The Huttig news., 1910-07-02

tion and even Hotchkiss showed dis 1 position to be surly. The rain, which l had lessened for a time. came on again, the lightning flashes doing more than anything else to reveal our isolated position.
 Another mile saw us. if possible more Respondent The water in our clothes had had time to penetrate; the roan had sprained his shoulder. and l drew us along in a series of convusive jerks. And then through the raiu spattered window of the blanket. ] saw light. It was a small light, rather yellow and it lasted perhaps 30 seconds. Hotchkiss missed it, and was inclined to doubt me. But in | couple of minutes the roan hobbled to the side of the road and stopped, and l made out a break in the pines and | an arched gate
 It was a small gate. too narrow for the buggy. pulled the horse into as much shelter as possible under the trees, and we got out. Hotchkiss tied ] the beast and we left him there. head down against the driving rain. droop- ing and dejeesed. Then we went toward the house
 It was long walk The path bent and twisted. and now and then we lost it. We were climbing as we went. Oddly there were no lights ahead al- though it was only ten o'clock-not later. Hotchkiss kept a little ahead of me, knocking into trees now and then, but finding the path in half the time l should have taken. Once, as l felt my way around a tree in the blackness, I put my hand unexpected ly on his shoulder and felt shudder go down my back
 What do you expect me to do?" he protested. when demonstrated. Hang out red lantern? What was that {? Listen"
 We both stood peering into the gloom. The sharp batter of the rain on leaves had ceased and from just ahead there came back to us the stealthy padding of feet in wet soil My hand closed on Hotchkiss'. shoul- der and we listened together wariiy The steps were close by, unmistal1- able. The next flash of lightning showed nothing moving: the house was in full view now. dark and unin- viting, looming huge above terrace. with an Italian garden at the side Then the blackness again Some body's teeth were chattering: I ac- cused Hotchkiss but he denied ii.
 Although I'm not very comfortable I'll admit" he confessed: there was something breathing right at my el. bow here moment ago.
 "Nonsense," took his elbow and steered him in what I made out to he the direction of the steps of tke Ital- ian garden. ''I saw deer just ahead by the last flash; that's what you heard. By love. I hear wheels
 We paused to listen and Hotchkiss put his hand on something close 10 us. Here's your deer" he said. Bronze"
 As we reared the house the sense of surveillance we had in the park l gradually left us. Stumbling over | flower beds, running afoul of a sun dial sroping our way savagely alons hedges and thorny banks. we reached the steps finally and climbed the ter l race.
 It was then that HotcEkiss fell over one of the two stone urns which, with tall boxwood trees in them, mounted guard at each side of the door He didn't make any attempt to get up. He sat in a puddle on the brick floor of the terrace and clutched his leg and swore softly in government Eng lsh
 ming was gone. I could not see an outline of the house before me. We had no matches and an instant's in. vestigation showed that the windows were boarded and the house closed Hotchkiss. still recumbent was ascer taining the damage. tenderly peelins down his stocking.
 Upon my soul.' he said finally, q don't know whether this moisture is blood or rain. l think I've broken a bone"
 "Blood is thicker than water" I suggested. .Is it sticky? See if you can move your toes"
 There was pause: Hotchlsisa moved his toes. By that time I had found a knocker and was making the night hideous. But there was no re.