New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-19
Keeping Dark.
By THOMAS COBB.

y received an answer IN the same wouans
Waq not ths slightest cause for anxetys and that
ne would ask his son 20 come to see me soon after
Earlier than you aHtici2ated2'
slip. arr; Colonel Durand may not have received
Eager FOR Lady waterss sake as well as for Du-
rand 20 prevent the mistake OF informing the
police OF her suspicious, thought the matter over
The same night, with the result that determined
myself TO write TO the Colonel Sitting down at
that his Old friend. tormented 6y anxiety. had
made Up her mind 70 communicate with the au-
thOriues unless her alarm should be alayed BY the
following Monday. He must have received nv let
ar answer was delivered AT nv door bv hand
Breaking the seal with not a little ex-
eject that CoIone1 Drrani would be happy 10
Tess that had seldom felt more curious mere
impatient for few hours 70 pass for. tax my in
genuity as might il seemed difficult to hit upon
probable explanation Of Durand's retirement
VIII you walk this way sir said the butler
and. somewhat 70 my surprise. ne led me past the
a room az tEs bscz 6f fre bcTIse -
IF you Eiu wait one moment. sir" said the but
eighteen inches further in the room saw second
Black 5aize when me servant i7J{-ed M 70 en- re-.
the narrow space between the two. confess to
door was closed and we stood in the most total
darkness moment later was able 70 advance
ness that IL was impossible 70 distinguish the
ton Of the Wndow Ihoush the day was cold 10
and assumed that the butler had retired. but felt
overturn some article Of furniture
second later however, recognized DuranGs
THAT vou Marchant,"
Are you there Durand?'' 7 cried. and then felt
Let me lead you TO chair" he said quietly. and
presently his hands We're on my shoulders Re
But what on earth makes YOU SIT in the darke-
Tn going TO tell you-though should have pre-
ing ones SELF from ones friends You're ths Ars1
man have seen-no. can't see yOU--snce dined
at MIS-. NGrcutt's early IN December
EH Nv Wv Ma 5sg b9 met { 56lb 55fTsF 10 oo-
and 7 had appointment with Ramsay rhr,
ophthaImic surgeon, the following day
Good heavens exclaimed. You have not
'Not-not vet he answered stiu in the same
self-controlled voice. Bur I am going TO lose IT,
You understand there is not the slightest double
abou, It. Ny blindness is absolutely certain-a mers
You see, I should like to see the dear chan's face
that II lived eH1reIT iH The dsrE bent o,Siss
didn't smoke or drink, might JUST manage 70 hold
Wy dear feuow"-
There are only a few weeks more ne con-
DO you mean 7 said 80 tell me YOU have
been stuck up here in total darkness since Febrll-
a ray Of light he answered would absolutely
destroy my chance OF seeing old Donald us ave
years You know We haven't met since his mother
But haven't you tried to hasten his rstu-ne~
one h9tes 70 make a fuss. said pErand- And.
long face He Is or the way, and believe am
gotng 70 hold out So new YOU can tell Lady
Perhaps both Size ana YOU Won't 1i.i Iee2i + -
yourselves Now" he added. I he1rd hin rise
iron fTGi T ms SH 12 am SONG touring for Banks to
I stood by his side scarcely knowing what 20 say.
until. nrst. the outer door was opened and shut.
LET me guide you" said Durand. and turned In
the darkness a moment later. gripping his hand.
How on earth do you get through the 6ays?''
exclaimed, almost in spite OF myself
Durand laughed far more cheerfuIIy than I could
..Hoping shan GET look old Donald he
answered--(The Sketch