The Washington herald., 1908-03-24
CHAPTER XVIII.
old snm Has a visitor.


gions. emerged from the green baize door
upon the stairs. which concealed another
white-enameIed door-a door Of iron-and
passing down TO the study. had switched
on the electric light, thrown himself
wearily into an armchair. and III a cigar.
Upon his gray, drawn countenance vas
serious, apprehensive look, as OF man
who anticipated serious trouble. and who
was trying in vain to brave himself up TO
face Il. For nearly half an hour he had
smoked on alone now and then muttering
TO himself, his bony fingers clenched as
though anticipating revenge. The big
room was so silent ar that hour that a
pin II dropped might have been heard.
Only the clock licked on solemnly. and
striking the half hour upon its silvery
bell.
The old millionaire who, on passing
through that baize-covered door, had
locked the inner door so carefully after
him. seemed strangely agitated. So ap-
prehensive was he that Levi, entering
some time a.fterward. said in his sharp.
brusque manner:
Il thought you had retired long ago.
What's the matter?'
Il have an appointment. snapped his
master; IAN important one"
Rather late, isn't it?'' suggested the
old servant. Remember that there are
spies about. That little affair the other
night aroused some curiosity-I'm certain
Of it,"
Among a few common passers-by
BAH my dear Levi. they don't know
anything"
But they may talk. This house has al
ready got bad name, you know"
Well, that's surely not my fault"
cried the old man with a fiery flash in
his eyes. IT'S more your fault for act
ing so internally suspiciously and mystic
riously. know quite well what people
say OF me-"
"A good deal that's true" declared old
Levi. in open defiance OF the man in
whose service he had been so long.
Sam Statham grinned. 1t was a sub
ject which he did not wish to discuss.
You can go TO bed, Levi I'll open the
door he said TO the man who was his
janitor.
Who's coming?" inquired Levi alb
ruptly.
"A friend I want to talk TO him seri-
ously and alone
Don't be SO Internally inquisitive. Levi.
Go to bed, tell you" he croaked with a
commanding wave Of the hand.
The servant never thwarted his mas
ter's wishes. He knew Sam Statham too
well. A strange smile played about the
corners OF his mouth, and he looked
around to see that the whisky, siphons.
and glasses We're on the side table. Then
with rather III grace said:
Very well-good-night.' and. bowing.
he retired
When the door had closed the old nil
honaire ground his teeth, muttering:
You must always poke your Internal
long nose into my affairs. But this mat
ter I'll keep TO myself just for once. I'm
tired Of your constant Interference and
advice. Ah"' he sighed. How strange
life isi Samuel Statham. millionaire. they
call me. I saw ii in the Pail Mall to-
night. Rather sam Statham. pauper-the
Pauper Of Park lane! All! If the public
only knew! II they only knewr he
gasped, hating suddenly and staring wild
~ about him. What would be my fu-
ture-what win Il be when my enemies.
like pack of wolves fall upon me and
tear me limb from limb? Yes, yes; they'll
do that II / am unable to save myself
But why need l anticipate failure
What does the sacrifice of one woman
matter when 1t will mean the assurance
OF my future-my salvation from ruin 20
he went on. speaking to himself in a low.
hoarse voice. It's thing / cannot tell
Levi. He must find it out He wi.l-one
day-when the police inquiries give him
the clew." and he snapped his thin white
fingers nervously and glanced at the clock
in apprehension.
He threw down his cigar. for Il had
= long tina
life had been made up Of many crises.
and one Of these he was passing through
on that hot, breathless night after the
motor 'busses had ceased their roar in
Park lane and tinkling cab bells were
few and far between.
One o'clock. the sound of the gong
arOusing him. He switched off the light.
and, walking 20 the window, raised one
of the Stats of the Venetian blinds and
peered out upon the pavement where so
recently he had first recognized that man
risen from the grave - the man Jean
Adam
He stood behind the blue brocade cur
tains- watching eagerly. The passers-by
were few-very few Lower-class London
was mostly at Margate and Ramsgate,
while "the West End" was totally absent,
in Scotland or at the sea.
He was wondering If Levi had really
gone 10 bed. Or was he lurking there to
ascertain who might be the visitor ex-
pected? Old Sam crept noiselessly to the
door. and. opening it. peered out The
wide hall was now in darkness. Levi had.
apparently, obeyed his orders and gone
below to bed. And yet. so faithful was
he 10 his trust that nobody could ever en-
ter that house without him being aware
of the identity OF the visitor.
Sometimes old Sam would regret the
brusque manner in which he treated the
man who was so entirely devoted to him
and who shared go many Of his secrets
But the secret Of that night he did not
intend Levi TO share. It was his-and
should be his alone. And for that reason
he was waiting to himself open the door
10 his midnight caller.
He was about TO close the study door
again when he fancied he heard a slight
movement in the darkness OF the hall.
Levi" he exclaimed angrily. What
are you doing there when ordered you
to retire?"
I'm doing my duty" responded the old
servant advancing out of the shadow.
''I do not wish you to go to the door alone
and al night You do not take sufficient
care of your personal safety"
Rubbish, 1 have no fear" he an
swered. as both stood there in the dark
ness.
Yes. but you are lnjudcious. declared
the old servant. IF not. you would have
needed young Rolfe's warming and your
present dangerous position might have
been avoided. Adams means mischief.
You surely can't close your eyes to thati'
Il know he does" answered the million
aire In voice that seemed harsh and
hollow. Il know 1 was a fool"
You took false step. and can't retrace