St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1905-02-11

you find your own way QUIT"
Something in his voice aroused m
suspicious, and turned on hi
fercely.
What is your game?" l said fur
ously. "Nhat vile plan are you col
cocting in that devilish brain {
yours?'
my dear fellow" he began. But
cut him short.
Call your butler" l said sternl,
and tell him in my presence that al
your friend and that l am always t
be admitted to your presence"
What is the use Of that? I coul
easily play you false: but assure
Never mind; do what l tell you!
commanded, his reluctance maxim
me more determined.
| He laughed, but could see that b
was nervous and distraught.
Very WELL" he said; but l will d
even better than that. I will call m,
secretary, and you shall tell him what
over You please"
He walked round the desk to baiz
covered swing door, which apparent.
opened into another room.
Mr.. Courtney. One moment, If yo1
| pleased" he said, pushing the doc
| open.
There was no answer, and, with al
ejaculation of impotence the banke,
stepped into the inner room and thu
door swung to behind him.
He did not Immediately reappear al
I had expected. H
well, l will watt" I said grimly
And so walked up and down the long
room for nearly ten minutes.
Then, losing patience, pushed ope.
the green door and found myself in
little anteroom.
1t was empty.
There was no other door, and the
window, which, as in the room l had
left, overlooked the square, was shut
and fastened with patent lock.
Angry and bewildered, I returned
whence l had come and glanced search
ingly round the large, dimly lit apart
ment. The ticking of a clock on the
mantel-piece and the football of pass
erby on the pavement outside were the
only sounds.
Un1uestionably I was in the room
alone.
l went TO the desk and pressed the
button Of an electric bell. was in nc
mood to be triAed with, and I deter
mined to get to the bottom of the mys-
terry without delay.
Almost Immediately a gentlemanly
young follow made his appearance.
''You rang. sir" he began. And
then. catching sight of me, he paused.
and stared with open mouth.
KINDLY tell Mr.. Grange l am still
waiting, and must see him at once,"
I said.
But Mr.. Grange should be here!"
said the young man in establishment.
We'll, you see he is not" l retorted
irritably. Ten minutes ago he dis
appeared through that door and
haven't seen him since"
But that is impossible!" persisted
the young man. There is no other
door in that room!"
well, he is not here, is he? Perhaps
you will be kind enough to find out
where he is. Stay" l added, as an af-
Perhaps l shall not
trouble him any more tonight; but
kindly tell him that l will call to-mor-
'ow morning at ten o'clock precisely,
when l shall expect to see him"
After all, had the $500, and the man
vas really in my power. Perhaps his
nerves had given way. l would give
lin dozen hours respite.
l went to pass cut Of the room, but /
he young fellow stood in my path, |
md courteously but firmly objected.
you will excuse me sir, but / do not |
now you, and I do not understand I
shy you are alone in Mr.. Oranges
oom.''
But, my good man, have l not told
ou that Mr.. Grange left me ten mon
ties ago."
For reply the other turned to the
DOR and called for assistance. In a
ew seconds couple of footmen made
heir appearance.
What's up, Mr.. Courtney" demand
q one.
Probably it is all right" said the
ecretary quietly. ''Has anyone seen
lr. Granger"
No one had. He came to this room
fter dinner, as was his custom, and
ad not been seen to leave it since.
he old butler stated that he had seen
is master here at ten o'clock when he
ad announced me. 1t was now nearly
Search the room!" said Mr.. Court
ey, keeping a wary eye upon me. 4
The butler, the two footmen, and ]
re valet, who had now appeared, be-
an the search with grave alarmed
ices.
found myself watching the butler
lssing about and looking in some
ases, drawers and other impossible
aces. Suddenly he peered behind tbs
,reen near the desk, and then started
ack with a cry of horror.
A general rush was made to the
,ot, the screen was thrust aside, and
lere, lying full length on the carpet,
as the body of man.
The secretary sprang to the door and
osed it, and then gave his orders in
lick, level tones.
Robbins, tell DR.. Wright to come
once, and then 60 for the police.
arsons, White, secure this man, and .
Ike care that he does not get away!"
The next moment l found myself s
lied and held by two sturdy foot 5
en-.
Mr. Courtney Switched m Soma