The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-12-27
CHAPTER XXXVTI
An Unexpected Friend

Outside in the garden, under COW
er of the darkness, Ravenspur and
his companion waited anXiously for
sign from Walter. A quarter of
an hour passed. and at length Ra-
venspur began to feel decidedly
anxious.
Il don't like It," he murmured.
1--WE have an exceedingly cunning
scoundrel to deal with, and blood
thirsty one into the bargain. l can't
understand how it is that Walter
doesn't open the door"
Just then came a faint, dull re-
port, which might either have been
the closing of door or the muffled
echo of pistol shot. Before Ven
ables could reply he felt something
damp and cold against his hand.
His nerves were now at high ten
sion. He jumped quickly back and
looked down. A great hound stood
there waving his long tail from side
to side and looking up into Raven
spurs face as if not altogether sure
as to his presence being welcome.
| cts Brunei" Ravenspur said.
probably Perks fastened him up
insecurity. But he must not be al
lowed to roam about here. Do you
happen to have dog collar and
chain in your pocket, Perks? If so,
I'll go and chain him up to one OF
those trees by the side of the lane
Perks grinned and produced the
necessary collar and lead. He look
ed obviously at the leather strap
land opined that it was not much
good for so great beast as Bruno
81 think that will be all right,
Lord Ravenspur said. "The dog is
we'll trained and if i tell him tc
stop there | am sure he will
A moment later the dog was lying
at the foot of small tree just by
the gate leading to the lane. Raven
spur hurried back to his compan
ions.
This is very disturbing" he said
Don't you think one of you hat
better go inside and see what has
become of my nephew? If that mar
there has done him any vic
lence-"
Just then from the direction o
the lane came something by wa!
of diversion. A mans voice wa
raised in terror, frightened
scream for help rent the air. Al
the cry died away, a deep growl o
the dog was heard. Without a mo
ment's hesitation Ravenspur rush
ed away down the garden and IL
the direction of the lane.
There's no time to be lost h
cried. Come along"
= When Perks came up with hi
lantern he saw a mans back, tn
great hound standing over him, hi
{ crest erect, his formidable row o
, teeth glistening in the light. A
one word from Lord Ravenspur tn
dog crouched down, and tn
, stranger, trembling with fright il
every limb. was dragged to his feel
Something like a chuckle burs
from Perks lips.
= "You seem to be enjoying YOU
J. self, John he said.
e 81 thought the brute was going t
Q tear the throat out of me-" tn
stranger said. 81 came down her
on business"
"What business?' Venables sal
CURLY. Here, Perks, hold that ligh
} bit higher up so that | can Sc
the fellows face. Does he happe
to be a friend of yours?"
l. "Weve done bit of business t.
e gether," Perks said Significant,
p "Otherwise he is not what I woul
call a friend of mine. He was owe
. at my place early this morning, bu
e | thought he had gone back to town
s What are you looking about her
g for, john"
y That's my business, the othe
y said sullenly.
g This, Lord Ravenspur," sal
a Venables, sis John Stevens VIII
$ gave evidence at the inquest o
Louis Delahay. He knows Valid