Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-30

 times. As we drew near my gaze de- voured the building and took in many points of interest. It was quite small, but, saving for one wing, in perfect in- tegrity From the huge masonry of the drum towers down to the moat and portcullis all was as it had been in the days maybe of Hugh Lupus. The wing of the quadrangle to our left was dis mantled and lay strewn with huge stones in precarious ruin. A hundred yards or so upon the other side, how ever, gleamed the red roof and heavy thatch of farm buildings, and a round stack or two in the neighborhood proved that the fortress kept its an cient uses no longer.
 You will see that am able to resist a siege" said my host, with whim- sical smile, as we crossed the draw bridge adding, with what seemed to me eomical irony and looking down at the bridge, T fear, though, we should find some trouble with the hinges"
 We passed through the arch of ma sorry and into the courtyard within, where the old gentleman speedily sun moned man and gave him charge of my horse. And here again I noticed that further appearances testified to the use of the castle as farm. From a scrutiny of this pleasant aspect was aroused by my host, who, pausing as he pushed open a huge oaken door, turned to me suddenly
 T am extremely remiss, MT. Create rex" he exclaimed with gesture of apology. You have not yet the style of your grateful host My name is Kesteven, and this is generally known as Ivor castle"
 All this was conceived in the most formal and eccentric temper, and doubtless had it not been for the strange interest of his habit and con duct I might not have consented so meekly to be his guest, for it was now time for my homeward journey. How ever, must, it appeared, sit and drink with him a glass of sherry in his li brary, large and ancient room with very fine display of oaken shelves and paneling.
 A little later I excused myself, and rose for departure. For minute or two he appeared to have fallen into abstraction, and then, glancing at me quickly, he regarded me with stead fast, inquiring gaze.
 "AIr. Greatorex, said he, you are young man. I begin to think that we should find much in common. You will permit tine question? Are you mar ried?"
 I assured him inst I was not. He nodded, as if this were satisfactory news. "Ncr am l." he answered. but very probably for another reason. I cannot expect you to take part in my philosophy, but I am reminded that you have seen nothing of house which is of some historical interest, and which I should esteem myself happy to show you. Is it necessary that you should return to your Swan this evening""
 The invitation in the query took me aback. for, eccentric as my host un- doubtedly was, l had not anticipated this proffer of hospitality. Yet there was certainly no pressing reason for my return, and here, at least, should have more congenial company thar. in my -salseellaAeeus taproom. replied something to the effect of this thought
 "Goodp' said he, brightening a little. "You are kind to cheer solitary. ! can even promise you a bottle of cham pagne if you are young enough. If you will allow me I will call my house. keeper" He rose and went to the bell, but, pausing with his hand upon the rope, looked at me gravely.
 T should be doing you wrong, Mir. [ Greatorex." he said. If I were not to | let you know that by consenting to be my guest tonight you are comforting upon me great favor. You place me under a particular obligation" told him, laughing, that the obliga- | ton was mine.
 "No,'' said he. ''I fear that my mean ing is not plain Let me say this-I have a particular reason for wishing your companlonship tonight" I bowed politely and offered some conventional reply, though this deep air of mystery puzzled me.
 "You are a strong man, Mir. Create | rex" he continued, surveying me seri. ously. T must tell you that have nc one sleeping in the house save my l housekeeper and a maid. The man you saw, who took your horse, sleeps In a | cottage at Llanellan.r He paused. T was unfortunate enough to lose my valet month ago and so far have been unable to fili his place"
 I began to understand. He was iI some fear of his lonely condition. Pos sibly he dreaded an attack by his lats assailanE Suddenly. too, ran into my memory the scene in the taproom or the previous night. the miller and his long pipe and his story. There wal that same tale that should have beer exciting about burglary. And here was in IFOr castle.
 eff you are thinking of that scoun dreI.'- I began. Surely the police"-
 He interrupted me with a smile 'sThe police. Mr. Greatorex, are sever miIes from IvOr castle. But pray d not misunderstood me. I shall be in fniteIy obliged by your company. It' long since I bad an intelligent cOnver sati0n. But l would not detain you you had any scruples about staying