The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1905-01-25


"Some ones in the Moore house," |
declared, in as matter OF fact tones as
l could command
Hubbard is a big fellow, the biggest
fellow on the force and, so far as my
own experience with him had gone as
stolid and imperturbable as the best OF
US. But after quick glance at the
towering walls of the lonely building
he showed decided embarrassment and
seemed in no haste to cross the street
With difficulty I concealed my dis
gust.
| Come cried, stepping down from
the curb. Tets go over and investi-
gate. The property is valuable, the
furnishings are handsome, and there is
no end of costly books on the library
shelves. You have matches and a re-
volver?"
He nodded, quietly showing NE first
the one, then the other: then, with a
sheepish air which he endeavored to
carry off with a laugh, he cried:
"Have you use for 'em? If so. I'm
! quite willing to part with 'em for
! half hour
I was more than amazed at this evil
/ dence of weakness in one had always
considered as tough and impenetrabe
| as flint rock. Thrusting back the hand
with which he had half drawn into
| view the weapon l had mentioned,
put on my sternest air and led the way
across the street. AS did SO, tossed
| back the words:
1--WE may come upon a gang. You
| do not wish me to face some half
dozen men alone?"
| you won't find any half dozen men
| there" Was his silpttered reply. Never
| theless he followed me. though with
less spirit than I liked, considering that
my own manner was in a measure as
sTrned and that / was not without
| SD pathy-well, let me say, for dog
who preferred bowling a dismal ac-
compartment to his masters music to
( keeping open watch over a neighbour
| hood dominated by the unhallowed
structure now proposed to enter
At the first touch the door yielded.
1t was not even latched.
$50! sor' thought 1. This is no
FOOLS job; some one is in the house"
l had provided myself with an ordi-
nary pocket lantern, and, when l had
convinced Hibbard that fully meant
i to enter the house and discover for my
self who had taken advantage of the
popular prejudice against it to make a
secret refuge or rendezvous of its de-
cayed old rooms, l took out this
lantern and held it in readiness.
I'VE may strike a hornets nest l
} explained to Hubbard, whose feet seem
: ed very heavy even for man of his
size But I'm going in and so are
you. Only, let me suggest first that
we take of our shoes. We can hide
. them in these bushes"
81 always catch cold when / walk
: barefooted," mumbled my brave com
panion; but receiving no reply, he
drew OF his shoes and dropped them
beside mine in tie cluster of stark
bushes which figure so prominently in
the newspaper illustrations that have
lately appeared. Then he took out his
J revolver, and, cooking it, stood wait
ing, while gave cautious push to
the door.
$ Darkness. Silence!
Rather had / confronted light and
d heard some noise. even if it had been
= the ominous click to which we are SC
well accustomed Hibbard seemed tc
7 share nly feelings, though from an en-
tirely different cause.
: "Pistols and lanterns are no good
f here, he grumbled What we want
G at this blessed minute is a priest with
i sprinkling of holy water; and l fol
], one
g He was actually sliding off.
With a smothered oath / drew hin
Q back
"See herer' l cried, you're not 6
e babe in arms. Come on Or Well
y what now?"
n He had clinched my arm and was
q pointing to the door which was siowls
!. swaying to behind us.
T. Notice that he whispered. ''Nt
8 key in the lock! Men use keys. but
8 My patience could stand no more
Q With a shake rid myself of his clutch
e muttering:
i ""There, go! You're too much CT
S fool for me. I'm in for it alone AnC
@ in proof of my determination L turned
! the slide of the lantern and flashed Ia
light through the house.
. The effect was ghostly; but while th
fellow at my side breathed hard, h
+ did not take advantage of my word
to make his escape as | half expecte,
him to. The truth is, l was startlc,
myself, but L was able to hide the fac
and to whisper back TO him tiercely:
"Hush!"
i had just heard something.
For a moment we stood breathless
but as the sound was not repeated
concluded that it was the crealSing o
that faraway shutter. Certainly Their
was nothing moving near us.
Shall we go upstairs:" Whispered
Hibbard.
Not till we have made sure that al
! Is right down here"