Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-30

ny ncdAn Ol SOhuulS CAPAoANS1 -sAA' Kesteyen.
 I uttered an exclamation of delight and vowed that must explore farther.
 Assenting graciously, he led the way toward the house and, letting himself
 gently down the sloping bank, walked,
 peering about him, along the bottom | of the moat You will find 1t over
 grown, no doubt" he said. But your | eyes are better than mine. It is ten
 years since looked for 1t" | I searched amid the trailing creepers
 and presently discovered the mouth of l the conduit. It was of thick stone and
 mortar and from its appearance must l have been of very ancient construction. 1 But the opening was choked with earth and grass and probably had been So 1 for centuries. I said as much to Mir. l Kesteven.
 No" he returned, T think not. { believe my predecessor in the tenancy | of the castle had it opened some fifty
 years ago, and flooded the moat for 1 his own amusement. understand that
 the experiment was quite successful
 and entertained party of guests, one
 of whom," he added dryly, fell into 1 the water and was only rescued with i some difficulty. But you shall make
 better acquaintance with our neigh. [ borhood after breakfast. l assure you,
 MT. Greatorex, it is worth your study, 1 and this castle of mine is by no means
 singular"
 1 I was quite at his disposal for a
 stroll later in the morning and upon
 that occasion got my first knowledge
 of the topography of the Gwent, a
 knowledge which, as you shall hear,
 was glad enough to profit by at little
 later period. And here I may set forth in few words the character of that
 country which was destined to be so
 strangely connected with my fortunes. The castle stood upon little eminence
 toward the higher parts of the hills
 and looked down toward the east upon a long, broad valley as upon its special domain. This valley, which was some
 three miles long and little more than a mile across, was iDclosed by undulat-
 ing hills and enveloped in a dense
 growth of forest Two roads ran from
 the castle toward the east downward,
 one upon either side of the ravine. One
 of them n not that by which l had
 mounted on the previous afternoon
 we took upon this walk together.
 We had gone about mile or rather
 less upon this road when we came up-
 on the first signs of life. The country was but sparsely peopled, but here. at
 any rate, was some remote and faith full settler. The inn-for such it was
 bore the name of the Woodman and was, as conceived, of the sixteenth century at least. It was small, but the
 outbuildings attaching to 1t rambled
 away into the forest behind. The sign
 swung. creaking, on a green patch of
 grass before the door. As we drew near, man lounging in front of the
 inn suddenly drew his pipe from his
 mouth and touched his hat. Good morning, Hood" said my com
 panion quietly. pausing and leaning on
 his stick. These are very pleasant days for us all"
 'They are. sir" responded the man.
 He was of middle height, with great
 appearance of activity in his sinewy body, and his thin dark face bore ha' bitual expression of polite deference. It was as if his air apologized for moi already interpreting your unuttered wishes. I understood the reason the
 next moment.
 Mir. Kesteven, turning to me, nodded in friendly way toward the man. You have heard me speak of Hood
 said he, with a faint smile. He was
 the valet I mentioned, whom lost a
 month back A month, isn't 1t, Hoodr "Yes, sir; just a month-four weeks and three days, that is," replied the man respectfully.
 "Ah, indeed; it's wonderful how long time tarries." said my host cheerfully. : Business good. Hood? hope you are not losing by the experiment. I sup 1, pose" he said. turning to me again. 'that it is a trying position to be in 6 2 subordinate state Every one likes his independence"
 , assented conventionally, and Hood waited very courteously until I had 2 made my answer before he took up his to reply to h4s former masters ques- 8 ton.
 ' q can't complain, sir" he said. Q There's not much traffic in the Gwent. | sir, but do a certain business" r "Ah, should have thought 1t wiser e policy to have gone nearer civilization. l Hood. Why not have taken a place at s LlanellanT
 f A faint but respectful smile hovered e on the mans nervous face. T don't I hold so much with Llanellan, sir. This n is a tidy house, and business will i'm e prove, hope"
 o "welI. well. let us hope so." was Mfr. e Kesteven's answer as his eyes wander n ed toward the inn. "A pretty place. I Is it not. Mir. GreatorexT' And then e with a glance of scrutiny at the land e lord. "You have had an accident. e HoodY'
 ]. "Yes. sir" was the answer; ca slight s accident. sir-nothing of consequence. y I fell against the bar yesterday" and 1. he put a finger apologetically to his I clean shaved lip. which I now per a ceived 10 be somewhat swollen ,- "A nasty fall. a nasty fall" said Ar. il Kesteven. shaking his head Tt is d lucky it was no worse" He move5