Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-15

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 I took the parson's arm and avalked out
 ,.s 5nto the roGd,cau. ...
 capital servant. He said nothing be.
 yond making the customary inquiries of landlord, and if had been in any
 other mood than that of desperate cha
 grin the irony of that 'Tea or coffee, sir?'' would have tickled my sense of the ludicrous. But was not disposed to talk, and so I was equally silent with him. Nor was my quietude broken un-
 til some two hours later, when Ser combe entered.
 Look here, MT. Greatorex," said he quickly, if we're not careful, this lit tie enterprise of ours will be taken clean out of our hands," | q thought" I observed. that the game was over," wondering all the time what he was meaning
 'Yes. and no,' said he, but there's many slip 'twixt the cup and the lip. and you don't know what has been happening while you've been here."
 "In other words," I answered, "my friends may not have been caught as easily as myself, although you will note that I still have that key" ~,r.
 fancied that he winced, but he went on hastily. That is so, and besides, in any case, you are bound by your com- pact of silence"
 If you will tell me what you are driving at''- began.
 "See here, sir" he broke in. There's been a deal of talk in the countryside, and, what with that mutton faced fool Jones suspicious, the authorities have begun to smell rat"
 T am very sorry for you," said I dryly. T understood that he had not high opinion of you"
 His opinion be hanged" he retort- ed; but I won't have any interference nor, take it, will you"
 "No; prefer my. prison, naturally" I declared.
 What I want to tell you is this," he resumed. paying no heed to my sar- casm. Tt seems that Jones and the i other meddler have got wind of your disappearance. The police have been securing the Gwent, and what must the beast do but cast his suspicious eyes on me-"
 He dropped his voice. "They are outside now, and Hood is parleying With them. They've got that silly ass I of parson with them, who is by way of being my friend. He's taken to me nightly because I had brother or a cousin at Rugby, and nothing must serve them but that they must make investigations in the inn"
 I shrugged my shoulders. Upon my word. I don't see what can do for you" said.
 "Yes. you do," he replied sharply. q have told the sergeant that you are here right enough. but are staying with me as my guest. He swears he must see. you and find out for himself. And the parson, amiably embarrassed, VOWS I am being insulted. However, there yoI are" ....
 Very we'll" said I slowly; "let them in
 Sercombe scrutinized me keenly. as though he would read my soul, and ! then, apparently satisfied, left the room.
 In another moment knock sounded ! at the door, and Hood, fiinging it open, said, "Gentlemen to see you, sir"
 The little parsen entered, followed i by the sergeant who had called at tI& i castle. looked up from my books and rose instantly.
 How do you do. vicar:" said, of fering him a hand. Good day, ser geant."
 The policeman was taken aback and stared at me sheepishly, but the par ! son turned to him triumphantly.
 'I told you so. Jones'" he declared. T am not In the habit of doubting Cap tain Sercombe's word"
 Gentlemen said, feigning as- may I ask what is thisT'
 "Oh. it's an absurd piece of business from the start" said the vicar emphat- ically. What is coming over the po- lice I don't know. No man of position Is safe from them"
 You would think if he had a cousin at Rugby it would be sufficient" in- terrupted the suave voice of Sercombe.
 The vicar turned. Precisely, cap tain" he said eagerly. T think I did my best to explode the foolish notion
 May I ask. gentlemen I began, but Sercombe interrupted.
 There was a notion that you were being detained by force" he said, smll- ing.
 I laughed By force. Is every man who spends a couple of days with a friend to become a case of abduc- tiOng-
 "very well put, sir approved the Rev. Mir. Morgan. T was never at Rugby myself. but I had an uncle Tho''-
 Excuse me. sir" said Jones obsti- lately. do your friends know where rOu areT-
 ''Did they Inform you of my disap- I asked
 Jones hesitated No. sir be said at ast.
 II should think not I replied.
 A murmur of appreciation came from he vicar- Jones looked absshed. but le had the proper Welsh Otssti1acy and still fingered The vicar turned on him Gone Jones' he said. T think apol- sgies are due from you to both these