Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-01-07
The AdventurerS By H. B. MARRIOTT WATSON N copYRIcHr 1ses BY HARPER (.


hear me, he looked upon the table, and at last, raising his eyes to mine and playing gently. but scarcely in a ncrv ouS fashion, with the forks before him, he said very quietly:
 "I have had the honor of your ac quaintancc for some twenty hours, Mr. GrcatorcX. 1t is little two men may know of each other in so brief a time But l am won't to take quick cogni- zance of people and content to risk Il mistake. You have. if you will forgive me saying so. an admirable habit of si- lence." He paused. and, as if it had been to justify his sentence. 1 held my tongue "A recluSe like myself-that is how you would style me- he re- stunned. must have some occupation for his thoughts. 1 have explained that l am no student 1t follows that I have some other hobhy-shall we say:" X ghost of smile glittered on his face. and then his head turned sharply toward a window which overlooked the courtyard. There was the sound of footsteps upon the rough cobble. II am about to disclose to you. Mir. GrcatorcX. the secret of my scclusion"
 rose with him, strangely influenced by this solemn scene. Was it really solemn. or was it the mere whim of old age the polnpous revelation of se- nile cccentricity? I followed him down tine stone passage to tie eastern wing of the castle. Fifty paccs fartIler brought us to the entrance to the keep. but q dozen yards from this Mir. Kes- teven paused and. turning the key in d heavy oaken door. entered q room of considerable size. which. as you will see, looked forth upon the back part of the park from the second floor. Like all the chambers in that ancient built. ing, it was paneled With oak.
 The roGnl was deY3it of fulnitur4 save for ricketN chair or two aud was wholly destitute of carpet, so tn, our feet rang loudly upon the stone floor. It seemed to Me at that m3= mcnt. and with the odd preparations; for that mission, that Was, SD to speak, upon the very edge of d mySi e.ious dis cOyery. Mr. keSteYen placed q chair against the wall and stepping upon 1t with difficulty, raised his hand till it touched the topmost panel near the window. There followed a slight creak and the panel slid back, disclosing q dark and vacant space ill which l could ,simly discern the separation of shelves My host had but dropped his fingers into the reccsses Of this cupboard when q faint noise caught lis ears. and he turned abruptly. I had followed him into the room, and the door stood open. But l turned now with him and followed the direction of his gaze. The man Hood stood forward in the door Way with an aEologetic air. Mr. kes teven's hand dropped sharply, and wtA d certain brusqueHe$s he demanded What do you w;tnt:"
 The eX-valet touched an ima gnary hat. Il peg your pardon, sir. am sure, but l called to knoW if you would be wanting that gun you spoke of the other day Mrs. Main didn't know aud I thought that maybe it would save time if was to ask you myself
 He was d perfect model of servile department, displayed no sign of nerv ousness, bu! only the rigid good man ners of the trained servant Mr. kes- teven stepped down from the chair and leisurely dusted his coat sleeves. Then he looked up, and the westering sun struck full upon his face, which I could not but observe was more color less than usual.
 No, thank you, Hood," he said suavely. II have changed my mind. It was good of you, but shall not need it..
 The two men eyed each other for an instant. and then the servants eyes fell with civil politeness.
 Thank you, sir. Sorry to trouble you, sir" he said and turned about on the threshold. But MT. kesteven stop ped him.
 As you are here, Hood," he said, breathing hard. as from his cXertionS, T should he obliged if you would kindly close that panel tor me- l am not so young as l was. naturally. Mir. GrcutoreX. he explained, turning 10 me with a faint smile.
 There was q perceptihle pause for so ready q servant. thought. as Hood moved from his place by the door to obey the order. 1 thought. too. that l noticed q sudden flash of amaZement pass ill his eyes, but when he went by ne they were merely deterential. and l imagined that had been mistaken.
 And now. my friend, said Mr. Nes, teven gCnially, putting his hand through mine when tire panel had been closed. we will get into the open air. We can, not avail ourSeiNc, too much or too of ten of these summer days: eh, Uood:"
 "\o. sir said flood promptly, with the promptncSS of Il machine and Will. no moro infection than a good servant should have.
 ''.Al. feel it myself. Mir GreatoreX." said the old man. leaning somewhat heavily upon my arm as we issued from the chamber
 Hood closed and locked the door after him.