The Washington times., 1907-05-05
CHAPTER II.
At the Gates of the House.

energetically. The little
group shifted and began 10
move about. Weldon, Carr.
and Penrose were chatting about the
peculiar recital with more or less ami
nation. Fayles. away from the subject
for a moment. was looking over some
notes he had taken from his pocket.
Sellers and Dunfrey. recalling pre-
vious intention. strolled away toward
the billiard room.
Maltby arose well, gentlemen. I
believe I'll make for home"
so eaYiyH"
Yes. I've done big days work to
day"
You'll be on hand tomorrow
night7'
Very likely I may be called out Of
town. though"
I'VE can't allow it," laughed We'll
don we want further particulars
about your House of Suspicion
II don't know that there are any
further particulars" Maltby smiled.
That is the whole tale"
And you really believe IT yourself7"
Carr inquired earnestly.
Maltby. hands in pocket. stared
thoughtfully at the floor.
Il don't know, quite As 1 said. mys-
terry has always had very strong at
traction for me. as I believe IL has for
most men. OF course there is the like
rhood that much that has been said
about the place is poppycock. That can
be assumed readily enough. Still
He broke of and pursed his lips.
still some Of the circumstances are
peculiar, you'll admit. There is that
crazy rental for one thing. I can't get
It out Of my head that that is signin-
cant Of something. Frankly. II had
the time and the energy, believe ia
go to work and thy to fbthom that
mystery"
But that certainly isn't a marker 70
your own adventure at the gate" Wei
don advanced 'Maltbyr he said
suddenly. "was that an actual fact?
You didn't work it up to bother our
cynical friend Sellers7"
'I certainly did not said the visitor.
seriously. ITS the truth. absolutely.
As 7 stood there in the darkness. or the
snmi-darllncSs. the COMPOUNDED Old oak
On affair simply swung inward and
was free TO walk up the drive II
chose"
'Rut YOU didn't choose7"
''TT~vinS understood. on pretty relia-
bic authority. that three persons had
walked i'm and dropped on the earth
thereafter 7 didn't choose said Malt
by drylv THAT House of Suspicion, at
the most occupies a small block. The
rest Of the world is outside. and I've
always managed to dig a reasonable
amount or fun out OF IT,
"AT the same said Weldon thought
fully. ~ believe should have walked
IN There's something in that theory
or YOURS about the attraction OF mys-
tory,''
'T hardly think you'd have walked
in" MaItby muttered. Here, in this
nice warm club, YOU might think you
would Up there. particularly at this
time Of year. with the trees bare and
cool suburban wind blowing. well, IT
might take on a different aspect"
I'D have walked in Weldon per
sisted. doggedIy.
Possibly" Maltby yawned again.
..wel. I'm Off. Good night"
Ho nodded and sauntered off toward
tho corridor. After a little hesitation,
Weldon went after him. Hold on.
Maltby." nc said softly.
''Eh?"
"whsI was tho address Of that
place."
why it's mp on shorley avenue,
couple Of blocks from the cars" the
visitor said. ''why2 You're not Eoing
up"
NO. -" two or three men came
between them. well. good night
Haltbyi"
Weldon returned slowly and thought
fully to the smoking room. Carr was
alone there now. glancing through one
OF the evening papers He looked up
with smile as Weldon appeared.
Entertaining sort of cuss-that
Maltby. isn't hep
Very much So" smiled Weldon.
Going to stay hereT'
There is no particular reason why
should"