The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1907-10-04

StepS "c'c usdtu nearu IN the wall,
and she turned to the panel, held II
open with one hand and put out the
other. waiting for some one who fol.
lowed her.
Then down into the room stepped
my grandfather. John Marshall Glen.
arm! His staff. his cloak, the silk hat
above his shrewd face. and his sharn
black eyes were unmistakable. He
drew a silk handkerchief from the
skirts of his frock coat, with a charac.
teristic flourish that l remembered
well, and brushed bit OF dust from
his sleeve before looking at any of us,
Then his eyes fell upon me.
Good morning, Jack" he said. and
then gazed with mild curiosity about
the room.
God help us!"
II was Morgan, think. who screamed
these words as he bolted for the
broken door. but Stoddard caught and
held him.
THANK God, you're here. sir" broke
forth in Bates sepulchral voice.
1t seemed to me that saw all that
happened with weird, unnatural dis.
tinctness. as one sees, before storm,
vivid outlines of far headlands that the
usual light of day fails to disclose.
was myself dazed and spellbouud.
but do not like to think, even now. of
the effect OF my grandfather's appear
ance on Arthur Pickering: of the
hook that seemed verify to break him
! two, so that he staggered, then col.
nsed: his head falling as though to
strike his knees. Larry caught him by
here he huddled. his twitchIng hands
1t his throat.
Gentlemen said my grandfather.
you seem to have been enjoying your
selves. Who Is this person.
He pointed with his stick to the
sheriff. who was endea avoring to crawl
out from under tho mass OF broken
crystals.
THAT, sir. is the sheriff" answered
Bates.
"A very disorderly man. I must say.
Jack. what have you been doing to
cause the sheriff SO much inconven.
ience? Didn't you know that that
chandelier was likely to kill him?
That thing cost "A thousand dollars.
Gentlemen. you are expensive visitors.
All, Morgan.-and Ferguson. too!
Well. well. thought better of both
0f you. Good morning. Stoddard! A
little work for the church militant!
And this gentleman?"-he indicated
Larry. who was. for once in his life.
without anything to say
"Mr. Donovan,-a friend OF the
house." explained Bates.
Pleased. I'm sure" said the old gem
leman. Glad the house has a friend.
t seems to have had enemies enough"
he added. and eyed the wreck OF the
-oom ruefully. The good humor in his
ace reassured me: but still stood in
ongue.tied wonder. staring at him.
And Pickering" John Marshall
Cilenarm's voice broke with a quiet
mirth that I remembered az the pre-
ace usually of something unpleasant.
Well. Arthur. I'm glad to find you on
guard. defending the interests OF my
estate. AT the risk Of your life. too!
Bates"
Yes. Mr.. Glenarm."
'You ought to have called me earlier
| really priced that chandelier i'm
mensely And this furniture wasn't
so bad"
His tone changed abruptly. He
pointed to the sherih's deputies one
after the other with his stick. There
was. l remembered. always something
lnsinuating. disagreeable and final
about my grandfather's staff.
Clear OUT" he commanded. Bates.
see these fellows through the wall.
Mr.. sherin. II were you ia be very
careful, indeed. what ! said OF this af-
fair. I'm dead man come to life
again, and know great deal that
1idn't know before l died. Nothing.