The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-23
THE NEWS DEMOCRATS DAILY STORY
To be published in daily instalments on this page
The House of a
Thousand Candles
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
Copyright by
Ths Bobbs Merrill Company

TO the sNherifrs deputies one after the
other with his stick There was, L re-
membered. always something insinuating.
disagreeable and final about my grand
fathers staff
Clear outr' he commanded Bates.
see these fellows through the wall Mr.
Sheriff, If / were you I'd be very careful,
indeed, what | said OF this AFFAIR. I'm a.
dead man come TO life again, and / know
a great deal that didn't know before |
died. Nothing, gentlemen, fits a man for
life like temporary absence from this
cheerful and pleasant world.I recommend
you to try IT,"
He walked about the room with, the
quick eager step that was peculiarly his
own, while Stoddard. Larry and / stared
at him. Bates was helping the dazed sher-
if TO his feet. Morgan and the rest OF
the foe we're crawling and staggering
away. muttering. as though imploring the
air OF heaven against an evil spirit
Pickering sat silent, not sure whether
he saw ghost of real flesh and blood,
and Larry kept close TO him. cutting off
his retreat. I think we all experienced
that bewildered feeling of children who
are caught in mischer by a sudden pa
rental visitation. My grandfather went
about peering at the books. with a tran
gull air that was disqueting.
He paused suddenly before the design
for the memorial tablet which had made
for the memorial tablet which had made
early in my stay at Glenarm House.
had sketched the lettering with some care
and pinned It against a shelf for my more
lesurely study of its phrases The old
gentleman pulled out his glasses and stood
with his hands behind his back reading
When he finished he walked to where
stood.
Jack" he said. Jack. my boyl" His
voice shook and his hands trembled as
he laid them on my shoulders. Marian"
he turned. seeking her, but the girl had
vanished. Just as We'll" he said. This
room is hardly an edifying sight for
woman" heard. for an instant, a light
hurried step in the wall.
Pickering. too. heard that faint, fugitive
sound. and our eyes met at the instant II
ceased. The thought OF her tore my
heart and I felt that Pickering saw and
knew and was glad.
They have all gone, SIR" reported
Bates, returning to the room.
Now, gentlemen" began my grand
father. seating himself, II owe you an
apology; this little secret OF mine was
shared by only two persons. One OF these
was Bates."-he paused as an exclama-
tion broke from all Of us: and he went on.
enjoying our amazement-"and the other
was Marian Devereux. had often OBJ
served that at mans death his property
gets into the wrong hands. or becomes a
bone of contention among lawyers Some
times" and the old gentleman laughed,
IAN executor proves Incompetent or dis
honest. was thoroughly fooled in you.
Pickering. The money you owe me Is a
large sum: and you were go delighted TO
hear Of my death that you didn't even
make sure I was really out OF the way.
You were perfectly willing 10 accept
Bates word for IT.: and must say that
Bates carried II of splendidly"
Pickering rose, the blood surging again
In his face, and screamed at'Bates, point
ing a shaking finger at the man.
You impostor-you perjurerl The law
will deal with your case"
"To be sure" resumed my grandfather
calmly: Bates did make false affidavits
about my death; but possibly"
1T was In n Pickwickian sense, SIR"
said Bates Rravely
And In n righteous cause" declared
my grandfather. Il assure you, Picker
ing. that have every intention OF taking
care Of Bates His weekly letters giving
an account Of the curious manifestations
of your devotion 10 Jacks security snd
peace were alone worth a goody sum.
But. Bates
(To be continued tomorrow