The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-23

All but Bates He remained rigid-that
curious smile on his blood -smeared face,
his eyes bent toward the end OF the great
fireplace back OF me-
That look on his face held arrested.
numbed me; followed It. forgot Nor
gan; a tactic truce held US all again.
stepped back till my eyes fastened on
the broad paneled chimney breast at the
right of the hearth, and II was there now
that the sound OF footsteps in the wall
was heard again: then II ceased utterly
the long panel opened slowly. creaking
slightly upon its hinges. then down into
the room stepped Marian Devereux She
wore the dark gown in which had seen
her last and a cloak was drawn over her
shoulders
She laughed as her eyes swept the room.
"Ah. gentlemen" she said, shaking her
head. as she viewed our disorder, what
wretched housekeepers you are!
Steps were again heard in the wall, and
she turned TO the panel, held II open with
ono hand and put out the other waiting
for some one who followed her
Then down into the room stepped my
grandfather, John Marshall Glenarml His
STAFF. his cloak. the silk hat above his
shrewd face. and his sharp black eyes
were unmistakable. He drew silk hand
kerchlef from the skirts OF his frock coat.
with the characteristics flourish that re-
membered well. and brushed a bit of dust
from his cloak before looking at any one
OF us. Then his eyes fell upon me.
Good morning. Jack" he said: and his
gaze swept the room.
God help us!'
II was Morgan. think who screamed
these words as he bolted for the broken
door, hut Stoddard caught and held him.
Thank God. you're here. sirl" doomed
forth in Bates sepuchral voice.
II seemed to me that I saw all that
n
tinctness. as one sees, before storm.
vivid-otrtlnes of far headlands that the
usual light OF day scarce disclosee.
7 was myself dazed and spellbound: but
do not like to think. even sow. OF the
effect of my grandfather's appearance on
Arthur Pickering; OF the shock that SEEM
er verify 20 break him in two. so that he
staggered. then collapsed. his head falling
as though to strike his knees. Larry
caught him by the collar and dragged him
10 n seat. where he huddled, his twitching
hands at his throat.
Gentlemen" said my grandfather.
"you seem 10 have been enjoying your
selves Who Is this person.
He pointed with his stick TO the sher-
iff who was endeavorlng TO crawl out
from under the mass Of broken crystals.
That sir, Is the sheriff said Bates.
"A very disorderly man, 7 must say
Jack. what have YOU been doing TO cause
the sheriff so much Inconvenience? Didn't
you know that that chandelier was likely
10 kill him? That thing cost a thousand
dollars gentlemen. You are expensive WIS.,
itors All. Morgan.--and Ferguson. too.
Well, WELL I thought better 81 both OF
you. Good morning, Staddard; little
work for the church militant And this
gentleman?"-he Indicated Larry, who
was, for once in his life. without any
thing to say.
Mr. Donovan,--a friend OF the house."
explained Bates.
Pleased. I'm sure" said the old gen
tleman. "Glad the house had a friend. IL
seems TO have had enemies enough" he
added dolenlly; and he eyed the wreck
OF the room ruefully. The good humor IN
his face reassured me; but still ! stood
in tongue-tied wonder. staring at him.
And Pickering John Marshall Glen
arms voice broke with n quiet mirth that
] remembered as the preface usually or
something unpleasant. "Well. Arthur,
I'm glad To find you on guard. defending
the interests OF my estate At the risk Of
your life tool Bates
Yes Mr. Glenarm"
You ought TO have called me earlier.
really priced that chandelier immense
ly. And this furniture wasn't 80 bad
His tone changed abruptly. He pointed