Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-04-05
(coNTINUED.J

In ~ - -
than either. But. having discharged
this civility. he turned his back and
paid me no further attention. merely
Issuing an order to his cUt1hroatS. The
two dirty Greeks. II of whom wAS
my squirting acquaintance. marched
me along without more ado. And if |
had considered the possibility OF es-
cape the fancy was diSpelied 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 BRAN
as ready as might I've. 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 conveniently hoSpita-
bic manner
l was much exercised i'll 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. l was led into a large, barn
like building beyond the inn and reach
ed by q fight Of wooden steps outside.
The room was large and airy and had
evidently not been used for a granarv
these many years. Indeed. it bore the
plain marks of recent h%abitaIion. and
1t came across me that maybe this had
been the hiding place of the Greek
sailors.
Into this cell the Greeks thrust NE
and, locking the door behind them, dis
appeared, leaving me to my own refec-
tons. That these We're not cheerful l
need not assure you. Although l was
but partially awakened to my misfor-
tune. l 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. l will confess,
fairly turned my stomach. Through
the gallery lay the one road to the
treasure, and Hood and l 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 at his mercy.
In these desperate considerations
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 a 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
Il regret, Mr.. Greatorex.'' said he
suavely and pulling at his cigar. with
his hat on the back of his head. Il re-
greet that l am somewhat late to nv
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 l had experienced
that | had myself named such an
hour to receive the capitulat;on of the
captain. 1t maddened me to remember
the fact and my triumphant diplomacy
OF the afternoon in the face of nv dis
NAL failure and this bland and sprawl
ing creature. But l was not to a k q
rebuff with my ears down. and so
spoke up as calmly and as politely "a
himself.
"iou are right said l. "Ninc
o'clock it was. But, like you, l 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.
Il begin to see. Mr.. Greatorex." he
said, how it is that you have come 50
near winning this campaign
Il have no doubt I shall win it vet"
returned.
mo doubt" he replied cordially. "But
forgive me, NJ. Greatorex. l see YOU
have no refreshments here, and I am
u you are in need of them. 1t was
objectionable Of Hood" So saving. he
rose and went to the door. shouting
some order to a man below, whom.
judged, l must consider my sentry
Presently, and before the captain re.
sumed his seat, Hood himself entered
bearing in his hands a tray containing
a bottle Of whisky, a carafe of water
and some glasses. He cast an eve 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, Mr.. Greatorex," he said
and pulled for some minutes in silence
Indeed, it was l who first resumed the
conversation.
II presume, Captain Scrcombe,"
said, that you have come to tell me
that you do not accept my offer"
PRECISELY" he owned. taking his CT
gar from his mouth. '"That Is ex
actly the position. Mr.. Greatorex.
don't know how you guessed it, but
there 1t is. do not feel justified, III
consideration OF my relations with
MI. Hood, in accepting your proposals.
"Thcn," ! said blufiiy, but keeping w
the farce, ~ see no reason for our con.
tinuing this interview, and, as ! am
somewhat tired, If you will excus