The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-03-31
thing" he cried. TITS la Belle At
alantaP
CHAPTER XIV.
A Close Call.

- OiSoN Oa'is
Ailsa had no cause to hurry over
her errand. The footman walked
along in front OF her with no sense OF
the importance of his mission. Evil
IDENTIFY he did not, realise, the value OF
haste. All the same. the walk was a
long one. and Ailsa was feeling that
she had gone quite far enough when
the footman crossed Waterloo-bridgo.
The girl had had no sleep the night
before, and, moreover, she had endur-
ed very trying day. She wondered
II IL would not be as we'll TO call a
cab and keep the footman In sight,
but she dismissed the idea as being
likely 10 arouse suspicion.
But IL is a long lane that has no
turning, and Ailsa was getting her re-
ward al last. Presently the footman
stopped and consulted an address
written in pocket book. Then he
crossed the road and began scanning
the numbers on the other side There
was plenty OF light for Ailsa to see
by, therctbre she remained on her
own side OF the roadway. She had
naturally heard from Inspector Burles
Of La Belle ATLANTA, and OF the lodg
ings 10 which the detective had track
ed that popular favourite. and II
struck Ailsa MS a little strange that
Lady Altamont's footman should be
going TO what might prove the same
address. This little coincidence ad-
ded 10 Ailsa's adventure. and she
fought her feelings OF fatigue. She
began to feel that there were develop
ments at hand.
The footman stopped at length be-
fore dingy-looking house OF the
cheap lodging type, and consulted his
pocket book once more. Then, appar-
emily satisfied that he had come TO
the right address. he pulled the bell.
Ailsa could hear the cracked sound OF
1t as she stood In doorway on the
far side OF the road. So far as Ailsa
could see the whole place was In
darkness, and the bell WAS pulled I'M
patiently two or three times before a
feeble light lit up one OF the bedroom
windows In the rays OF the gas
lamp. Ailsa noted the peeling front OF
the house. the dingy brasses, and the
dirty curtains. little later. and she
had a glimpse into shabby hall with
one oil lamp swinging at the far end
Of II. A tall man, in faded dressing
gown, stood and regarded the footman
suspiciously
We'll. young fellow" he said. land
what may you be wanting at this time
Of the night?"
Il don't know that particularly
want anything" the footman returned
crisply. Evidently he was not in the
confidence of his mistress. Ailsa
thought II was told 20 come here
with a letter 10 which there is no re.
ply. This is TAO, amt IT,"
Got IL first time" the man in the
dressing-gown said. Hand the letter
likely to get an answer. as there's no
body else in the house at present. For
one of the dodgers, most likely"
The speaker proceeded 70 regard
the envelope with a suspicious eye.
AS far as Ailsa could gather, he pro-
nounced IL 10 be for one OF the lodg-
ers He would give II 10 the gentle
man when he came in. but he could
not say any more than that.
"All right, my lord" the footman
responded. I've done my share OF the
business. Goodnight. and pleasant
dreams 70 you. Nice place 10 live In,
amt it?"
The footman lounged away, and the
door closed. but not quite securely.
Somebody came shuffling down the
street and paused before No TAG. The
stranger hesitated only moment;
and then he passed into the house as
II he had been there before. With
certain instinct, or perhaps strong
feeling OF curiosity. Ailsa waited. She
did not know what she expected TO
sec. but she certainly expected some
thing out OF the common. The door
had not been secured behind the new
conner. a blast of wind blew It wider
open. There was sudden murmur
OF voices. the cry Of man In pain,
and. like a fash, the dingy hall show
ed two or three figures struggling,
two Of them only partially dressed,
the other clad in frockcoat and tall
hat, and looking like gentleman.
(To lie ContinuedD