Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-12-24

Lord CroWand," he asked. did you
 open that Uindo1O yOursct9" tive l set the burglar alarm, and He took step toward the wall. By George. It's turned off,
 Now. Richard knew nothing what ever about the burglar alarm and be- gan to feel icy beads of precipitation gathering on his brow, the more so as MT. Renwyck was gazing at him in ill disguised and increasing suspicion.
 "Oh, that" he laughed. q turned the lever before I raised the sash Miss Renwyck explained it to me yes terday. Jolly little contrivance, 'pon my word. should like immensely to have the system installed at Croy- land Park"
 The bogus earl looked innocent to the point of childishness, and the mys- tified host was forced to accept the very inadequate explanation of the episode Without com ment he closed the window, set the alarm once more, switched off the lights and silently, not to say grimly. led the way upstairs, meekly followed by the Texan, glad to have escaped further inquisition.
 I'm awfully sorry to have caused you all this bother" Richard apolo- gized again as they reached the upper landing. I'm no end of nuisance, really"
 Don't mention 1t, beg you." an. swered the financier, with forced cour- tesy. "1 hope you will sleep now. Good night" Then the two parted and entered their respective rooms.
 Strange" muttered Mir. Renwyck as he pulled the sheet about his chin. "A peculiar lot. these Englishmen. But I dare say appear just as peculiar to them. He acted so strangely. too. about that check the other night. One hundred thousand dollars. Humph. I wonder if he has a hundred thousand dollars. I begin to doubt it-doubt it exceedingly"
 Meanwhile the TeA-n reached his room, mopped his brow and hunted for his brandy flask. It seemed 10 him that he wanted a good stiff drink as he wanted nothing else in all the world. He failed to find his flask in ] its accustomed place and surnlSed ac- curately that If he found WoOlsey Bills he might strike it's trail. The | valet's sleeping room was next his own, so without ceremony the master pushed open the door, admitting flood 1 of light. He did not find his flask. nor did he find his servant either. for the room was deserted. and the bed had not been occupied.
 "Ahr' observed the Texan thought fully. "Bre'r Fox has changed mas ters for the second time. Humph! \ little awkward to explain-fOr me, l mean"
 On Restmore a heavy silence fel; again. which was. broken. as before ! only by that antique clock and it's soft l chime as it struck another quarter hour. Then two dim, ghostly figures crept slowly up the stairs and entered ! Miss Harriet Renwyck's room. In a i little while they were safely tucked in ! bed and lay whispering in each others i arms.
 'rOh. Harriet. darling" breathed Miss Imogene. wasn't he-er-just splendid when he told that bouncer7 don't be- , lieve he's an EngIishmsn at all"
 '-Nonsense!7 the other laughed. "Of course he's an Engiishman- Now try i to go to sleep"
 It would be discourteous in the ex. | treme to state that a lady had been ] guilty Of another "bouncer." but al any rate Miss Harriet cIssped drowsy little figure to her breast. thought of | Texas and smiled into the darkness , happily