Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-10-26


valet, and being assured that he was
the young detective showed more
candid front and a greater willingness
to speak.
His story was simple and straight
forward. For days he had perceived,
without betraying it, that this valet. as
he called himself, was a doubtful char
acter Though there was every reason
as all must acknowledge for n police
officer from New York to believe a per-
son by the name OF Hamilton Degraw
to be at the bottom OF any harm which
might menace Miss Rogers. he was as
sured. by all he saw, that the man to
be most feared at this time was the
valet and not the master, that he set
himself the task of following the for
mer on all his percgrinatiOns. and as
the Wallets conduct grew hourly more
suspicious, had even dropped his usual
precautions and openly kept the fellow
in sight. The consequence was that,
on this very evening lie had been so
fortunate as to come upon him in Mr..
Degraw's studio, just as he was pour
ing something into that gentleman's
liquors. Convinced that this something
was poison he bounded upon Lin and
tried to seize him. but the fellow was
slippery as an eel and swift as a deer,
and was out of his hands and even out
Of the window before he could recover
his own equilibrium.
Satisfied that an attempt had been
made upon Mr.. Degraw's life. Mr..
til he had emptied the decanter Of It's
dangerous contents. But In doing this
he lost Il moment of valuable time, for
when he was ready to recommence the
chase he found the man had got sutti
cent start of him to make it difficult
for him TO DO more than keep him in
sight. But this he could do, and did.
though the fellow led him a pretty
chase through the woods and brambles
that encumbercd the hillside AT this
point, and afterward through the
streets of the village, where he tried to
eludc his pursuit. first by lodging in
and out of the hotel, and next by try
ing to board train that was just start.
ing away from the station.
But the fellow failed in both at
tempts, and was just OH the verge of
yielding himself up. when a happy
thought appeared to strike him, for lie
slipped like lightning into a street so
full of shadows and so complicated by
secret passages and byways that pur
suit became impossible and the chase
terminated without the man being
caught.
That IS. isr the present explained
the detective as he made this unwill
ing confession. He cannot get away
from town. for I have warned the sta.
ton master against him, and he cannot
long remain concealed in a place SCI
small rs this. Tomorrow, then. we
shall have him, only he may do some
mischief. in the meantime, for his tenn
per is rife for mischief, and revenge is
always easy
III am not so sure about that eX-
claimed NJ. Gryce. "He may make an
attempt to satisfy his hatred. but l
more. An hour ago thought myself
tired man, but somehow l feel re-
markably fresh and vigorous just at
present"
The two Desraws said nothing. but
heir eyes cleaned and their steps
cang ominously on the sidewalk.
When they arrived at Miss Aspin-
wallis house they halted. AS the hour
FOR retirement had long passed, they
expected to find the premises darkened
and the gates closed, and they We're
were not disappointed. Nowhere, in
house or grounds. was there any light
visible. All was dark and all was
quiet.
what shall we do?" queried Mr..
Degraw. of Cleveland. "We have
scarcely excuse enough for arousins
the house; and yet, .
Il have already maturcd my plan,"'
interposed Mr.. Gryce. firmly. 1--WE
must arouse the house, at least sufh
cinntly to procure ourselves an inter-
view with Miss Aspinwall If" and
here he turned to the artist-"Mr.
Dcgraw thinks he can send her Il mes
sage without unduly alarming her, let
him do so. AS the servants know him,
1t will, perhaps, be better for him to
show his face at the door than for US.
What do you think, sir?"
THAT it will be well enough for me
10 try" was the artists rejoinder IF
James comes to the door, we are all
right; he is discreet and will indulge
in no unnecessary remarks; but if it
Is one of the other servants, l cannot
promise as much
"There is always risk in everything"
rcnllrhed Mr.. Gryce. Ring, and let
us hope that it will be James who an.
swers the SUMMONS
The artist obeyed, giving that sharp
loubIe ring which always suggests
telegram, while Mr.. Gryce improved
the opportunity to post his remaining
companions in positions he thought
best calculated to command full view
ol the house, placing Mr.. Degraw in n
caster of trees near the front door and
l.yrd in an arbor that overlooked both
the back Of the house and that side of
il containing, as he had been told. The
:com occupied by Miss Rogers. He
him sell intended to accompany the art
is., /, they were so frotunate rs to gain
IN entrance Mt this late hour.