Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-01-28
pv Fl. B. MARRIOTT WATSON
CHAPTER XV (Continued.)

Now I 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 equalization of the captain. It 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 l was not to take a rebuff with my ears down, and so spoke up as calmly and as politely as himself
 "You are right" said I. Mine o'clock it was But, like you. have been unavoidably delayed. So please don't apologize.
 A smile Ii up his faee-and he was always best when he smiled-and his eyes twinkled.
 'I begin to see. MT. Greatorex," he said, "how it Is that you have come so near winning this campaign"
 II have no doubt shall win 1t yet" I returned.
 "No doubt" he replied cordially "But forgive me, Mir. Greatorex I see you have no refreshments here, and I am sure you are in need of them. It was unpardonable of Hood" So saying, he rose and went to the door. shouting some order to man below, whom, l judged, I must consider my sentry. Presently, and before the captain re- sumed his seat, Hood himself entered, bearing in his hands q tray containing q bottle of whisky, q 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.
 "Allow me, MT. Greatorex,' he said and puffed for some minutes in silence. Indeed, it was who first resumed the conversation.
 "I presume, Captain Sercombe," said, that you have come to tell me that you do not accept my offer.''
 "Precisely," he owned taking his ci- gar from his mouth. That is ex- actly the position, Mr. Greatorex. ilon't know how you guessed it, but there 1t Is. do not feel justified, in consideration of my relations with Mir. Hood, in accepting your proposals" :" ."Then,'' l said blutily, but keeping up the farce, II see no reason for our con tinuing this interview, and, as 1 am somewhat tired, ii you will excuse me-
 .I would not trespass upen you ill fh0 eli iry} he inf tAl ut had an idea that perhaps we might ar rive at compromise. l said noth- ing, for l had not the faintest notion of what he was driving at.
 You are aware" he continued in his pleasant voice, that there is an access to the dungeon in which, justifiably or otherwis>I express no Opinion-you confined our host.'
 bowed and slipped my whisky and water.
 'You are also aware" he went on, "that now you, the only other person who has knowledge of that private road, are, let Us say, enjoying the hos pitality of the Woodman, the treasure chests are not likely to remain long where they are"
 He waited on my answer as if some and watched him. Captain Sercombe from his comfortable attitude bent his red brows at me. May I ask you, Mr. GrentoreX,' he said quite coolly, If you happen to have locked the door of the dungeon:'
 For answer and without giving the matter thought I produced the key, which, as have already narrated, ] had put in my pocket.
 Sercombe's eye lightenod He rose and went to the door, opening it and glancing into the darkness. Then he returned and drew his chair ncarer to mine.
 You maJ}e me proposition this afternoon he said earnestly
 ''I did said l, which l now beg 10 retract
 1t WIS not good enough" he waHt Oh. paying no attention t0 my sarcasm, not ngarH guo3 ~HeueA Bat what do sou sa4 il make one to you now
 sbfuggoj Hy shoulders. II am Tt VOLT aere slt3
 'i onEy you your powers of ease, h. said. "I am H9tfF saoa 81f -adH7it you beat me. But come, am m8hns you proposition What ,io you sat -
 T llayo already sltd it'
 I see l=N1E] set no n1are=rlsei4ea. aut Of foa He sad se}efly. But =Aaa& man to auSt when see lim. Ihat has -baen H5v-SIfJ anslrf Mir f.rpatoreY And I Eno1e 4aa }e 4sst5uz} tArur! soMetfHas it k aaavu.labtea'= H,e Rrai.c off sYaar f4feuas aaHt i1aaw where 1ou went tonieht9. Aa asked suddenly.
 Why do vi asE:2 said.
 If fhe dungeon a7ar k locked # i= impoesil | taa5 t4eF can ge, iat4 it But if your friends hal thr ky. ht went on. growing very earnest "Vi5at would happcn4 l imagine that they would open the door, find the b,rd flown and perhaps the entrance to the secret passage disclosed"
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