The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-24
MYSTERIES OF THE NIGHT
GAR PIC ERING

the deserted platform meditatively. II
would be best that no one observed hIs Wis
itor nor himself. but the old man who had
acted as station master for nearly forty
years touched his cap TO him-an action
which for IN instant irritated Marlow-then
he laughed softly. 1t was really Of no i'm
portanee that he had been recognized: he
would be many miles away from Ravens
croft by Monday.
lie was shaking hands with Devereux,
and the evil look I'm his sinister eyes was
gone, while his visitor chatted on a dozen
trifiing matters during the drive from the
station homeward. Yet withal there q
sort Of unpleasant wonderment in Dever-
eux's mind as to how Jarvis NARROW would
take e." how Jarvis Marrow would accept
the news that Stephanie Montrose had
thrown him over. and Devereux acquitted
himself Of a whispering accusation by the
formula that "all's fair in love and war"
You'll find Ravenscroft deserted" said
NARROW. The servants have gone. Perhaps
you were not aware that i start for the
States on Mondsy?"
Devereux gave little gasp OF relief, but
forbore from asking questions.
Rather sudden" he replied. carelessiy.
lis IL not?@
'In a way" answered NARROW, indiffer-
emily. II had letter on wednesday which
altered my plans. you see. But don't sup
pose my affairs are very interesting 10 you.
old fellow, or any one else. for I'm lonely
man. More lonely now than at any moment
of my past life. But you won't understand.
and here we are Wait a moment or two
while put the mare up: there's not a soul
In the stables"
Even at that moment his thought for thu
animal made a break In his set purpose.
"You shan't starve. old lady" he muttered.
as he patted the mare affectionately
Somebody will look after you when I'm
gone Thank God. you're not a human crea-
ture." and, turning from the stable path,
NARROW led the mare out into the park after
clothing her carefully. Then he returned
TO Devereux, and the two men entered the
silent mansion.
A meal had been set ready upon the din
tng-room table. and NARROW stirred the
fire into a blaze. which went roaring up
the wide chimney and sent out a cheerful
glare into the shadowy room.
'I've had everything prepared for you.
Devereux." said his host. land II will be
roughing 1t for a few hours only. Wen
| have dinner before we settle the business
you've come about You mustn't fail TO
take up that bill of yours on Monday"
| and he laughed in a way that caused Dew
ereux to glance at him curiously
During the meal NARROW exerted himself
to make 1t a pleasant one. and when IL was
ended he and his visitor drew up to the
| fire.
"Will you have my check or notes for the
sum you want?" asked NARROW. Never
mind your 1. o. u. or anything of that
sort. 1t would be as II / mistrusted you.
were to take IL. / am certain you will
pay me when il is convenient to you. with
out me taking your security. You wouldn't
| do anything dishonorable. I'm certain"
and taking out his pocketbook he handed
him roll Of bank notes.
I'm sorry to leave Ravenscroft." ne
| went on. Lets see. You've never been,
here before. nor have told you about the
man who was hidden in the house in
| Charles the First's time. Come with me
and I'll show you his hiding place. There's
not a soul knows II but i. and found IL
quite accidentally"
NARROW took up the lamp and went from
the room, followed by Devereux. along the
tagged passage leading 20 a part OF the
ancient building which had been disused
for fifty years or longer. and presently
they came to a cavernous room. that in
former times was kitchen.
I'VE moderns have the credit for clever
ness" said NARROW. but the old fellows
knew a thing or two. Scotland Yard would
have some dificulty in finding a man. once
he was down there"
He had pushed open one OF the heavy
fagstones that turned on pivots. and be-
low yawned a black depth. TITS hundred
feet down to the water" he went on. but
three yards below there IL an opening in
the side of the well. forming a snug little
room. I've been down once. and I doubt
whether there is a more interesting hiding
place In any old house in England"
| Devereux bent over the WELL looking
down into IL, and NARROW watched him
| with a fiinty stare.
'No one will ever see that room again
after tonight. No one will ever suspect
its existence Would you care TO have a
look at It? 1t will amply repay you. De-
| vereux."
Devereux gave a laughing consent. and
| NARROW threw a stout rope over the edge
| of the well. Don't be more than a minute
| or two in the ROOM" he said. 1.-THE air
| isn't particularly good Youth see the things
my ancestor used when he hid there"
| Devereux was a trained athlete. and.
| grasping the rope firmly he slid down to
where the light in Marlows hand showed
| an opening In the wall OF the we'll Then he
| had swung himself into the room, and Mar
| low sprang TO his feet for he had been
kneeiing watching.
1.-The light, Marrow" came Devereux's
voice: Its pitch dark down here" but the
only answer was a hooking laugh az Mar.
| low withdrew the rope.
Hold the lamp so that I may see"
| came the cry again. "Marlow-Mariow-
| for Gods sake let me get out OF this hor-
rible place."
The darkness had deepened over the en-
tombed man, and an awful despairing cry
| for mercy rang through the lonely house
Then II was silenced as the great fagstone
turned ponderously into it's place. and Jar
Wis NARROW had returned TO the dining room
/ alone.
| Copyrighted In the United States Of Amer
| lea by d. T. Pierce.1
Men a Hard Lot 10 Please.
| New York Tribune.
Miss Caroline Phelps Stokes. the keiress
Il u,ho Mill xnorry Rohorf Ht1ufer and affair