Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-13

but partially awakened to my mlSfor- tune, had no difficulty ill seeing whither 1t tended. Hood, as now per ceiyed, 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? I, had not contemplated this problem for five minutes ere the secret of my capture dawned on me and, I will confess, fairly turned my stomach. Through the gallery lay the one road to the treasure, and Hood and I 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 I 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 con- fort
 T regret, Mir. Greatorex," said he suavely and pulling at his cigar. with his hat on the back of his head. T re- gret that I am somewhat late to my appointment with you. It was to have been g o'clock, fancy
 Now 1 recalled what, to say the truth. l had completely forgotten in the adventure which I had experienced that I had myself named such an hour to receive the equalization of the captain. It maddened me to remember the fact and my triumphant diplomacy Of the afternoon in the face of my dis nal failure and this bland and sprawl ing creature. But I was not to take q rebuf with my ears down, and so I spoke up as calmly and as politely as himself.
 You are right" said I. Nine o'clock it was. But. like you, I have been unavoidably delayed. So please don't apologize
 4 smile lit up his face-and he was always best when he smiled-and his eyes twinkled
 Il begin to see. Mfr. GreatoTex.' he said. ''how it is that you have come so near winning this campaign"
 'I have no .loubt I shall win it yet I returned.
 "No doubt" he replied cordially. But forgive me. Mir. Greatorex. I see you have no refreshments here. and I am sure you are in need of them. It was unparionable of Hood" So saying he rose and went to the door. shouting some order to Q man below, whom. I judged. I must consider my sentry. Presently, and before the captain re- sumed his seat. Hood himself entered. bearing in his hands tray containing 8 bottle Of whisky. carafe of water and some glasses. He cast an eye of scrutiny on Seecombe. who lolled once more in his chair. but he said nothing and retired to the door. Sercombs filled two glasses.
 Allow nae. MT. Great0reX, he said and pufTed for some minutes in silence Indeed. ii was I who first resumed the conversation.
 T presume. Captain Sercombe.'' I said. that you have come to tell me that you do not accept my ofrer"' 7"
 Precisely" he owned. taking his ci- gar from his mouth. That is ex- actly the position. MT Greatorex don't know how you guessed it. but there it is. l do not feel justified. in consideration of my relations with Mr. Hood. in accepting your proposals"
 Then" said blu1iy, but keeping up the farce. T see no reason for our con tinuing this interview. and. as I am somewhat tired, if you will excuse me-
 T would not trespass upon you in the slightest" he interrupted But I had an idea that perhaps we might ar rive at a compromise" l said noth- ing, for had not the faintest notion of what he was driving at
 You are aware" he continued in his pleasant voice. that there is all access 10 ihe dungeon in which. justifably or otherwise-I express no opinion-you confined our host"
 bowed and slipped ny whisky and water.
 You are also aware" he went Cn. that now you. the only other person who has Knowledge of that private road. are. lei Us say. enjoying the hos gitality of the WOodman. the treasure chests are not likely 10 remain long where they are"
 He waited on my answer as if some thing anxious. but I merely nodded and watched him. Captain Sercombe from his comfortable attitude bent his red brows at me. May I ask you. Mr. Greatorey." he saM quite coolly. If you happen 10 have locked the door of the dungeon:-'
 For answer and without giving the matter q thought I p-o'lucAI the key. which. as have already narrated. had put in ny rocket.
 Sareombe's eye Iightened. He rose and went to the dor. opening l. and glancing into the darkness. Then he returned and drew his chair nearer to mine
 ''You made me a proposition tlf~ afteruool.~ hp sad earnestly.
 T fd said [. 'vhich now beg -O rstract
 "I- was no, god eno1Eh.- co hn went Ca. rayiaz ID attention fo IHy sarcas1 not nearly god en5G-h- But what do you say fl make one to yoB now?'