The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-02-16

Gently. Il find a complete equipment
is solace against possible evils"
That's very true" l said, "and l
am delighted if my small services this
afternoon have, as it would seem, been
the happy occasion of suggesting to
you this comfortable reflection. But
now, if you will excuse me, Mr.. Kes-
teven, l will put my thanks in your
hands for very agreeable hospitality
and
He was visibly disconnected, as had
hoped he would be.
You are not thinking of your inn?"
he demanded after pause in which he
recovered.
MY dear SIR" replied, Il have been
thrust upon you, complete stranger,
for day and night"
His face suffused with amusement
Il don't think we are strangers to each
other, Mr.. Greatorex," he observed
quietly. Il dare say we understand
one another better than appears. If,
however, it be any relief to your con-
science, l assure you that l am much
better for your company. But" he
added dryly, Il should be the last to
hold you if your duty claims you else
where"
We looked at each other for a mo-
ment, in which time noted a twinkle
cleaning In his eyes, and then stimuli
taneously, think, we burst forth into
laughter.
Come, come, 1 think l understand
Mr.. GreatoreX,' said he, land the I'M
derstanding nOtches another score to
you in my stick. l admit that you have
a right to something further | freely
confess it, only l am an old man and
must take my time. Are we agreed?'
MY dear SIR" said l hastily, Il
would not press you for the world, and
am no more inquisitive than any hon
est man who hopes that he might be of
some service to a friend in trouble"
You are very good,' he returned
gently. You can be silent, and you
can proffer a question at the right time
| think all the better of you. And for
what you say of friendship, why, am
sincerely obliged to you, and l think
you can render me an invaluable aid"
Il have no warmer WISH" answer
ed, and turned the horses head forth
with upon the road to the Gwent
We reached the castle in the twilight,
| but it was not until after dinner that
Mr.. Kesteven reverted to the subject
of our conversation. He was very
bright during the meal and talked with
more wit and philosophy than had yet
seen in him. But when he had finished
he drew away from the table and said
more sOberly:
Il have had important news today,
Mr.. Greatorex, or rather, l have gath
cred from several signs that there is
important news for myself l had
thought that it would be unnecessary
to trouble you In regard to my affairs
until tomorrow, but it will be best to-
night. 1t is more wise to be prepared.
If you will pardon me for short time
/ will return directly, and in the mean
time | dare say you can amuse your
self with one of those venerable
books" concluding with a glance to-
ward the shelves which occupied the
alcoves of the dining room.
When he had gone | obeyed him me-
chanically, taking down several Of the
muSty volumes, though my mind ut
that moment was very far from their
contents Indeed, | could make no
long pretense of interest in them and
shortly afterward pushed open the
easement and looked out on the park
the dusk had settled on the forest at
asst All lay very still.
Suddenly a sound rose on the ST
lence, indefinite, but perturbiHg. For
second / kept my post. with my
head hanging from the window. uncer-
tain as to the direction of the cry. Then
l grew aware that it came from within
the house, and, hurriedly withdrawing
myself. stood up still within the
room and listened. Again it rose. some
what shrill and CHASTITY, echoing from
the floor above. Now, the dining room,
as l have explained, was upon the
ground floor, and Mr. Kestevens room.
as well as my room and most of the
living chambers, was above it on the
northern wing of the castle. l ran
quickly therefore through the doorway
and bounded up the stone staircase
three steps at time. When l reached
the corridor | made straight for my
hosts room without any reason, but
under the guidance of mere impulse
The door stood ajar, and flung it open.
\ single lamp streamed family upon
the room and its contents, illumining
with silver radiance the old mans
body where it lay stretched upon the
Garnet