Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-04-25

ITO see mel What did she want?"
She didn't say" replied Mrs. lib
beu. Mary saw her standing by the
gate. quite in the dusk and went
down TO speak to her. She asked if
you were in. and then went away.
But l was in said Cyril.
At another time he would not have
noticed the matter. but this morning
perhaps because he was a little eX-
cited and suspicious about last nights
work-the incident seemed TO interest
him
Yes said Mrs. Tibet; Z knew
you was; but I ain't going to disturb
You when you are taking a rest for
every chance conner. Polly Marsdens
business will wait, I have no doubt
No doubt said Cyril
Besides, if Polly wants to see you
why can't she come mp 70 the house
like Christian? We shan't eat her
No. indeed said Cyril. thoughtful
ly, and went on with his breakfast.
Stalking in the rain all night is nos
conducive to an appetite in the
morning. and Cyril Kingsley made
but a poor meal.
Taking up his hal and riding whip
he went down to the stables.
He had arranged 10 accompany
Leola on a ride this morning and told
the man to saddle the horses.
Certainly a spirit of unrest held him
in thrall this morning for he could
not stand still while the man obeyed
his orders.
As a rule he rode up with the
horses, but he turned away, ana tell
ing the man he was going to the Alb
hey, babe him follow when he was
ready.
All the way up the lawn Cyril eyed
the house as if he expected to see
ii burned to the ground, or standing
rifle of its innumerable treasures;
but all was peaceful and quiet, and as
he strobe up the steps a servant
wished him a smiling, respectful good
morning.
Evidently thought Cyril, moth
ing has been missed yet,
OF late his visits had been SO fire.
quent that he was looked upon as one
of the household. He walked through
the hall to the library and turned the
handle of the door.
1t was locked
The butler, who was passing, stop
ped as Cyril shook the door
Locked, isn't it, sir?' he said.
Yes, replied Cyril.
That's strange said the butler,
shaking the handle himself; 1t is
usually open. Do you want 10 get in,
sir?"
Yes" said Cyril. 7 left some pa
pers on the table
Perhaps the door from the dining
room is open" said the butler. I'll
go round and see"
Cyril waited with a calm compos-
ure, which was no index to his inward
excitement.
NO, sir, said the butler, coming
back; that's locked. TOO. I'm not
surprised at that. for its generally
locked. But this key is SC rely
ever turned.
There was a light step on the stair,
and Cyril, who knew who it was,
looked round with the light that al
ways shone in his eyes when they
greeted her.
She stopped and bent over the bal
ustrade. and TO Cyril it seemed as if
the hall had suddenly become flooded
with sunlight
Good morning" she said, her must
cal voice floating down 10 him. What
is the matter?" and faint smile al
most arch, played about her half
parted lips
The butler disappeared. but Cyril
looked up at her. and with an un-
usual gravity in his tone. said:
The library door is locked, and
wanted some papers, Miss Dale
Leola ran down stairs, laughing
softly
Yes" she said; Il locked :. was
afraid, and a slight color Cane into
her cheeks, that some one might go
in and disturb the papers: here is the
key"
Cyril took it, and inserted it in the
lock, then he paused
when did you lock it, Miss Dale
he asked.
oh, when, let me think, Just be-
fore dinner. The other door is al
ways locked. am sorry You have
been kept waiting.
just before dinner. Then unless
the midnight visitor possessed dupli-
cate key he had not gone further than
the library.
Cyril drew a long breath and
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