Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-06

high brick wall 1t was of very an
cient workmanship, but as nothing to
the house itself, which came directly
into full view as soon as we had passed
the entrance. 1t lay some 800 yards
back, approached through patch of
park grown with grass and intersperseG
With noble trees. My first impression
had not been wrong. 1t was nothing
less than the ruins of a small castle.
one of those fortalices reared by the
border barons against the inroads of
Welsh barbarians in the Plantagenet
times. AS we drew near my gaze de
voured the building and took in many
points of interest. 1t 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, cleaned the red roof and heavy
thatch of farm buildings, and round
stack or two in the neighborhood
proved that the fortress kept it's an
Gent uses 10 longer
You will see that l am able to resist
siege" said my host, with whim-
steal smile, as we crossed the draw
bridge, adding. with what seemed to
me comical irony and looking down
at the bridge, Il 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 sum-
moned a man and gave him charge of
my horse. And here again l noticed
that further appearances testified to
the use Of the castle as farm. From
scrutiny of this pleasant aspect was
aroused by my host, who, pausing as
he pushed open huge oaken door,
turned to me suddenly.
II am extremely remiss, Mr.. 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 l might not have consented so
meekly to be his guest, for it was now
time for my homeward journey. How
ever, l must, it appeared, sit and drink
with him a glass Of sherry in his Ii
brary, large and ancient room with
very fine display Of oaken shelves and
paneling.
A little later l excused myself, and
rose for departure. For a minute or
two he appeared to have fallen into
abstraction, and then. glancing at me
quickly, he regarded me with stead
fast, inquiring gaze.
'sMr. Greatorex," said he, "you are a
young man. begin to think that we
should find much in common You will
permit the question? Are you mar
ried?"
l assured him that l was not. He
nodded, as if this we're satisfactory
news. Nor am L" he answered, "but
very probably for another reason.
cannot expect you to take part in my
philosophy, but l am reminded that
you have seen nothing Of house which
is Of some historical interest, and which
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, 1 had not anticipated
this proffer of hospitality. Yet there
was certainly no pressing reason for
my return, and here, at least, l should
have more congenial company than in
my miscellaneous taproom. I replied
something to the effect of this thought.
"Good!' said he, Frightening little
'You are kind to cheer solitary. I
can even promise you bottle Of cham
payne 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.
II should be doing you wrong, Mr..
Greatorex," he said, "if were not to
let you know that by consenting to be-
my guest tonight you are conferring
upon me great favor. You place mel
under a particular obligation"
told him, laughing, that the ob!iga-
ticn was mine.
NO." said he. 81 fear that my mean
ing is not plain. Let me say this-I
have a particular reason for wishing
your companionship tonight"
bowed politely and offered some
conventional reply, though this deep air
of mystery puzzled me.
"You are a strong man, Mr.. Create
rex" he continued, surveying me serl-
ousIy. 81 must tell you that have no
one sleeping in the house save my
housekeeper and maid. The man you
saw, who took your horse, sleeps IN
cottage at Llanellan." He paused. Il
was unfortunate enough to lose my
valet month ago and SO far have been
unable to fill his place.
I began to understand. He was IN
some fear of his lonely condition. Pos
sibly he dreaded an attack by bis late
assailant. Suddenly, too, ran into my
memory the scene in the taproom on
the previous night, the miller and MS
49, .>:~. ,,>d his story There was