Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-09-03
CHAPTER IX.
7 T would he idle to deny that Philip
/ was startled by the sight. No
brayer mr. more reSolute bOy breath

braver or more resolute boy breath
L ed. But the silence, the mystery
the gloomy aloofness Of Johnson's
Mews-lent sinister aspect to an ap-
partition formidable enough under any
circumstances, but absolutely threaten
Ing and full Of danger to one situated
as lie ut that moment.
He never remembered seeing the man
before, not that this repellent physiog'
nomy was Of type to be soon forgot
ten. A bullet head, with prominent,
bloOdshOt eyes, strong, cruel mouth,
huge nose, badly broken-a certain
strength of character in features de-
based by drink and criminality-these
were the tokens writ legibly on the
comtenance glaring intently at the boy
from without.
The two gazed at each other for an
appreciable time. The mans face wan
dered from Philips face to his costume
and then rested on the opon portman-
teau at the boys feet. There was in
his expression an air Of astonishment-
a certain glOating bewilderment-as OF
one who had stumbled unawares upon
some object of such potential value
that the finder could hardly believe 1t
to be true. He was thinking, wonder
Ing, debating. with himself. The cog
gle eyes seemed to see more than the
brain was inclined to credit
Philip despite his alarm felt that the
right course was to resent this imperu-
nent prying into his affairs.
"Hello, you" he shouted. What do
you want?"
The man grinned. He seemed to be
about to answer when he suddenly
turned his head and looked down the
yard toward the entry.
Instantly he swung round and van
ished nolseessly with the silent alert
ness of cat for the boy heard no
sound. He simply disappeared In the
darkness, and Philip. who knew every
inch of the ground realized that his
most unpleasant visaged spy had not
only dived into the further obscurity
of the news, which formed Guide
sac. but also was either in his stocking
feet or wore something over his boots to
deaden any possible clatter on the paw
Ing stones.
Here was d nice thing. his habitat
discovered by some tramp or criminal
skulking in the untenanted building
marked out for the house breakers
within Il few days. 1t was too bad.
He was sorely annoyed that he had
not thought sooner Of the potentialities
of the window when the interior Of the
house was ilumined by candle and
ruddy fire. How long had the man
stood there watching himf He had
certainly seen some portion Of the con-
tents of the last portmanteau. Had he
also witnessed the removal Of the 9TH
ers to the pantry?
Philips experience as newspaper
yender told him that all London was
now familiar with his own personal
appearance as well as with the sem
blance and value Of his meteOric dia-
monds. The white stones, the clumps
of iron ore, had been described minute
" by clever journalists, who supple
mented Isaacstein's clear statement by
facts CLEANED from encyclopedias and
interviews with biologists.
Most probably this man had read
long articles about him, for the story
was such as to Icing watery curses to
the lips Of every penniless vagrant In
the kingdom. Indeed, the careful scru-
tiny bestowed on his face and clothes
bore out this suspicion. Had he not
changed his garments the stranger
would have known his identity beyond
all question. As 1t was, the man was
puzzled and disturbed at the very mo
ment he was about to say something.
What had happened to cause him to
run away? What had he seen or heard:
Above all, how much did he know OF
Philip and his affairs?
Well. the door was locked. and II
would be folly to so out again that
night. The house was absolutely un-
approachable save by the front. Philip
resolved to remain awake until day
break. O'Brlen's spade stood against
the fireplace. 1t was formidable
weapon, and he would not hesitate to
use 1t IL forcibie entry was attempted.
He must sit quietly in the dark, listen
Ing for each sound and threatening
boldly when he heard any one endeav.
oring to open door or window.
He sighed, for he was very tired, but
the vigil was imperative.
He dropped the drugget and scissors
and bent again over the portmanteau.
The packing operations might as well
be finished now, and indeed when the
light was extinguished It would be bet
ter to keep away from the window.
through which a sudden thrust with
an implement might do him an injury.
He took his discarded clothes and ar
ranged them OH top Of the last parcels
of ore and diamonds. Then he reached
out for the small bundle Of documents
resting on the chair behind him. in
tending to place. them I'm little pocket
In the flap which already covered one
half Of the bag.
At that instant he again heard foot
steps. OF course very few seconds
had elapsed since he first caught sight
of the living specter without, The
ideas recorded ut such length whirled