The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-02-15


Greatorex. 1t is little two men may
know of each other in SO brief a time.
But I am wont to take quick cogni-
zance of people and content to risk q
mistake You have, If you will forgive
me saying 80, an admirable habit Of ST.
lence." He paused. and as IL it had
been to justify his sentence, held my
tongue "A recluse like myself-that
is how you would style me-" he re-
sumed, must have some occupation
for his thoughts. / have explained that
/ am no student. 1t follows that I
have some other hObby-shall we say"
A ghost Of a smile glittered on his
face, and then his head turned sharply
toward a window which overlooked
the courtyard. There was the sound
of footsteps upon the rough cobble.
81 am about to disclose to you, Mr..
Greatorex. the secret Of my seclusion."
l rose with him, strangely Influenced
by this solemn scene. Was II really
solemn, or was it the mere whim of
old age. the pompOus revelation Of Sc
nile eccentricity? l followed him down
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
heavy oaken door, entered room Of
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
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 ii
with difficulty, raised his hand till IL
touched the tOpmost panel near the
window. There followed slight creak,
and the panel slid back, disclosing a
dark and vacant space in which l could
dimly discern the separation of shelves
My host had but dropped his fingers
into the recesses Of this cupboard when
faint noise caught his ears. and he
turned abruptly. l had followed him
into the room, and the door stood
open. But l 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
Il certain brusQueness he demanded
What do you WANT
The eX-valet touched an imaginary
hat. Il beg your pardon, sir, | an
sure, but | called to know if you would
be wanting that gun you spoke of the
other day Mrs. Main didn't know
and l 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 nerv'
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
could not but observe was more color
less than usual
mo, thank you, Hood" he said
suavely. Il have changed my mind
1t was good of you, but l 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.
LAS 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 Il faint smile.
There was a perceptible pause for SC
ready servant, l thought, as Hood
moved from his place by the door to
obey the order | thought, too, that
noticed sudden flash of amaZement
pass in his eyes, but when he went by
me they We're merely deferential, and
/ 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
I'VE will get into the open air. We can
not avail ourselves too much or too Of