Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-07

I am no student. 1t follows that ]
have some other hobby shall we sayY
A ghost of smile glittercd on his
face, and then his hend turned sharply
toward window which overlooked
the courtyard. There was the sound
OF footsteps upon the rough cobble
II am about to disclose to you. Mr..
Gren torex, the secret OF my seclusion.'
rose with him, strangely Influenced
by this solemn scene. Was " really
solemn, or was 1t the mere whim of
old age, the poinpous revelation of az,
nile eccentrcity? followed him down
the stone passage to the eastern wing
of the castle. Fifty PAGES farther
brought us to tho entrance to the keep
but dozen yards from this Mr.. kes
teven paused and. turning the key IN
heavy oakcn door, entered II room OF
considerable size. which, as YOU will
see, looked forth upon the back part OF
the park from the second floor. Like
all tho chambers In that ancient build.
ing, 1t was puneled with oak.
The room was devoid OF furniture
save for ricliety chair or two and
was wholly destitute of carpet, so that
our feet rang loudly upon the stone
floor. 1t seemed 10 me ut that mo
ment, and with the odd preparations
for that mission, that was. 40 to speak
upon the very edge OF IL mysterious dis
covcry Mr. kesteven placed chair
against the wall and stepping upon II
with difficulty, raised his hand till II
touched the topnost panel near the
window. There followed slight crcak
and the panel slid back, disclosing Il
dark and vacant space In which could
dimly discern the separation of shelves
My host had but dropped his fingers
into the rccesses OF this cupboard when
faint noise caught his ears, and he
turned abruptly l hnd followed him
into the room, and the door stood
open. Hut turned now with him and
followed the direction of his gaze. The
man Hood stood forW ard In the door
way with an apologize air Mr.. Kes
teven's hand dropped sharply. and with
II certain brusqucncss he demanded
what do you want:"
The cx-vnlet touched an imaginary
hat. ~ 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
aud thought that maybe 1t would
save time If l was to ask you myself.
He was perfect model Of servilo
department, displayed no sign of nerv-
BUSINESS, but only the rigid good man.
ners of the trained servant. Mr.. Kcs-
teven stepped down from the chair
and leisurcly busted his coat sleeves.
Then he looked up, and the westerlng
sun struck full upon his face. which
could not but observe was more color
less than usual.
mo, thank you, Hood" he said
suavely. II have changed my mind.
1t was good of you. but l shall not need
It,"
instant, and then the servants eyes
fell with civil pollteness.
"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 exertlons,
II should be obliged IL you would
kindly close that panel for me. am
not so young as / was, naturally, Mr..
Greatorex." he explained, turning to
me with faint smile.
There was perccptible pause for so
ready servant, / thought, as Hood
moved from his place by the door to
obey the order. thought, too, that 1
noticed sudden flash Of amazement
pass in his eyes, but when he went by
me they were merely deferential, and
I imagined that had been mistaken.
"And now, my friend" said Mr.. Kes-
teven genially, putting his hand through
mine when the panel had been closed,
1--WE will get into the open air. We can
not avail ourselves too much or too Of
ten Of these summer days; eh, Hood?"
mo, sir" said Hood promptly, with
the promptness Of a machine and with
no more infection than good servant
should have
"Ah, 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.
"The key, sir" he said respectfully,
holding it out
"Oh, the key will do where 1t 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 conversed about other things,
I BEI r