Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-27
CHAPTER Xv-continued.
By II. B. MARRIOTT WA

more of gentleman than valet and
he was certainly more of scoundrel
than either But, having discharged
this civility, he turned his back AMI
paid me no further attention, merely
issuing TN order to his cutthroats. The
two dirty Greeks. one of whom was
my squirting acquaintance, marchea
me along without more ado. And IL
had considered the possibility OF es-
cape the fancy was dispelled by the
presence of two more besides HOOD
himself, which l discovered when we
began to move. said nothing. keep
ing my eyes wide open and my brain
rs ready as might be. nor was any
word spoken upon either side until we
drew up at the Woodman. stopping be-
fore which Hood requested me to en-
ter in his most conventionally hospita-
bic manner
was much exercised in my mind as
to the use these brigands could have
for me. but as yet the situation was
too novel to allow me consecutive
thought. was led into large, barn
like building beyond the inn and reach
ed by flight Of wooden steps outside.
The room was large and airy and had
evidently not been used for a granary
these many years. Indeed, it bore tho
plain marks of recent habitation, and
it came across me that maybe this had
been the hiding place Of the Greek
sailors.
Into this cell the Greeks thrust me
and, locking the door behind them, dis
appeared, leaving me to my own refiec'
tons. That these were not cheerful l
need not assure you. Alt Ugh was
but partially awakened to my misfor-
tune, had no difficulty in seeing
whittier it tended Hood, as l now per-
ceived, had discovered the secret gal
lery and had made his escape by that
and not by the sally port. But why
was he lingering about the entrance to
the passage? And how came he in
company with his allies? l had not
contemplated this problem for FIVE
minutes ere the secret Of my capture
dawned on me and, 1 will confess,
fairly turned my stomach. Through
the gallery lay the one road to the
treasure. and Hood and I were the
only two people in the drama who
knew that. My seizure meant, then,
that the way was now clear for him
and his enterprise. The treasure Of the
Vyvians was ut his mercy.
In these desperate considerations 1
spun out the better part Of an hour, at
the end Of which time the key creaked
suddenly in the door, and Sercombe en-
tered, bearing heavy lamp. This he
set down upon the rude bench table
and turned to me, seating himself In a
chair and disposing himself with COM
fort
81 regret, Mr.. Greatorex," said he
suavely and pulling at his cigar, with
his hat ON the back of his head, II re-
greet that 1 am somewhat late to my
appointment with you. 1t was to have
been 8 o'clock, fancy"
Now recalled what, to say the
truth, l had completely forgotten in
the adventure which had experienced
that 1 had myself named such an
hour to receive the capitulation Of the
captain. 1t maddened me to remember
the fact and my triumphant diplomacy
of the afternoon in the face of my dis
NAL failure and this bland and sprawl
ing creature. But was not to take
rebuff with my ears down, and SO I
spoke UP as calmly and as politely as
himself.
"You are right" said 1. mine
o'clock 1t was. But, like you, have
been unavoidably delayed. So please
don't apologize"
A smile lit up his face-and he was
always best when he smiled-and his
eyes twinkled.
II begin to see, Mr.. Greatorex," he
said, chow it is that you have come so
near winning this campaign"
II have no doubt shall win it yet"
returned.
mo doubt" he replied cordially. "But
forgive me, Mr.. Greatorex. l see you
have no refreshments here, and I am
sure you are in need Of them. 1t was
objectionable Of Hood" So saying, he
rose and went to the door, shouting
some order to man below, whom, /
Judged, I must consider my sentry.
Presently, and before the captain re-
stunned his seat, Hood himself entered,
bearing in his hands tray containing
bottle Of whisky, carafe Of water
and some glasses. He cast an eye OF
scrutiny on Sercombe, who lolled once
more in his chair, but he said nothing
and retired to the door. Sercombe
filled two glasses.
"Allovv me, Mr.. Greatorex," he said
and pulled for some minutes in silence.
Indeed, it was who first resumed the
conversation.
II presume, Captain sercombe." I
said, 'tthat you have come to tell me
that you do not accept my offer"
Precisely" he owned, taking his e.
gar from his mouth. "That is ex-
actly the position, Mr.. Greatorex.
don't know how you guessed It, but
there it is. do not feel justified, in
consideration of my relations with
Mr.. hood, in accepting your proposals"
Then" said blufly, but keeping up
the farce, 81 see no reason for our con-
tinuing this interview, and, as l am
somewhat tired, if you will excuse
me-
II would not trespass upon you IN
tho cli,htoSt,' ho i,+arruptAd "Rut L