The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-19

ually but without noise the heavy door
of metal rose, and disclosed a still
more massive surface underneath.
This second plate, of highly bur
nished steel, was covered with many
small indentations, of irregular forma-
ton. It was about three feet square
and the curious indentations, each one
of which had evidently been formed
with great care. were scattered over
every inch of the surface.
Put out the light" said de Pintra.
obeyed, leaving US in total dark
ness.
Next moment, as listened intently.
heard slight grating noise, followed
by a soft shooting of many bolts, Then
a match hickered. and Dom Miguel
held it to the wick and relighted the
candle.
The second door had swung upward
upon hinges, showing three iron steps
that led into a vault below.
The chief descended and I followed;
not, however, without a shuddering
glance at the great door that stood
suspended as if ready to crash down
upon our heads and entomb US.
Just within the entrance an electric
light, doubtless fed by a storage bat
terry, was turned on, plainly illuminat-
ing the place.
/ found the vault lined with thick
plates of steel, riveted firmly together.
In the center was a small table and
two wooden stools. Shelves were
IdIlEGu AROUND LnE Wills ana upon
them were books, papers, and vast
sums of money. both in bank-notes
and gold.
Here said my companion. glanc-
| ing proudly around him. ARE our
SineWs of war; our records and funds
and plans Of operation. Should Dom
Pedro's agents. gain access to this room
/ they would hold in their hands the
! lives and fortunes Of many of the
nOblest families in BraziI-and our
! HnnEniro WOJTl6 he mined in the hrTT
! You may know how greatly trust you
when say that even my daughter does
/ not guess the existence of this vault.
Only a few Of the Secret Council have
ever gained admittance here. and the
secret of opening the inner door is
known only to myself and one other
Francisco Paola."
"Paolal, I exclaimed.
eyes; it was he who conceived the
idea of this vault; it was his genius
that planned a door which defies any
/ living man to open without a clear
knowledge Of its secret. Even he, its
inventor, could not pass the door with
| out my assistance; for although he
understands the method, the means are
in my possession. For this reason
alone am responsible for the safe-keep-
ing of our records and treasure"
1.-THE air is close and musty," said
l. feeling oppressed in breathing.
HE looked upward.
"A small pipe leads to the upper air,
! permitting foul vapors to escape" said
he; but only through the open door is
fresh air admitted. Perhaps there
| should be better ventilation. yet that
/ is an unimportant matter, for I seldom
remain long in this place. It Is store
ihouse-a secret crypt-not a work.
room. MY custom has been to carry
all our records and papers here each
morning, after they have been IN use,
that they may be safe from seizure or
prying eyes. But such trips are ardu-
Gus, and I am not very strong. There
fore I viii ask you to accompany me-
hereafter
piled.
When we had passed through the
door on our return the chief again eX-
tinguished the light while he naH1pu-
lated the trap. Afterward the wind
lass allowed the outer plate Of metal to
settle firmly into place. ana we pro-
ceeded along the passage ana returned
to the study.
Many trips did I make to the secret
| vault thereafter, but never could un-
derstand in what manner the great
door OF shining steel was secured. as
! Dom Miguel always opened and closed
/ it while we were in total darkness.
/ As the weeks rolled by not only
became deeply interested in my work,
j hut conceived a still greater admiration
for the one man whose powerful intel
/ Ifgeuee directed what I knew to be a
/ --i~antic conspiracy.
/ Spies were everywhere about Dom
/ Miguel One N~-- we discovered his
steward-an old and trusted retainer
of the family-to be In the emperor
L pay. But de Pintra merely shruggeo
his shoulders and said nothing. Such
4 a person could do little 70 imperiI the
. cause. for its important secrets could