The San Francisco call., 1910-01-16

Robert Carter viewed the fat Long island plain
from the point of station platform late that
afternoon. He had learned the location of Percival
Champney's magnificent country estate from the
baggage agent, and from where he stood he could
the of white stone gable among the trees
half mile west along the road The beauties of
that residence were common talk. fitting home for
the charming young matron he reflected.
His abstracted survey of the wooded levels ended
while the glow fading into twilight. The chill
of swift spring evening aroused him. He set off
upon his journey with brisk steps. The stretch of
open country was massed in sage and gray, darken-
ing he advanced 1t was night before he reached
the lodge at the towering granite gate of the Champ
ney estate Lights showed at the windows of the
outpost structure of itself preentous enough for the
residence of prince. Beyond up the sweep of drive
and visible through the first young foliage Of the
year was the vague extended brilliance Of the
Champney mansion.
Carter did not pause at the gate but bore steadily
on following the slender, spiked bars of the iron
fence that hedged the park in aggressive privacy
The road deserted. He left the highway and
continued silently along the border of grass
His plan far from definite. 1t might easily
be that his whole understanding of the situation had
been falsely constructed. What he saw of his own
share in it. should it develop he expected, lit
tie enough. His one purpose was to be on the ground
to accompany the elopers if such they were and for
the to trust to his own good fortune and ability
in facing emergencies.
He had made 100 yards beyond the gate when he
stopped and glanced behind him He had not been
observed followed Quickly he stripped off his
dark overcoat folded it and tossed the fence
Then, seeking high hold he swung himself from the
ground and secured the advantage by gripping the
bars with knees and feet. Again he found a grip
higher this time, and worked himself to the top
another moment he crouched among the bushes inside
the park, mufied more in his coat
His approach toward the house made slowly
and with caution. An overcast sky favored him,
though the shrubbery in thick grown cultivation Of
fered the impedment of its interviewer twigs, that
cracked spitefuly at his passage. won finally to
the verge of the front lawn. where, stones throw
away the bright, curtained windows of the house
confronted him. Here finding support against tree
he held his patient post for hours.
Action Is Needed
The chug and rattle Of an automobile was the first
interruption of his quiet vigil 1t from other
side of the house and presently machine swept into
sight about the corner, drawing up in the graveled
drive under the porte cochere. Carter held himself
ready but there another snort from beyond and
another drew into line followed by third. At
the same time the front door opened and conventional
figures moved in chattering leave taking group
Guests going Carter rested again against his
tree
After the file of automobiles had passed him. headed
for gate lights about the place extinguished
by one save at the the ground floor
where subdued glow seemed to indicate the location
of the drawing room He had been minded to remain
the 'front.' but the automobiles suggested differ
ent angle for action and he began to work carefully
about in circle The garage now his objective
point.
He upon the low, wide structure from the rear
and peered in through grilled window. Inside in
row against the further wall were heavy limousine
and two runabouts Set in front them with its
long, 1.-THE body toward the door like some monstrous
mechanical animal about to spring for freedom was
powerful road car, it's searchghts throwing patch
of radiance against the of the residence Here
was the first hint of confirmation of his suspicious