Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-01-29
CHAPTER XIV. The Girl In Gray.

crypt door and return through the tun. mel before Bates could reach the house. The chapel was open, and by lighting matches I found my way to the map and panel. l slipped through and closed the opening; then ran through the passage with gratitude to the generous builder who had given it . clear floor and an ample roof. In my haste miscalculated its length, pitching headlong into the steps un- der the trap beneath Glenarm House ct 8 gait that sent me sprawling. In . moment more had damned the trap into place and was running up the eel Jar steps. breathless, with my cap smashed down over my eyes.
 I heard Bates entering at the rear and knew that had won the race by a scratch. There was but a mo ment in which to throw my coat and cap under the divan in the library, slap the dust from my clothes and seat my self at the great table where the candles blazed tranquilly.
 Bates step was as steady as ever there was not the slightest hint of excitement in it-as he came and stood within the door.
 Beg pardon. MT. Glenarm, did you wish anything, sir?"
 "Oh, no, thank you, Bates"
 'T had stepped down to the village, sir,. to speak to the grocer. The eggs he sent this morning were not quite lup to the mark. warned him not to isend any of the storage article to this house.
 That's right, Bates" I folded my arms to hide my hands. which were black from contact with the passage. and faced my man servant. My re- spect for his rascally powers had in- creased immensely since he gave me my coffee. A contest with so clever b rogue was worth while.
 I'm grateful for your care of Ee. Bates. I had expected to perish Of discomfort out here. but you are treat ing me like lord"
 Thank you, Mir. Glenarm. do what l can, sir."
 He brought fresh candles for the table candelabra, going about with his accustomed noiseless step. felt . cold chill creep down my spine as he passed behind me on these errands. His transition from the role of con- spirator to that of my fiawless serv- ant was almost too abrupt.
 dismissed him as quickly as possi- lble. and listened to his step through the halls as he went about locking the doors. The locking-up process had rather bored me before; tonight lis- tened with interest for every sound.
 When I heard Bates clumbing to his own quarters quietly went the rounds of my own account and found everything as tight as drum.
 was tired enough to sleep when went to my room, and after an event less night woke to a clear day and keener air.
 I'm going to take little run into the village. Bates." remarked at breakfast.
 Very good, sir"
 If any should call I'll be back in an hour or so."
 Yes, sir"
 really had an errand in the village. l wished to visit the hardware store and buy some cartridges. but Picker ings presence in the community was disturbing factor in my mind. had resolved to get sight of him-to meet him, if possible. and see how a man whose schemes were so deep looked in the light of day.
 As I left the grounds and gained the highway Stoddard fell in with me.
 Well, MT. Glenarm. I'm glad to see you abroad so early. With that li- brary of yours the temptation must be strong to stay within doors. But . mans got to subject himself to the sun and wind. Even a good wetting now and then is salutary."
 q try to get out every day" I an. Uwered. But I've chiefly limited my. self to my own grounds"
 An ancient omnibus, filled with young women passed at a gallop, bound for the station, and we took ofi our hats.
 Christmas holidays" explained the chaplain. Practically all the students 60 home"
 Lucky kids, to have homes with Christmas trees. I envy them"
 T suppose. Mir. Pickering got away fast night?" he observed. and my pulse quickened at the name.
 T haven't seen him yet" I an. ewered.
 Then of course he hasn't gonei" and these words, uttered in the big ,clergyman's deep tones. seemed whol. ly plausible. There was. to be sure, nothing so unlikely as that Arthur Pickering. executor of my grandfath. CTS estate. would come to Glenarm without seeing me.
 Sister Theresa told me this morn ing he was there. He called on her and Miss Devereux last night I haven't seen him myself I thought possibly I might run into him In the village. His cars very likely on the station switch"
 No doubt we shall find him there .- I answered easily.
 The Annandale station presented an appearance of unusual gaiety when we reached the main street of the village. There. to be sure. lay the private car in the siding. and on Ihe platform vas group of % or more