The Washington times., 1907-05-26

- nome Win him. and III me morn
ing. II nothing had vet been heard
from the two missing men, report the
whole matter TO the police.
His breathing apparatus not yet
wholly normal after the two quick
dashes. Dunfrey walked slowly back
toward his companion. Coming again
70 the gate, though, he paused once
more. Somehow, he felt. II that thing
could suddenly be battered IN and
dash made for the house behind. It'd
ings would be found Of Weldon and
Carr. Somehow
you are alone?' said a thin voice.
You are alone now?" the weak voice
piped
Dunfrey started violently. 'What2'
Yes" Dunfrey controlled his tones
You wish TO enter?'
Yes" Dunfrey softly extracted the
revolver from his pocket and set his
teeth grimly.
IF allowed 20 enter, you VIII make
no outcry?''
Il" He looked al the gate. II
was remarkably solid. yet behind It.
az this moment. stood some one capa-
would FAR rather have called for Sell
ers. He would rather have entered with
a companion and another weapon 20
combat the mysterious forces capable
OF absorbing men utterly. yet II ne
hesitated the gate might remain closed
''I agreer" he said, suddenly and soft
~.
A gentle creak greeted his reply A
pause OF a few seconds. and half me
gate opened before him, disclosing AT
the rear. the House OF Suspicion cimly
lighted and with the big front door
standing slightly a5ar!
With one bound. Dunfrey was WITH
IN. The pistol flashed uncertainty IN
the Gloom. and Dunfrey's hoarse voice
rose quickly. "Now-you-
A rnunIed. frightened shout, and
something scurried away from him
across the dry lawns. Dunfrey paused
an instant. He located a rather d.
nlnutive shape. moving swiftly and
uncertainty in the shadows. Then;
stop. or I'll shootI"
There was no pause. Dunfrey drew
a long breath and raised the weapon
A moment OF aiming and the pistol
shot crashed IN the stiffness. There
rnuttered the third visitor
YET the shot seemed 70 have little
effect toward staying the flight OF the
unknown. Somewhere beyond, the man
was plunCing along. across the grass
O,r7frey eruuted and dropped the re-
volver into his pocket, and his long
legs BEGAN 20 take up the intervening
space.
Tt was puzzling work. for utter igno-
rance Of the grounds and the unhappy
necessity OF depending wholly upon his
ears rendered pursuit prOblematic- In
a moment or two. however. he felt that
the fleeing one was pretty definitely
located and he bent all his energies
,,pon catching him Then the man
veered. For another brief space. Dun
frev lost track Of him. only 20 see,
dirnly. a small figure darting toward
the House Of Suspicion Itself He
too. changed his course The figure
bounded I'D the steps in a queer, sti1
fashion. Dunfrey touched the first
broad slab OF the same flight at the
same moment
The door was hurled open more wide
" ard the man in advance rushed into
the lighted 6orr,dor-and DUnfTey was
upon him. To his great establishment,
his revolver was thrust into the face
OF q white. painting old man, sunk now
upon his knees in the doorway OF
reception room,
GOOD God. sir! IL
You're caught, eh7"-- Dunfrey
laughed grimIy and rather hreathless-
". You're caught. after air.
''Don't point that-that thing at
ne. SIR the az q one pleaded tt
It might go or
1T will go off. and with the business
END planted very firmly against your
forehead the visitor replied. That
Is unless you're prepared TO make a
clean breast and do il IN record time
II have nothing to-nothinS 10
-" the -savering voice broke Off
pIteously Sir. I am a very old man
and utterly-unarmed. WithOUt-wIth-
out that pistol"
'T could break your villainOus old
. pack. eh?" said Dunfrey. wei, I
suppose I coulo, but vel keep II
handy. nevertheless.
The weapon dropped to his side.
Cautiously Dunirey backed against the
wall. where a view Of the whole place
could be commanded. and glanced Up
and down the corridor. Expecting his
captive. there was not e. slightest
evidence Of hun in the neigh
borhood. Save for the old mans hard
breathing. the stiffness of the corridor
was tomb-like. Come Get on your
feet" he commanded. stand there
that's right. Now answer my questions
and don't move or cry Out.',
II am perfectly willing 10 answer
anything that may, sir" the man
protested. There Is nothing
"Of course not That's why yvu
broke INFO a dead run at the gate. I
presume
Your pistol. sir, startled me very
much. Il"
It's going TO startle you a whole lot
more presently. II you don't come up
with the information I WANT Dun
frey pursued sharply. "Old gentleman.
I want 10 know what has become OF
two men who are held prisoners in
this house, You know, probably far
better than I. Just how they entered.