The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-05-12

TALklNG again down tho
M block. having turned his
Wv back upon Carr. a rather
lively collection of thoughts
ran through weldon's head Primarily
he felt something very nearly akin 10
anger. He suspected that he might
have made a fool of himself. In all
probability, despite his expressed DIS
belief. Maltbv might have been mere
II amusing himself and the others
with the weird tale Of the House OF
Suspicion and It's uncanny gateway
big enough TO accommodate a truck
vet opening only to one person at
time.
And II that should happen 70 be the
case, well. he was thoroughly &C
ouainted with Mr.. Carr! For not less
than one month that gentleman would
divert himself and the rest OF the
Wanderers Club with a gaily emoroid-
cred account Of the advance upon the
House Of Suspicion, painting Weldon
as the indomitable investigator, pound
ing fearlessly upon the heavy gate.
Passing. too. to more immediate con-
alterations. it was cold and late and
they were a long way from home AT
host neither could roll into bed now
before O'Clock. and II the suburban
cars maintained their usual midnight
schedule, would be more probable.
However. he had started the adven-
t,Ire. now he might as well carry IL
through to whatever conclusion. Later
~. he would take his medicine like
nan and wait patiently for a chance
IN return the compliment 10 MI
Maltby, Thinking thus, he reacheo
the gate.
He stared at II almost reprOachfully.
Certainly, a piece of work Ike that
looked fit for any sort OF mysterious
doIngs. Why, the thing was heavy
enough to have been brought from
feudal castle. Had ii been little
lighter in construction, Weldon In MS
prasent mood. would have been almost
Inclined 10 try kicking 1t in or climbing
over II! Perhaps ten seconds Of con-
alteration. and he was still wavering
between knocking once more or ad-
hitting the defeat OF his foolish prof.
ect lie decided. however, upon a
final try. His hand reached up. his
fingers were upon the knocker-and
weldon started back with little gasp.
Not that side OF the gate but the
other was moving! For an instant
Il seemed to stick; then with little
creak IL swung slowly inward!
Before him, shrouded in shadow, lay
= broad driveway, apparently of as
phalt. At the end. against the sky he
made out the massive outlines OF the
house itself. A faint light shone here
and there in the windows; except for
that the place was only a huge, pitch
black mass. But he was not allowed
great time for analysis. Out Of the
darkness came a thin, old voice:
"Enterl'
''Er-who-2"
''Win you enter?''
The gate began TO swing back
gradually. into place. 1t was too much
for the man without What little
fear he had -elt at the first startling
opening Of the way was now more than
overbalanced by a gnawing curiosity
"Rv George, Yes" he cried softly.
Two strides and he had passed
through. The gate returned 70 its
original position. Quite alone. Mr.
Weldon had penetrated the House of
1suspicionl A sudden sense Of solitude
of helplessness. came over him. He
wished most heartily that Carr was at
his side. He felt an indefinite but
rather keen regret that he had ever
undertaken the absurd feat
Rut as he turned to find the owner
az the voice he knew some relief.
Surely the danger was slight from lae
custodian OF the mysterious gates,
bent. aged man, small Of frame and
somewhat feeble of aspect Weldon
gathered his senses for speech. His
thoughts were interrupted by an
abrupt command:
This way. siri'
But where"
ITO the house. sir. Come quickly.
Weldon found himself being led rap
idlv up the path. a thin hand upon his
arm. Almost at a run. so swiftly went
the lettering footsteps OF his guide. he
was approaching the broad entrance
OF the house itself. His curiosity arose
once more. overwhelming al other
considerations. What manner Z place
was it? What sort OF insanty had
given birth to this situation A soil
tarv man had approached the gates.
they mac opthtns AoW tlie man WIS pe-
Ing led. evidently with definite pur-
pose. toward the empty, mysterious
dwelling.
4 say he began again.
silence, sir. please"
Weldon shrugged his shoulders
From the street behind the lxnocker
act up sudden clatter. He stopped
Snort cars voice followed. after A
brief pause. Then came the clamor Oh
the bronze and the shout together.
Look here. old gentleman" VOL