The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1911-01-26
In the House Of
Mystery
By FRANK l. OGDEN

ing the house a brick fell from the
chimney and hit him on the head.
After that he could remember moth.
Ing for some time.
When he came to his senses he
found himself In 4 strange bed with
a man In q divers suit sitting beside
him.. His head panied him. sInvesti.
eating fingers told him that It was
bdndaged.
where am II" he whispered.
weakly.
The man in the deep-sea armor
made no reply.
Henderson's slumber was disturbed
by hideous dreams. It seemed to him
that he did not 60 to sleep again
after taking the medicine. but merely
simulated slumber. He peeped an
eye to find the diver standing over
him and about to impale him upon \
terrible three-pronged fork. He
shrieked and closed his Mortified eyes.
opening them later to find the mon.
strosity gone and in its place the IA,
iniliar figure Of the girl. :
Tom Henderson flushed slightly. SO
he was really in the house Of mystery
at last, and with-her!
For months the young man had
strtven unsuccessfully for this very
end and now there was more than 4
triumphant light in his handsome
black eyes as he glanced toward the
maid. She turned quickly and read
the message in them.
Il hope" she began, caustically-
and Henderson's susceptible heart
beat faster than ever at the rich
depths to her voice. II hope that you
are satisfied now. Mr.. Henderson.
You have at last obtained entrance
to our house." 9
I'll" stammered the flushed and
embarrassed youth.
ooh. don't attempt any explana.
ton" interrupted the girl. For
months we have watched you-even
as you have watched US. You are
handicapped by all Unsuitable curios.
ity. my friend; you should learn Ia
curb it,
But how did 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, It
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. "a.
This would have given your towna-
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
1t had furnished its quota Of tragedy
with the murder Of bride by a jeal-
GUS husband behind its walls.
One morning the residents of the
little burg awoke to find the house
undergoing repairs. 1t had been sold.
One week later the new owner
moved In. Months went by Occa-
sionally 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.
terry. Henderson, although he was OF
the town, and lived in II for a part
OF the time. was youth without rel
atives and his comings and goings
were matters q no comment at the
hotel where he made his headuuar.
tiers.
After several days Henderson and
his nurse became better acquainted.
The maid seemed acutely conscious
Of the youths unspoken devotion. Nor
did she tylle 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. !.
20 no." she gasped. frightened, her
nuttering fingers striving in vain to
release themselves. "Why-why, you
don't even know who l am. You,
Il know that You are the one won.
all in all the world for me-" answered
the youth. Il don't care who you
are" 4.
"But-1-I may be queen of coun-
terfeiters." suggested the girl. covert
ly watching him.
Don't" Henderson expostnlated.
you know you love me, dear. l can
see It in your eyes. Will you marry
me? There is no reason why you can.
mott know it,"
ono reason" she echoed, in the
voice of the woman who loves. ma
reason at all. sweetheart. All this
mystery In which the town has
shrouded US. amounts, in reality, to
nothing.
"Father is an inventor of renute