Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1910-06-03

friendship, had sheltered beneath her
roof. who As he walked down
the dimly lighted path somebody, a
man, standi~@ under the trees at one
side. at that moment touched his arm.
81 should like to speak with you,
sir!" said a voice. and, turning with q
quick jerk, Steele saw the familiar
features of Gillett, the former police
agent, behind him other men.
"What do you want?"
The Scotland Yard man coughed sig
%nifcantly. Out here is a nice, quiet
place for a word or So" he said In his
blandest manner "And If you will be
so good
John Steele's reply was as emphatic
as it was sudden. A laugh burst from
his throat. With the q~uickness of
thought he launched himself forward.
In a corridor on the second door of
Strathorn House the voice of Lord
Ronsdale was heard. 1t was followed
by that of Jocelyn Wray.
Never fear. They'll get the fellow
yet" my lord had said.
Jocelyn answered mechanically.
although it was most ~bungling on
their part TO have permitted him to
get away" Ronsdale went on. Il
hope. however, this little unexpected
episode won't disturb your rest" An
instant the steely eyes seemed to con-
template her closer. Many going
! away tomorrow" he asked, as If to
divert her thoughts from the exciting
experience of the evening before leav-
ing her.
"Only Captain Forsythe and-Mr.
Steele"
Did he notice the slightest hesitation
on her part before speaking the last
name? My lords eyes fell: an odd
expression appeared on his face.
AS the door closed behind her young
mistress a maid came quickly forward
did you learn anything more, Miss
Jocelyn. if l may be SO bold as to ask.
from the p0iirs Hggnr7 VINO the GRIM
inal was orr
"The police agent only said he was
an escaped convict, no ordinary one
who had escaped from London and
was making for the sea. They got
word he was at the village and fol
lowed him there. but he managed to
elude them, and they traced him to
Strathorn House park, where he had
taken refuge. The police did not ac-
quaint Sir Charles, Lord Ronsdale or
any one with their purpose. thinking
not to alarm us needlessly beforehand.
And l believe that is all"
A moment the woman Waited. IL
shall r.
The girl looked before her. Tiny
flames from the CRATE heightened the
sheen on her gown. They threw pass
ing lights on the somewhat tired. proud
face. II shall not need you. Dobson.''
she said. You may go. A moment"
The woman, who had half turned,
waited. Jocelyn's glance had lowered
to the fire. In its reflection her slim.
delicate fingers were rosy. She un-
clasped them and smoothed the bro
eade absently with n hand. zone or
two are leaving early tomorrow. You
will see-you will give instructions
that everything is provided for their
comfort"
The maid responded and left the
room. A faint shout from somewhere
in the gardens. far off, aroused Joce-
Ign. The girl looked around. but i'm
mediately silence again reigned. She
got up.
Again the sound. This time she
placed 1.-THE creaking of the giant
branch of ivy that ran up and around
her own balcony. The girl paused ir-
resolutely. her hand IN the heavy. an
cient hanging. Leaning forward. she
waited. but the noise stopped. She
heard nothing more, told herself it
was nothing and was about to move
out again when her gaze was suddenly
held by something that passed like a
shadow-a mans arm-on the other
side of the nearest window, between
the modern French curtains, not quite
drawn together. The window opened
wider. noiselessly, but quickly. Then
a hand. strong. shapely. pushed the
curtains aside. The intruder acted as
one certain of his ground. now draw
ing the window draperies quickly to-
gether behind him as if seeking to
escape observation from any one be-
low. He stepped out into the room.
Did the intruder hear a sound. a
quick breath? His gaze swerved to
the opposite end of the room. where 1t
saw a living presence. For a moment
they looked at each other. The mans
face turned very pale; his hand touch
ed the back of a chair; he steadied him
self.
II thought-to enter armory hall.
Did not know your rooms were here"
he managed to say in a low tone, ''at
this corner Of Strathorn House"