The Washington times., 1906-08-05
CHAPTER XIV.
The Girl In GRAY.

crypt door and return through the
tunnel before Bates reached the house.
The chapel was open, and by lighting
matches ! found my way 10 the map
and panel ! slipped through and
closed the opening; then ran through
the passage with gratitude for the
generous builder who had given II
clear floor and an ample roof. Ia my
haste 1 miscalculat.d ID its length and
pitched into the steps under the trap
at speed that sent me sprawling. In
q moment more I had TANNED the
trap into place and was running up the
cellar steps breathless, with my cap
smashed down over my eyes,
] heard Bates at the rear Of the
house and knew 1 had won the race by
a scratch There was but "a moment in
which 20 throw my coat and cap under
the divan. slap the dust from my
clothes and seat myself at the great
table. where the candles bl9Zed tran-
GULLY.
Bates step was as steady as ever
there was not the slightest hint Of eX-
element IN it-as he came and stood
within the door
beg pardon, Mr.. Gleparm. did YOU
wish anything. sire"
''Oh. no. thank YOU, Bates.
II had stepped down TO the village.
sir. 20 speak 20 the grocer. The eggs
he sent this morning were not quite
I'D 70 the mark. I have warned him
not 10 send any OF the storage article
70 this house"
That's right, Bates" I folded my
arms to hide my hands, which We're
black from contact with the passage,
and faced my man servant. NV re-
spect for his rascdlly powers had In
creased immensely since he gave me
my coffee A contest with so clever
rogue was worth while.
I'm grateful for your good care OF
me. Bates. ] had expected TO perish
OF discomfort ont here. but you are
treating me Ike a lord
Thank you. Mr.. Glenarm. do
what can. sir"
He brought fresh candles for the
table candeIabra. going about with his
accustomed noiseless step. ! felt
cold chill creep down my spine as he
passed behind me on these errands.
His transition from the role of con-
spirator TO that Of my tiawless serV-
ant was almost too abrupt.
I dismissed him as quickly as pos
sible. and listened 10 his step through
the halls as he went about locking
the doors. This was a regular incl
dent, but was aware tonight that he
exercised what seemed TO me "a par
ticIular care in settling the bolts The
locking-up process had rather bored
me before: tonight the swapping o1
bolts was particularly trying.
When I heard Bates climbing 70 his
own quarters I quietly went th~
rounds ON my own account and found
everything as tight as drum.
In the cellar I took occasion to roll
some barrels of cement into the end
of the corridor TO cover and block the
trap door Bates had no manner OF
business I'm that part of the house, as
the heating apparatus was under the
kitchen and accessible by an indie
pendent stairway. / had uo imme-
diate use for the hidden passage ID the
chapel-aud ] did not iutead that my
enemies should avail themselves OF il.
Morgan. az least, knew OF H. and.
while he was not likely 10 trouble me
az once, had resolved 10 guard every
point in our pleasant game.
I was tired enough 10 sleep when
went 10 my room, and after an event
less night. woke to "a clear day aud
Eeener aiC.
I'm going TO take a little run into
the village Bates" remarked at
breakfast
Very good. sir. The weathcr's quite
cleared"
If any one should call II be back
in au hour OF So"
"Yes. sir"
IIe turned Lis impenetrable face to-
ward me as I rose. There was, OF
course. no chance whatever that any
ono would call 10 see me, the Rev.
Paul Stoddard was the only hu-
man being. except Bates. Morgan and
the man who brought zap my baggage,
VINO had crossed the~ threshold since
nv arrival
really had an erraud in the village
] wished 20 visit the hardware store
and buy some cartridges. bat Picker
ings presence in the community was "a
disturbing factor in my mind. I wished
20 set sight Of him-to meet him, II
possible. and see how man whose
schemes were so deep looked IN the
light of day
AS l left the grounds and gained
the highway Stoddard feu ia with
me.
Wen, Mr.. Glenarm, I'm glad TO
see You abroad SO early. With that
library of YOURS the temptation must
De strong to stay within doors. But o.
mans got 20 subject himself 20 the
sun and wind Even a good wettLns
now aad then IS salutary."
Il Try TO get OUT every day" I
answered. "Eut I've chiefly limited
myself t5 tAe grounds
''Weu it's a fine estate. The lake
Is altogether charming ga summer. /
quite envy YOU your fortune"
He walked with a long swinging
stride, his hands thrust deep into his
overcoat pockets. it was dimcult TO
accept the ilea Of so much physical
strength being wasted ia the mere
business of saying prayers ia girls
school Here was a fellow who should
have been captain of a ship OF a
soldier, a leader of forlOrn hopes.
] felt sure there must be "a weak
ness Of some sort in him. Quite pos
sibly it would prove TO be "a mild
esthetIcism that delighted IN the SAVIOR
of incense and tbs mournfuI cadence
OF choral vespers. He declined a cigar
and this rather Increased my suspic-
ions.