Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-02-07

He pointed with his stick to the sherin, who was endeAvoring to crawl out from under the, mass of broken crystals.
 That, sir. is the sheriff." answered Bates.
 "A very disorderly man, must say. Jack, what havo you been doing to cause the sheriff SO much inconven- fence? Didn't you know that that chandelier was likely to kill him! That thing cost a thousand dollars. ! Gentlemen. you are expensive visitors. An. Morgan,-and Ferguson. too! We'll. well! thought better of both of you. Good morning. stoddard! A little work for the church militant! And this gentleman ?"-he indicated Larry. who was, for once in his life, without anything to say.
 'Mr. Donovan,-a friend of the house." explained Bates. Pleased, I'm sure.", said the old gen. tleman. Glad the house has friend. It seems to have had enemies enough. :" he added, and eyed the wreck of the room ruefully. The good humor in his face treasured me; but still stood in 1 tongue-tied wonder. staring at him.
 And Pickering!" John Marshall Glenarm's voice broke with quiet mirth that remembered as the pre- face usually of something unpleasant. Well. Arthur, I'm glad to find you on guard, defending the interests of my estate. At the risk of your life. too! Bates!"
 Yes, MT. Glenarm."
 You ought to have called me earlier. I really prized that chandelier im- mensely. And this furniture wasn't so bad!"
 His tone changed abruptly. He pointed to the sheriff's deputies one after the other with his stick. There was. I remembered, always something insinuating. disagreeable and final about my grandfather's staff.
 Clear out!" he commanded. Bates, see these fellows through the wall. MT. Sheriff, if were you I'd be very careful, indeed, what said of this af- fair. I'm a dead man come to life again, and know great deal that I didn't know before I died. Nothing, gentlemen, fits a man for life like temporary absence from this cheerful and pleasant world. I recommend you to try it."
 He walked about the room with the quick. eager step that was peculiarly his own, while Stoddard, Larry and I stared at him. Bates was helping the dazed sheriff to his feet. Morgan and the rest of the foe were crawling and staggering away, muttering, as though imploring the aid of heaven against an evil spirit.
 Pickering sat silent, not sure wheth. CT he saw a ghost or real flesh and blood. and Larry kept close to him, cutting oil his retreat. think we all experienced that bewildered feeling of children who are caught m mischief by a sudden parental visitation. My grandfather went about peering at the books, with a tranquil air that was dis Quieting.
 He paused suddenly before the de- sign for the memorial tablet, which I had made early in my stay at Glen arm House. had sketched the letter. ing with some care, and pinned 1t against shelf for my more leisurely study of its phrases. The old gentle man pulled out his glasses and stood with his hands behind his back, read ing. When he finished he walked to where stood.
 ''Jack!" he said, Jack, my boy!" His voice shook and his hands trem- bled as he laid them on my shoulders. ''Marian,'-he turned, seeking her. but the girl had vanished. Just as well." he said. This room is hardly an edi- flying sight for woman" heard, for an instant, light hurried step in the wall
 Pickering, too, heard that faint. fugi- tive sound, and our eyes met at the in- stant it ceased. The thought of her tore my heart, and I felt that Picker ing saw and knew and was glad.
 They have all gone. sir" reported Bates, returning to the room.
 ''Now, gentlemen" began my grand father, seating himself. this little se- cret of mine was shared by only two persons. One of these was Bates,"- he paused as an exclamation broke from all of us; and he went on, enjoying our amazement.-"and the other was Marian Devereux. I had ob- served for years that at mans death his property often gets into the wrong hands, or becomes a bone of conten- ton among lawyers. Sometimes."- and the old gentleman laughed.-"an exccutor proves incompetent or dis honest. I was thoroughly fooled in 1 you. Pickering The money you owe me Is large sum: and you were so delighted to hear of my death that you didn't even make sure was really out of the way. You were perfectly will .ng to accept Bates word for it: and I must say that Bates carried 1t of splendidly.'
 Pickering rose. the blood surying again in his face. and screamed at Bates. pointing shaking finger at the man.
 You lmpostor.-you perjurer! The law will deal with your case" "To be sure," resumed my grand father. calmly; Bates did make false afidavits about my death; but possi- bly,"