Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1907-03-09
CHAPTER XIV.
The Girl In GRAY.

mel before Bates could reach the
house The chapel was open, ard by
lighting matches | found my way to
the map and panel | slipped through
and closed the opening; then ran
through the passage with gratitude to
J the generous builder who had given IL
a clear floor and an ample roof. In
my haste | miscalculated its length.
I pitching beadlpng into the steps I'm.
/ der the trap beneath Glenarm House
at a gait that sent me spraying. In
. a moment more I had jammed the trap
into place and was running UP the eel
j lar stens breathlass with my cap
4 smashed down over my eyes.
| ! heard Bates entering at the rear
and knew that | had won the race
/ by a scratch. There was but mo-
ment in which to throw my coat and
cap under the divan ia the library.
slap the dust from my clothes and
! seat my self at the great table where
/ the candles blazed TRANQUILITY.
| Bates step was as steady as ever
there was not the slightest hint Of
excitement in it-as he came and
stood within the door.
Beg pardon, Mr. Glenarm, did YOU
wish anything, sir?'
ooh, no. thank you. Bates
81 had stepped down to the VILLAGE
sir, to speak to the grocer. The eggs
he sent this morning were not qnite
up to the mark I warned him not to
send any of the storage article to this
house"
That's right Bates folded my
arms to hide my hands, which were
black from contact with the passage.
| and faced my man servant. NV re-
| spect for his rascally powers had in
| creased immensely since he gave me
my coffee A contest with so clever
a rogue was worth while.
I'm grateful for your care of me.
Bates. | had expected to perish OF
discomfort out here. but you are treat
ing me like lord"
THANK you, Mr.. Glenarm. I do
what can, sir
He brought fresh candles for the
table candelabra going about with his
accustomed noiseless step. felt a
cold chill creep down my spine as he
| passed behind me on these errands
His transition from the role of con
spirator to that Of my fiawless serv'
ant was almost too abrupt.
| dismissed him as quickly as posi-
bic, and listened to his step through
the halls as be went about locking the
doors. The locking-up process had
rather bored me before; tonight | lis
tened with interest for every sound.
When | heard Bates climbing to his
own quarters | quietly went the
rounds of my own account and found
everything as tight as drum.
| was tired enough to sleep when
went to my room. and after an event
less night woke to a clear day and
keener air.
I'm going to take little run into
the village. Bates" l remarked at
breakfast.
Very good, sir"
IF any should call I'll be back in
an hour or So"
Yes, SIR
| really had an errand In the village.
| wished to visit the hardware store
| and buy some cartridges, but Picker
ings presence in the community was
| disturbing factor in my mind. had
| resolved to get sight of him-to meet
| him, If possible, and see how a man
| whose schemes were so deep looked
in the light of day.
AS | left the grounds and gained
| the highway Stoddard fell in with me.
well, Mr.. Glenarm, I'm glad to see
| you abroad so early. With that IL
| brary of yours the temptation must
be strong to stay within doors. But
a mans got to subject himself to the
sun and wind Even a good wetting
| now and then is salutary."
Il try to get out every day." an
swered. But I've chiefly limited my
self to my own grounds"
An ancient omnibus, filled with
young women passed at a gallop,
bound for the station, and we took off
our hats.
Christmas holidays" explained the
Il oSNNollg all liC oNoNChNo
go home"
Lucky kids, to have homes with
Christmas trees. envy them"
81 suppose, MIR, Pickering got away
last night?" he observed, and my
| pulse quickened at the name.
Il haven't seen him yet" | an
swered
Then of course he hasn't gone!"
and these words, uttered in the big
clergyman's deep tones, seemed Who'll
ly plausible. There was. to be sure,
nothing so unlikely as that Arthur
Pickering, executor of my grandfath-
ers estate, would come TO Glenarm
| without seeing me.
Sister Theresa told me this morn
Ing he was there. He called on her
and Miss Devereux last night.
\ haven't seen. him myself ! ttau~ht