The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-22

candleabra going about with his accus-
toned noiseless step. l felt a cold chill
creep down my spine as he passed behind
me on these errsnds. His transition from
the role OF conspirator TO that of my
HAWKES. servant was almost too abrupt
] dismissed him as quickly as possible
and listened to his step through the halls
as he went about locking the doors
This was a regular incident, but was
aware tonight that he exercised what
seemed to me a particular care I'm settling
the bolts. The locklng-up process had
rather bored me before; tonight the snap
ping OF bolts was particularly trying
When l heard Bates climbing to his
own quarters ] quietly went the rounds
on my own account and found everything
az tight as a drum.
In the cellar took occasion to roll some
barrels OF cement into the end Of the cor
ridor, TO cover and block the trap door.
Bates had no manner OF business In that
part of the house, as the heating appa-
ratus was under the kitchen and acces-
sible by an Independent stairway. / had
no immediate use for the hidden passage
to the chapel--and did not intend that
my enemies should avail themselves OF
II. Morgan, at least. knew OF Il and,
while he was not likely to trouble me
at once, 1 had resolved to guard every
point In our pleasant game.
/ was tired enough TO sleep when
went 10 my room, and after an eventless
night, woke to a clear day and keener
air
I'm going to take little run into the
village, Bates" / remarked at break
fast.
Very good, sir. The weathers quite
clear"
'If any one should call / be back in an
hour or So"
Yes. sir"
He turned his impenetrable face toward
me as / rose. There was OF course no
chance whatever that any one would call
to see me: the Reverend Paul Stoddard
was the only human being except Bates,
Morgan and the man who brought up my
baggage. who had crossed the threshold
since my arrived
i really had an errand I'm the village.
wished to visit the hardware store and
buy some cartridges. but Pickerings
presence in the community was dis
turbing factor in my mind ! wished 10
get sight OF him-to meet him, If posi-
Die, and see how man. whose schemes
were so deep, looked In the light OF day.
As 1 left the grounds and gained the
highway Stoddard fell I'm with me-
Wen, Mr.. Glenarm, I'm glad to see
you abroad so early. With that library of
yours the temptation must be strong to
stay within doors. But n mans got to
subject himself to the sun and wind
Even a good wetting now and then is
salutary."
II try TO get out every day." I answer
ed. But I've chiefly limited myself TO the
grounds"
We'll. it's fine estate. The lake Is
altogether charming I'm summer I ouite
envy you your fortune"
He walked with long swinging stride
his hands thrust deep into his overcoat I
pockets. IL was difficult to accept the
Idea OF so much physical strength being
wasted In the mere business OF saving
prayers In "a girls school Here was a
fellow who should have been captain of
a ship or soldier, leader OF forlorn
hopes. felt sure there must be a
weakness OF some sort in him. Quite
possibly IL would prove TO be n mild
estheticism that delighted In the SAVIOR
OF incense and the mournful cadence OF
choral vespers. He declined n cigar and
this rather Increased my suspicious.
The village hack. filled with young
women, passed at a gallop. bound for the
station. and we took of our hats.
christmas holdays.' explained the
chaplain. Practically all the students go
home"
Lucky kids. to have Christmas to go
home to-
Il suppose Mr.. Pickering got away last
nighty he observed, and my pulse quick
ened at the name.
CTo be continued Monday)