The Huttig news., 1910-11-12
In the House of
 Mystery By FRANK L. OGDEN

Ing TOT some tune.
 When he came to his senses he found himself in strange bed with man in a divers suit sitting beside him. His head pained him. Investi- bandaged
 Where am F" he whispered weakly.
 The man in the deep-sea armol made no reply
 Hendersons slumber was disturbed by hideous dreams. It seemed to hin that he did not go to sleep agaii liter taking the medicine. but merel. simulated slumber He peeped all eye to find the diver standing over him and about to impale him upon Il errible three-pronged fork. He 'hrieked and closed his mortified eyes opening them later to find the mon strosity gone and In its place the ia miliar figure of the girl.
 Tom Henderson flushed slightly. So at last. and with-her!
 For months the young man had striven unnecessarily for this very end and now there was more than a triumphant light in his handsome black eyes as he glanced toward the maid. She turned quickly and read the message in them.
 T hope" she began, caustically- and Henderson's susceptible heart beat faster than ever at the rich depths to her voice. "I hope that you are satisfied now. MT. Henderson. You have at last obtained entrance to our house."
 IT." stammered the flushed and embarrassed youth.
 'Oh. don't attempt any explana- tion," interrupted the girl. For months we have watched you-even as you have watched us. You are handicapped by an unsuitable curios. ity. my friend; you should learn to curb It."
 But how did I come here?" de- manded Henderson.
 Always curious" sighed the maid, and Henderson had the grace to flush a deeper red as she continued
 While you were-er-snooping about the house a brick fell from the chimney and knocked you senseless Now, thanks to you and others In this small town who are not content to mind their own small affairs and al- low others to attend to theirs, 1t would be unsafe for us to allow you to lie in front of our house. seemingly struck down by some weapon in the hands of dangerous person.
 This would have given your towns people the excuse they have long sought. Our home would have been forcibly entered and-and certain things discovered that we wish. for purely personal but honest reasons. to remain our secret"
 Years before. the house had been a factor in the intrigue of war; later it had furnished it's quota of tragedy with the murder of a bride by jeal- ous husband behind its walls.
 One morning the residents of the little burg awoke to find the house undergoing repairs. It had been sold
 One week later the new owner moved in Months went by Occa- sipnally a strikingly handsome girl came from the place. bought neces- sary supplies and returned.
 And now Tom Henderson found himself installed in the house of mys- tery. Henderson. although he was of the town. and lived in 1t for part of the time. was a youth without rel. atives and his comings and goings hotel where he made his headquar- ters.
 After several days Henderson and his nurse became better acquainted The maid seemed acutely conscious of the youths unspoken devotion. Nor did she take tiff bushes and down. cast eyes are true criterions-at all amiss.
 One day Henderson told his love, his own hands holding fast to the girls little one.
 70 mo-" she gasped. frightened, her huttering fingers striving in vain to release themselves. "Why-why, you don't even know who I am. You"
 q know that you are the one wom- an in all the world for me-" answered the youth. "I don't care who you are"
 "But-I-I may be queen of coun- terfeiters." suggested the girl. covert ly watching him.
 Don't" Henderson expostulated You know you love me. dear I can see it in your eyes. Will you marry me? There Is no reason why you can. not-I know it,"
 No reason" she echoed. in the voice of the woman who loves, 'no reason at all. sweetheart All this mystery in which the town has shrouded us amounts, in reality. to nothing.
 Father Is an. inventor of repute We have reason to be afraid of spies and came here to be free while he perfects a submarine boat of which he expects great things.
 Naturally, he was suspicious of you. Your interest in our affairs both arod him He thought nprhans vo,l