Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-19
CHAPTER VII.
The Yellow Hand-Bill.

Inc elbow dauO-b1ll.
The suggestion of tragedy brooding in the
darkness held Lance back just for the mo-
ment. He was almost afraid to proceed lest
he should find something even worse than
he had expected. Then his hand fumbled
along the wall with the switches, and the
great room burst into a glow of light again.
The place was absolutely empty, save for
the figure Of Lord Ravenspur huddled up
upon the Persian rug. He was absolutely
still and silent. AS far as Lance could see
he had ceased to breathe.
Naturally enough the young ma looked
about him for a sign of the miscreant, but
the studio contained no trace of his pres
ence. The thing was puzzling to the last
degree. There was no exit from the room
beyond the door which Walter had broken
down, and nobody could possibly have
passed him that way. Besides, the switches
were Just inside the door, and the light
had been turned on almost Immediately. At
any rate, there was nobody there now except
the victim of the attack himself, and Wal
ter reared that he was already past any
explanation of the strange affair
That would have to keep for the present.
Walter bent over and raised Lord Raven
spurs head and shoulders He was still
alive, for his eyes were wide open, though
no words came from his lips: At the same
time he seemed to be struggling for speech
which would not come. Then he raised a
shaking arm and contrived to pull Walters
head down close to his lips. The words came
at length in faint whisper, a whisper SO
low that Walter had the greatest difficulty
IN following 1t.
Don't let anybody know. 1t is absolutely
necessary that no one should know" Lord
Ravenspur faltered. If there is any alarm
l pray you go and allay at once. Say that
l had fallen asleep and was suffering from
nightmare. Say had a horrible dream. Say
anything, so long as you respect my secret
Now co.
There was nothing to do but to obey this
mysterious request At the end of the corri-
dor Vera was waiting with an anxious face.
1t was no nice thing to prevaricate, it
would have to be done. Walter spoke as
lightly possible
There is no occasion for alarm he said
Lord Ravenspur says that he fell asleep
and had a horrible nightmare AT any rate
he seems to be all right now. You had bet
ter go to bed. am sorry that you should
have been so much alarmed
To Walters great relief, Vera asked no
further questions. She turned away obedi-
studio. Lord Ravenspur still lay on the Per-
sian rug, but with Walters hep he con-
trived to get into a chair. little brandy
brought some trace of color to his face. He
seemed more like himself again.
They heard nothing in the house?" he
asked anXiously.
"Only Vera" Walter explained. She was
terribly frightened, but she believed what
toiu ueI, anu Sic mas gone up 10 ner room.
And now. perhaps, you will tell me the
truth"
DO you think 1 have not already done
so3'
My dear uncle. 1 am sure Of It. know
1t is possible for people to make the most
hideous noises when they are suffering from
nightmare, but this Is quite another matter
You called aloud for help. You were In i'm
minent danger of losing your life. Before
broke the door down l distinctly heard
somebody give low chuckle. OF course
you can make light Of this in the morning
You can induce people to laugh at your alb
surd situation, but you cannot deceive me.
know there was someone in the room
when / forced the door,.
Then where is he now, Walter?" Lord
Ravenspur asked.
"Ah l cannot tell; but he was here right
enough"
"IIe passed you In the CORRIDOR"
That he most certainly did not. Nobody
came out that way.
faint smile came to Lord Rayenspl1r' 6
lips. He indicated the room with a wave of
his hand.
Il see exactly what you mean" Walter
said. "Of course, If you do not feel inclined
to tell me the truth / cannot compel YOU to
do SO. But ! have only to look at YOU to
perate struggle with someone who came
here to take your life. You are absolutely
exhausted with the severity of it. If / had
my own way l would put the matter In the
hands Of the police"
No, no." Ravenspur said vehemently
IF you have the slightest regard for me
you will not venture to say a word to a
soul. want the whole thing to be forgot
ten. If remain in my room all tomorrow
under the plea of indisposition, l shall be
all right the next day. You are to give me
your word of honor that you will say moth