The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-04

She gave me the tips Of her fingers
without looking at me.
servant came in hurriedly.
Miss Devereux. Mr.. and Mrs Taylor
and Mr.. Pickering are in the drawing
room"
Yes very well: will come at once"
Then 10 me:
"They must not see you-there, that
way!" and she stood I'm the door. facing
me. her hands lightly touching the frame
as though 10 secure my way.
I turned for n last look and saw her
waiting-her eyes bent gravely upon me,
her arms still half-raised. barring the
door; then she turned swiftly away into
the hall.
Outside found my hat and coat and
wakened my sleeping driver He drove
like mad into the city and swung upon
the north bound sleeper just as II was
drawing out Of the station
CHAPTER XIX
MEET AN OLD FRIEND.
When 1 reached the house found. TO
my astonishment that the window / had
left open as l scrambled out the night
before was closed. i dropped my bag and
crept to the front door. thinking that II
Bates had discovered my absence IL was
useless to attempt any further deception.
! was amazed TO find the great doors OF
the main entrance flung wide. and in real
alarm ran through the hall and back to
the library.
The nearest door stood open and. as
roered in, n curious scene disclosed itself.
A few OF the large cathedral candles still
burned brightly In several places, their
flame rising strangely in the gray morn
ing light Books had been taken from
the shelves and scattered everywhere. and
sharp implements had cut ugly gashes in
the shelving Tho drawers containing
sketches and photographs had been pulled
out and their contents thrown about and
trampled under foot.
The house was as silent as tomb. but
as I stood on the threshold trying 10
realize what had happened, something
stirred by the fireplace and l crept for
ward. listening. until l stood by the long
table beneath the great chandelier. Again
1 heard n sound as OF rome animal wax
ing and stretching. followed by moan
that was undoubte lly human. Then the
hands of n man clutched the farther edge
OF the table. and slowly and evidently
with infinite difficulty n figure rose and
the dark face OF Bates, with eyes blurred
and staring strangely, confronted me.
He drew his bod1 TO its height, and
leaned heavily upon the table. I snatched
a candle and bent toward him 20 make
sure my eyes were not tricking me.
''Mr. Glenarm! Mr. Glenarm!" he ex-
claimed I'm broken whispers. III IL Bates
sir"
What have you done; what has hap
pened?" l deganded
He put his hand TO his head uncertainty
and gaped as though trying TO gather his
wits.
He was evidently dazed by whatever
had occurred. and l sprang around ana
helped him 10 n couch. lie would not lie
down but sat UP, staring and passing nus
hand over his head. IL was rapidly grow
ing lighter. and saw purple and blach
streak across his temple where abludgeon
of some sort had struck him.
what does this mean. Bates7 VINO
has been In the house2"
II can't tell you, Mr. Glenarm-"
Cant tell met You will tell me OF
20 TO jail There's been mischief done
here and don't intend TO have any nom
sense about ~ from you. Welt"
He was clearly suffering. but In my
anger at the sight OF the wreck OF the
room I grasped his shoulder and shook
him rugby.
ut was early this morning." he faltered.
''about O'Clock. / heard noises In the
lower part OF the house. l came down
lshSoiinS likely 1t was you, and remember