"
"I don't think you will raise your
voice" said he, "even though I shut
this door behind me and lock 1t, and
put the key in my pocket. so. You are
too afraid of the police, Madame Jenny
Rogers!"
Afraid of the policew she Knocked.
|.Do look as if were afraid Of the
police? What have I done to fear
them or you or any one, for that mat
aer?"
"Shall tell you?" he smiled, looking
about the room and satisfying himself
that it possessed no other outlet than
the one he himself guarded. Il can
tell you many more things than you
think 1 can. For instance. just what
your accomplice answered you when
you suggested that you were not the
only Jenny Rogers in town."
She started, turned pale and flashed
upon him two very dangerous eyes.
But she said:
"Accomplice for what? I have no
accomplice: you are talking like fool,
and like fool l. shall treat you. Stand
away from the door"
"No," sal he, mot till you are ready
to accompany me. I have no warrant
for your arrest, but I shall have in
about half an hour, If my man outside
there Is spry." And lifting whistle
to his lips he blew a peculiar call upon
It.
Instantly a change passed over her
face. She did not move. but he In
stinctively put his hand to his pocket.
"No tricks" he exclaimed. warningly.
"Who are you?" she simply cried.
81 am Mr.. Gryce of the police force" D"
Ne grizzly auSWeleu.
She seemed to measure him With her
eye.
II am stronger than you," she said.
He drew his hand from his pocket;
It contained pistol.
She gave a horrified shrek and
bounded into the closet, shutting the
door behind her
"Put it away" she cried, put it
awey and will come out!'
He smiled, drew UP small table
to his side and laid the pistol on it.
There, 1 have done it." said he.
"Don't stife yourself in that place
Come out and talk
She made no answer.
He took up the pistol again and
crossed the room.
"Come out" he commanded. and
pulled ut the door. 1t was locked.
He was old and weakened by rheu.
matism, but vas very angry. and that
made him for the moment strong.
Catching hold of the knob he wrenchsd
1T the door and actually tore it open