The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1903-02-10
BY GEORGE E. WALSH
Copyright, 1901, by F. M. Buckles Co, se0 York


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AS I approached the edge of the
woods moved with great caution
did not know how many servants the
doctor had, although John had assured
me that he had only one. copper col
ored Indian who was more foreign
looking than his master. This servant
never associated with anybody else
and was either deaf and dumb or un-
able to speak English.
He was a sort of faithful watchdog,
l judged. whom the doctor had be-
friended and who would in conse-
quence give up his life for him if nee
essary. | had met such Jealous man.
servants before. and my experience
had always been that they are exceed
extra precaution.
While yet some distance from the
house l climbed up into the ieafy
branches of one of the large trees and,
pulling the foliage to one side, scanned
the house intently through a pair of
strong tieldglasses. By their aid
could note everything that was going
see objects inside the windows.
The only advantage l obtained from
this was clearer idea of the most
vulnerable points of the house and also
the way to escape from the premises in
the event of an alarm. saw the serv-
ant go about his duties. and later Sc
cured my first glimpse of the doctor
He was a dark bearded. thickset, well
proportioned man. and one who would
prove bold and powerful antagonist
More than this I could not say until L
found myself at closer quarters with
him.
remained in my treetop position
until we'll after dark, watching every
thing that occurred around the house.
Then l descended to the ground, ate a
few pieces Of cold meat and bread
drank a little Wine and threw myself
on the dry leaves to sleep. There was
no danger of being discovered in the
woods. and needed the rest and sleep
to prepare me for the nights work.
1t was shortly after midnight when
opened my eyes again. Habit had made
it a second nature with me to awaken
at this hour and l had no fear of over
sleeping myself when first closed my
eyes. ] erawled through the under
brush toward the fence which divided
the doctors land from the grove. and
then waited and listened. The house
was perfectly dark, and everything
was calm and peaceful.
l had thought of dogs, but had failed
to see any around in the afternoon
through my glasses. However, to make
sure of it initiated the cry and snar
of cat-a noise that always brings
watchdogs away from their post of
duty. II the dogs were inside the
house, would find that out later. But
really saw no reason why dogs
should be kept on the place
Satisfied that the coast was clear, l
made my way toward the house. keep
ing well liz the shadow of the trees.
Then made IL close examination OF
the windows and doors They We're
locked with old fashioned catches and
rs-enforced with nails ! selected the
doctors study as the place least likely
10 lie occupied
With il diamond cutter tool; piece
~ the glass pane out. making an opei-
ing large enough to insert the h;:nG
worked SO carefully that the diamond
point scarcely made any of the grating
noise so common when one operates
with cheap cutters. This oac had been
made specially for me, and it was per-
feet in every detail.
AS ! took the piece of glass out and
deposited it en- the floor OF the piazza
] listened intently for few moments
to see il my operations had disturbed
anybody. Then applied my ear to the
hole in the pane to catch the breathing
of any watchdog.
Nothing could be heard of an alarm.
ing character. and SO | proceeded to
unfasten the window and to open it,
Now, if had been in the city or the
house had been modern one, should
never have thought Of opening that
window without searching for bur-
glar alarm, but out in the country,
miles away from any assistance and
in such an antique house, did not see
the value of a burglar alarm and con-
sequently never once gave it consider
Rtion.
l discovered my mistake in an in-
stant, however. 1 had not raised the
window half an inch when there were
\ a ringing cf bells and an electric buzz,
Ming all through the house that made
%ne turn pale. An amateur might have
bought that all the ghosts and spirits