The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-12-13

| utsanEuihn uue ueW iFuIu tuc ia
After had substituted the false for
the genuine contract II was necessary
only for me to visit the Central's vault
at the close Of every day. When Ham
mond should be ready TO consummats
his corrupt bargain could not fail to
know.
II fell upon Saturday. and at mid
night followed Hammond TO the house
upon the cross street whence had seen
him emerge. 40 I have described. ]
was dressed In shabby clothes and dis
vuised as an old man with white Wig
aud beard. When Hammond entered
the suspected house was quite close
10 him. and observed that be gave. no
luminous. There was no Visible at
tendant. The door seemed to open OF
itself. and observed o similar phe-
nomenon n few minutes later when
shadowy form which could not doubt
to be Hammond's passed along the dim
arcade 10 the unllghted portal Of Stend-
halls residence.
Immediately an almost insane curl
ssity took hold upon me. My desire TO
PEE the meeting between Stendbail and
Hammond wns 80 strong that II re-
Ileved me Of the necessity Of planning.
I proceeded upon pure animal instinct.
It was no great feat to climb the iron
fence. but win not describe, and. In
deed, shall never clearly know, how l
scaled the side Of stendhall's house.
Once at the window, my difficulties
were over. There were fair footing
and a hold for my hands, but | could
see nothing. The window was little
way open. and the draft was outward.
50 that the curtains edges seemed
glued TO the casing. Ny excitement
was maddening. and the minutes were
endless. Then suddenly the current Of
air changed. The curtain. swung some
inches inward, and I couid see Into the
room.
stendhaii stood with his back toward
me. looking across broad table to the
door, which an III favored fellow who
seemed 10 be servant had Just Open
ed. There was folded paper In his
hand. He advanced and gave II TO
Stendhail, who glanced at II and nod
dcd several times. The servant with
drew. and not word had been spoken
upon either side.
I slid down from my perch without a
thought for my neck. ran round inside
the yard TO the front door and pressed
the electric button. Upon the front the
house had conventional and inhabited
look. expected prompt response to
my ring. Instead there was q long
walt, during which I had q strange
sense Of being scrutinizcd by hidden
eyes.
Upon the farther side OF Stendhali's
house there was carriage way closed
BY heavy gates. which suddenly were
rolled aside. A closed carriage rolled
out into the road. and thought heard
mufiied cry from within II. Clearly
they were taking Hammond away, hav.
ing robbed and gagged him. What fur
ther violence was medltated ] knew
not, but a strange survival OF loyalty
to this traitor swept over me. and ran
to his relief.
Through many dark streets ! pursued
the vehicle, and at last II stopped be-
side the curb. ran up to II and
wrcnched open the door. The coach
man upon the box remained absolutely
motionless. paying no attention to me.
The carriage was empty. ! had been
neatly tricked.
II was useless to return TO Stend.
halls, and upon chance I went to
the house In which my partner had his
rooms. I had removed the wig and
beard. The attendant at the outer door
knew me and stared ut my shabby at
tire. Mr.. Hammond. he said. had just
returned. l went to his apartment and
knocked. and he answered In hoarse
voice, "Who's thereY'
'Let me in," called. II must see
you at once"
There was brief silence and then
a loud, sharp sound. set my hand to