The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-29
THE NEWS DEMOCRATS DAILY STORY
To be published in daily instalments on this page
The House of a
Thousand Candles
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
Copyright by
Che Bobbs Merrill Company

tried TO assassinate me- that's ALL"
said. In a voice that failed 10 be calmly
ironical. was still fumbling at the catch
OF the window.
ALLOW me, sir,"-and he threw up the
sash with an ease that Increased my ir-
ritation.
I leaned out and tried 10 find some clue
20 my asasilant. Bates opened another
window and surveyed the dark landscape
with me.
1T was a shot from without. was 1t.
sir?"
'of course II was: you didn't suppose ]
shot at myself. did y6u?''
He examined the broken pane and pick
ed up the bullet from the table
IT'S rife bail, I should say"
The bullet was half-lattened by It's con-
tact with the wall. II was a cartridge
ball OF large calibre and might have been
fired from either rifle or pistol
IT'S very unusual sir!" / wheeled upon
him angrily and found him fumhling with
the bit OF metal, a troubled look in his
face. He at once continued as though
anxious to allay my fears. quite acct
dental most likely. Probably boys on
the lake are shooting at ducks"
! laughed out so suddenly that Bates
started back I'm alarm.
You idiotr' l roared. seizing him by
the collar with both hands and shaking
him fercey. You fool DO the people
around here shoot ducks at night? DO
they shoot waterfowl with elephant guns
and fire at people through windows Just
for fun?"
/ threw him back against the table so
that II leaped away from him. and he fell
prone on the floor.
Get up!" 1 commanded, "and fetch
lantern"
He said nothing but did as bade
him. We traversed the long cheerless
hall TO the front door. and I sent him
before me into the woodland Ny notions
of the geography of the region were the
vaguest. but l wished 10 examine for my
self the premises that evidently contained
a dangerous prowler. | was very angry
and my rage increased as followed
Bates who had suddenly retired within
himself We stood beneath the lights
OF the refectory window.
The ground was covered with leaves
which broke crisply under our feet
what lies beyond hefe?" l demanded.
About a quarter OF mile OF woods sir.
and then the lake"
GO ahead" l ordered. straight to
the lake"
I was soon stumbling through rough
underbrush similar TO that through which
we had approached the house Rates
swung along confidently enough ahead OF
me. pausing occasionally 10 hold back
the branches. l began To feel "a my rage
ahated. that | had set out on a foolish
undertaking. I was utterly at sea as
to the character OF the grounds; ! was
following man whom / had not seen
until two hours before and whom I be
gan 10 suspect OF all manner OF designs
upon me. II was wholly unlikely that
Nhe person who had fired into the win
dows would lurk about. and. moreover.
tho light Of the lantern, the crack OF
the leaves and the breaking Of the
boughs advertised our approach loudly
am, however person given TO steadfast-
ness in error, II nothing else and
grim determination to reach the margin
OF the lake II for no other reason than
10 exercise my authority over the Gus
todian Of this strange estate.
a bush slapped me sharply and
stopped 20 rub the sting from my face.
Are you hurt. sir?" asked Bates So
licitously. turning with the lantern.
"Of course not" ! snapped. "rm hav-
ing the time Of my life. Are there no
paths In this jungle?''
mot through here. sir. 10 was Mr.
Glenarms idea not to disturb the wood
at all. lie was very fond Of walking
through the timber"
Not at night. hope! Where are We
now7'
quite near the lake. sir"
Then go on"
(To BE Continued Tomorrow