The Big Sandy news., 1907-03-22
CHAPTER XII.
/ Explore a PASSAGE.

"Bates'"-I found him busy replen
ishing the candlesiicks In the library.
lit seemed to me that he was always
poking about with an armful OF can.
there are good many queer
things in this world. but guess you're
one OF the queerest. | don't mind tel.
lEg~you that there are times when
think you a thoroughly bad lot. and
then again | question my Judgment
and don't give you credit for being
much more than doddering fool"
He was standing under ladder be-.
meath the great crystal chandelier and
looked down upon me with that pa
tient inquiry that Is so appealing in a
dog-in. say. the eyes OF an Irish set
ter. when you accidentally step on his
tail
Yes, Mr.. Glenarm." he replied hum.
bly,.
Now, | want you to grasp this idea
that I'm going to dig into this old sheA
top and bottom; I'm going TO blow II
up with dynamite. II please: and II
! catch you spying on me or reporting
my doings to my enemies. or engaging
in any questionable performances
whatever. III hang you between tho
posts out there In the school Waldo
YOU understand2-so that the sweet
Sisters Of ST. Agatha and the dear liz.
tie school girls and the chaplain and
all the rest will shudder Through all
their lives at the very thought OF you.
Certainly. Mr.. Glenarm. and his
tone was the same h. would have used
II had asked him to pass me the
matches and under my breath con
signed him 10 the hardest tortures ol
the fiery pit.
"lfow. as to Morgan"
yes, sir"
What possible business do you sup
pose he has with Mr.. Pickering?' de
manded.
Why. sir. that's clear enough Mr.
Pickering owns a house up the lake
he got It through your grandfather
Morgan has the care Of IT, sir"
Very plausible. indeed"-and
sent him OF to his work.
After luncheon went to the end o
the corridor. and began 10 sound th'
walls. They were as solid as rock
and responded DULY TO the strokes o
the hammer sounded them on boil
sides, retracing my steps to the stair
way. becoming more and more impa
tient at my illluck or stupidity Their
was every reason why should know
my own house, and yet a stranger AM
an outlaw ran through 1t with amazinl
daring.
After an hours idle search l rc
turned to the end OF the corridor. re
peated all my previous soundings. and
/ fear, INDUCED In language unbecom
ing gentleman. Then. in my him
anger. found what patient search ha,
not disclosed
l threw the hammer from me In
ht OF temper and II struck one OF tn
square blocks in the cement foo
which gave forth a hollow sound.
was on my knees IN an instant, m
fingers searching the cracks. and draw
ing down close could feel curren
of air, slight but unmistakable. agains
my face.
The cement square. though exactl
like the others in the cellar aoor, wa
evidently only an initiation. with a
opening beneath
The block was fitted into its plac
with nicely that certified to the ski
OF the hand that had adjusted II.
broke blado Of my pocket.knife tr.
ing to pry 1t up. but. in a moment.
succeeded, and found II to be in reallt
a trap door, hinged 10 the substan,iS
part OF the fioor
A current of cool. fresh air, IN
same that had surprised me IN IN
night, struck my face as lay Nat an
peered into the opening. The lowe
passage was as black as pitch. and
J lighted a lantern had brought wit