The Washington herald., 1907-11-17
BY
FLORENCEWARDEN


the intention Of trying to get away. But
he was amazed and perturbed 70 md
that the hand on either side frightened on
his arm and that instead Of being allowed
20 enter the cottage al his own pace he
was rather thrust than led inside and
into the little sitting-ro0m, which he now
recognized as at least a temporary
prison.
on the alert and watchful and con-
scious that he was almost wholly in the
power Of these two men, in one OF whom
he suspected a consummate scoundrel,
St Quintin was. on the other hand. so
much interested and excited by the ad-
venture - which be found himself en-
gagged that he was not wholly unwilling
10 submit 20 the treatment in question.
He pretended 10 have no notion that
there was anything sinister about tie
display OF force they had made. but sat
down by the table as soon as they had
released him, put his hands IN his pock-
cts, and said that he had never felt so
tired in his life.
You'll stay here tonight won't you?
It's too late TO hope % get 20 DOncaster.
And you can continue your hunt Tor
your matchbox. as you suggested. in
the morning. said Monsieur Leblanc,
speaking In a tone in which St Quintin
noted a change from his usual suavity.
q sort Of tigerishness which seemed 10
promise i'll for the peaceful ending Of
the interview
Now St Quintin had been careful 10
keep near the door. ignoring the invita-
/ ton 10 sit by the FIRE. which both gen
tlcmen had COUTJeOUsly given him He
knew that Miss Grey. the landlady. was
within hearing. for he had seen her how
ering about IN the passage outside. and
felt satisfied that she was no party 70
the doings Of these two.
4 cry for help would reach her ears
without difficulty, and as long as he
kept both the other men Well in sight,
I and his own back against the wall, St
Quintin felt comparatively safe.
For even as he threw himself back. he
had managed 10 let the chair slide, 50
that he could not be attacked from be-
hind.
He still kept up as much as possible
an appearance Of unsuspecting candOr-
IL would be time enough 10 take OF The
gloves by and by. when Leblanc had
shown his teeth a little more. a moment
which St Quintin felt would not be long
in arriving
mo. thanks I won't stay here" he
said. IN answer 20 Leblanc's snarlinE
/ invitation I've got a fly waiting for
me al the Crossroads. and III get back
20 town as soon as can II the ladies'
don't turn up tonight"
There was a pause St Quintin looked
&c mis- watch.
I ought 10 be on the move now. It's
/ 10 O'Clock" he said
Leblanc made an impatient movement.
Well there's no hurry. II you have a
/ fly waiting for you" said Mr.. Williams.
You must have a stirrUp-cup before
you 90"
Thanks" said St. Quintin. rising Il
/ won't stay for that. or I shall be late.
These country folk keep early hours.
and
oh. but We insist"
/ Mr. Williams came toward him and
thrust him down into his seat with a
heavy hand, while Monsieur Leblanc
/ went out of the room.
It's fearfuHy stufy in here. don't
you think sO2' said St Quintin. Selling
7 The opportunity Of Leblanc's leaving the
room 10 put his foot in such n way that
the door could not be closed. Let Us
have the door open FOR little while
: Just as you Ike said Mr.. Williams
! whose manner never changed from it's
| genial ease and warmth
! He poured out some whisky into three
/ glasses which he had brought from the
.
I place St QUintin watched hiGl. rather
relieved 10 md that by the departure
OF the Frenchman he had now only one
man 10 deal with, instead Of two. But
! he did not drink the whisky, having
certain strong suspicious as 20 the eff
feet il was intended 70 produce upon
him Nr. Williams. who chatted genially
10 him with his arms across the table
and his glass in his hand. and smoked
his pipe with a Contemplative air as he
did so. noted the abstemiousness OF his
companion. and asked him drily If he
thought IL was a local product.
You needn't be afraid" he added, Il
brought il down from town myself It's
Johnny Walker. I don't poison myself
with the stun one gets in these OUt-of-
the-way places"
I suppose not" said St. Quintin. still
in the doorway. and quite aware by this
time that IL was farce 70 keep up ap-
/ pearances with these men.
Still he left the whisky Untasted. and
suddenly Mr.. Williams manner changed.
: Raising his head, he looked steadily at
the young man in the light OF the OIL
lamp on the table, and asked in voice
Ike the growing Of distant thunder;
DO you think there's anything wrong
with it,"
laughing with an effort
Drink il, then" said the other drily.
St Quintin sprang to his feet.
I You must excuse ne" he said
And dashing the door open. so that il
ratified against the wall. he Fan out into
the passage and 70 the front door This,
however. was bOlted. and he found him
self stopped.
minute later Mr.. Williams was by
his side. laughing at his impotence in
his old genial manner
What on earth is the matter with the
fellow" he said, with 4 cOmical look OF
apparent dismay. Aren't YOU going 10
wait till Leblanc comes back 10 say
gOod-by to him.
Where is he sone to-" asked St ouin-
tin. sharply.
To see if he can make arrangements
for you to sleep at the inn. I suppose.
since you won't stay here"
But I'm going hack 10 Doncaster. 1
told him so. And I must lose no time
Make my excuses 70 Leblanc and tell
him I couldn't wait any longer
If you are really determined to 20. Of
| course we mustn't try TO detain you"
said Mr.. Williams. becoming serious
when ne found the young man was in
/ earnest Let me open the door for you.
It's bolted. / think. And I'll see you
on your way as far as the place where
you left the fly"
'An right Thanks" said St Quintin,
treasured when he found that he was
to be allowed to go without further troU-
bic and only a little disturbed by the
nonappearance Of the other rogue.
Leblanc was up 10 some mischief. OF
course. What was it,
i In the meantime Mr.. Williams. still
chatting easily about country life and
lii ...L..u