The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-01-20
CHAPTER XIII.

IL visited the underground cham.
IL Der, accompanied by Mr. Britt.
They found that the door to
the passage had been blown away by
the terrific conclusion. The subterra-
mean passage at this place was com
pletely flled with earth and stone.
Deppingham stared at the closed
mouth of the passage. They've cut
Off our exit. but they've also secured
US from invasion from this source. /
wonder II the beggars were clever
enough to carry the plumber above the
food line. II not they've had their
work for nothing"
"Selim says there IL cave near the
mouth of the passage" said Chase,
1.-THE tunnel comes out halfway up the
side of the mountain overlooking the
sea, and the hole is very carefully
screened by the thick shrubbery.
Trust Won Blitz to do the safe thing"
at don't mind Won Blitz escaping 80
much, Chase" said his lordship ear
nestly, "as do the unfortunate clos
Ing of what may have been our way to
leave the chateau In the end"
"You must think me an ungrateful
fool" said Chase bitterly. He had al
ready stated his position clearly.
mot at all. old chap. Don't get that
into your head. only meant that a
hole In the ground Is worth two war
ships that won't come when we need
EN-"
Chase looked up quickly. you don't
believe that can call the cruisersT
"Oh, come now. Chase: I'm not
demmed native, you know"
The other grinned anna bly,. well.
you just wait. as the boy says"
After satisfying themselves that
there was no possibility of the enemy
ever being able to enter the chateau
through the collapsed passage the trio
returned to the upper world.
Robert Browne and Lady Agnes
were seated on the edge of the foun-
tain In Apollo's grotto, cenversing ear
nestly, even eagerly, with Mr.. Bowles,
who stood before them In an unmis-
taxable attitude of indecision and per
turbation. Deppingham gave Chase a
look which plainly revealed his IN
easiness.
"You don't mean to say, Lord Dep
bingham, that you're afraid the heirs
will follow the advice of that rattle
headed Saunders" said Chase. with a
laugh. why, 1t wouldn't hold in
court for a second. Ask Britt"
Britt cleared his throat. mot for
half a second" he said Pm only
wondering If Bowles has authority to
grant divorces"
II dare say he has," said Doping
ham. tugging at his mustache. Hes
he's a magistrate"
at doesn't follow" said Chase, that
he has unlimited legal powers"
But what are they Raging him
about down here, Chaser" blurted out
the unhappy Deppingham.
"Come In and have drink" said
Chase suddenly. Deppingham was
shivering. you've got chill in that
damp cellar. can assure you posi-
lively as representative of the oppo-
sition that the grandchildren of Skaggs
and Wyckholme are not going to d.
vorce or marry anybody while I'm
here, Britt and Saunders and Bowies
to the contrary. And Lady Doping
ham Is no fool Come on and have
something to warm the cookies
"All right, old chap" Deppingham
said. with laugh. II am chilled to
the bone. I'll join you in few min
utes" To their surprise, he started of
across the terrace In the direction Of
the consulting trio.
lust the same. Chase" said Britt
after a long silence. "he's worried, and
not about marriage or divorce either
He's jealous. didn't believe 1t was in
him."
"See here. Britt; you've no right to
stir him up with those COMPOUNDED
remarks about divorce. You know
that it's rot. Don't do It."
"My dear Chase" said Britt. waving
his hand serenely. IT can't help laugh
ing at the position you're in at pres
emit II doesn't matter what you get
on to in connection with our side of
the case. you're where you can't take
advantage Of 1t without getting killed
BY your own clients. Horrible para
dox, ehY
When Deppingham rejoined them he
was pale and very nervous. His wife,
who had been weeping. came up with
him, while Browne went of toward the
stables with the ex-banker.
What do you think has happened? p
demanded his lordship. addressing the
two men, who stood by irresolutely
Somebody's trying to poison us! Lady
Deppingham's dog is dead-poisoned'
gentlemen!" He was wiptng the mois.
ture from his brow.
!