Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-02-01

Of footsteps upon the rough cobble.
II am about to disclose to you, MI.
Greatorex, the secret of my seciusion.'
/ rose with him, strangely influenced
by this solemn scene. Was it really
solemn, or was it the mere whim OF
old age the pompous revelation of Sc
nile eccentricity? l followed him down
the stone passage to the eastern wing
of the castle. Fifty PAGES farther
brought us to the entrance to the keep,
but dozen yards from this Mr., Kes-
teven paused and, turning the key in
a heavy oaken door, entered room or
considerable size, which, as you will
see, looked forth upon the back part Of
the park from the second floor. Like
all the chambers in that ancient build
ing, it was paneled with oak.
The room was devoid of furniture
save for a rickety chair or two and
was wholly destitute of carpet, so that
our feet rang loudly upon the stone
floor. 1t seemed to me at that mo-
ment. and with the odd preparations
for that mission, that was, so to speak.
upon the very edge of mysterious dis
covery. Mr. Kesteven placed chair
against the wall and. stepping upon It
with difficulty, raised his hand till 1t
touched the topmost panel near the
window. There followed a slight creak,
and the panel slid back, disclosing a
dark and vacant space in which could
dimly discern the separation of shelves.
n
into the recesses of this cupboard when
a faint noise. caught his ears. and he
turned abruptly. had followed him
into the room, and the door stood
open But turned now with him and
followed the direction of his gaze. The
man Hood stood forward in the door
way with an apologize air. Mr.. Kes-
teven's hand dropped sharply, and with
a certain brusqueness he demanded.
What do you want?"
The ex-valet touched an imaginary
hat. Il beg your pardon, sir, ! am
sure, but called to know if you would
be wanting that gun you spoke of the
other day. Mrs. Main didn't know,
and ! thought that maybe it would
save time if was to ask you myself"
He was a perfect model of servile
department, displayed no sign of nery-
BUSINESS, but only the rigid good man
ners of the trained servant. Mr.. Kes-
teven stepped down from the chair
and leisurely busted his coat sleeves.
Then he looked up. and the westering
sun struck full upon his face, which l
could not but observe was more color
less than usual.
mo, thank you, Hood" he said
suavely. 81 have changed my mind
It was good of you, but ! shall not need
it,
The two men eyed each other for an
instant, and then the servants eyes
fell with civil politeness.
THANK you, sir. Sorry to trouble
you, SIR he said and turned about on
the threshold. But Mr.. Kesteven stop
ped him.
''As you are here, Hood" he said,
breathing hard, as from his exertions,
Il should be obliged if you would
kindly close that panel for me. am
not so young as / was, naturally, Mr..
Greatorex," he explained, turning to
me with a faint smile.
There was a perceptible pause for so
ready a servant, l thought, as Hood
moved from his place by the door to
obey the order. I thought, too, that
noticed sudden flash of amazement
pass in his eyes, but when he went by
me they were merely deferential,, and
| imagined that had been mistaken.
"And now, my friend" said Mr.. Kes-
teyen geniafy, putting his hand through
mine when the panel had been closed,
eve will get into the open air. We can
not avail ourselves too much or too of
ten of these summer days; eh, Hood?"
NO, SIR" said Hood promptly, with
the promptness of machine and with
no more infection than good servant
should have.
@Ah, 1 feel it myself, Mr.. Greatorex, |"
said the old man, leaning somewhat
heavily upon my arm as we issued
from the chamber.
Hood closed and locked the door
after him.
1.-THE key, sir" he said respectfully,
holding it out.
"Oh, the key will do where it is" re-
piled Mr.. Kesteven, without looking
round. Leave it in the lock, Hood"
AS we retraced our steps along the
corridor, which echoed dull to the
tread, he conyersed about other things,
r.