Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-02-02
CHAPTER XIX. A Triple Alliance.


 Bates fitted up out of the house stores. l did not know what Bates might sur mise about Larry. but he accepted my friend in good part, as a guest who would remain indefinitely. He seemed to interest Larry, whose eyes followed the man inquiringly. When we went down Bates was limp ing about the library, endeavoring to restore order.
 Bates I said to him, you are a very curious person. l have had thousand and one opinions about you since I came here, and still don't Ealse you out"
 He turned from the shelves, a de- faced volume in his hands.
 Yes, sir. It was good deal that way with your lamented grandfather. i, He always said puzzled him."
 Larry, safe behind the fellows back, made nc attempt to conceal smile.
 Y want to thank yol for your heroic efforts to protect the house last night You acted nobly, and must confess, Bates, that didn't think it was in you. Tn only sorry that there are black pages in your record that can't recon cile with your manly conduct of last night. But we've got to come to an understanding"
 <. Yes, sir" "The most outrageous attacks have been made on me since l came here. You know what mean we'll enough. MT. Glenarm never intended that l should sit down in his house and be killed or robbed. He was the gentlest being that ever lived, and I'm going to nght for his memory and to protect his property from the scoundrels who have plotted against me. I hope you follow me"
 Yes, MT. Glenarm." He was re- garding me attentively. His lips quav- cred, perhaps from weakness, and he seemed distressed and i'll.
 Now I offer you your choice,- either to stand loyalty by me and my grandfather's house or to join these scoundrels Arthur Pickering has hired , to drive me out. I'm not going to bribe you,-I don't offer you cent for your help, but I won't have traitor in the house, and If you don't like me or my terms I want you to go and go now."
 He strengthened quickly,-his eyes lighted and the color crept into his face. I had never before seen him ap- pear so like human being.
 "Mr. Glenarm, you have been hard s on me; there have been times when you have been most unjust"
 Unjust, unfair-my God, what do you expect me to take from you! Haven't I known that you were in league with Pickering? I'm not as Q dull as look. and after your interview with Pickering in the chapel porch you can't convice me that you were faith. full to my interests at that time."
 He started and gazed at me wonder. ingly. had had no intention of using the chapel porch interview at this time, but 1t leaped ous of me uncon trollably.
 q suppose, sir" he began brokenly ~ 'that can hardly persuade you that meant no wrong on that occasion"
 You certainly can not,-and it's safer for you not to try. But I'm will {. ing to let all that go as reward fol your work last night. Make youl choice now; stay here and stop youl spying or clear out within an hour"
 He took a step toward me; the table ha utrift near but stood clear of it, erect unti thers was something soldierly ant commanding in his tall figure.
 By God. will stand by you. Johr G,enarm!" he said, aud struck thu table smartly with his clinched hand. He flushed instantly. Snd felt th' blood mous.tmg into my own face a we 2sxed at eacf, other,--he, Bates, th servant. and !, lis master! He had al ways addressed me 50 punctilioEsl. with the -'si::" o. respect that his dee lara,ion of fealty, spoken with so siu ce-e and vigorous az air of indepenG euce. and with the bold emphasis Q the oath, that stood spellbound, stal .ug at nirn. The silence was brokel by Larry who sprang forward an grasped Bates hand.
 I, toe, Bates said, feeling m heart leap with liking. even with at miration for the real manhood tha seemed to transfigure this hireling,- this fellow whom l had charged wit infamous conduct. this servant wh had cared for my needs in so humbl . ssirit of subjection.
 The kuoeker on the front door soun' ed peremptorily. and Bates turnt without another word. and admitt' 'Stoddard. who came in hurriedly.
 "Merry Christmas," he called heal ay. in tones hardly consonant with u troubled look on his face. introduce him to Larry and asked him to { down.
 Pray excuse our disorder.-v didn't do it for fun; it was one
 Santa Claus trIcks.
 He stared about wOnderingly.
 So you caught it. too. did you?"
 "To be sure. You don't mean to s; that they raided the chapel?-
 That's exactly what I mean to Sd When I went into the church for | early service I found that some o had ripped of the wainscoting in half a dozen places and even pried
 the altar. It's the most outraged thing I ever knew. You've heard
 the proverbial poverty of the chur nouse.-xhat do you suppose anybo could want to raid simple little cot s-- -L.-.1 Fr-S A,d rao-c rr1riOus VI