The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-14

.(Continuedl
 "fes," nervously wetting my own lips, yet convinced this was no super natural visitor. "It was a woman's face"
 "You mane 1t was rale-rale, wid flesh an blood behoind it?''
 'Sure, O'Brien." and shook him Aercely. "As real as you or l. Brace up, man! It is not ghosts we're fight a woman looking out at us through some opening in that fireplace"
 His clutching fingers relaxed. and he strengthened up, still staring, as if only half convinced
 ~God grant you'ra right, sor." he muttered solemnly, 'sbut niver did see such a face before On | human. Sure. its no woman iver want to know."
 "And it's one should like to be bet ter acquainted with. At least the sight has esta blished one fact-the fireplace there is the entrance to the secret pas sage. Here, take the carbine and stand by while try to discover how it works"
 He advanced with me reluctantly enough. I had not as yet attained full control over my own nerves, the recol- lection of that ghastly face haunting me strangely. Yet I compelled myself to advance. convinced the vision had been no illusion, but an earthly reality to be met with boldness. Here was the spot sought, here the revealment of the mystery, here the point of at tack. Apparently the entire lower half of the mantel had revolved as if on a central pivot, and felt carefully for the slightest crevice indicating the place of separation. To sight and touch there was none. not even after had called O'Brien to bring the lamp and we had together gone over the en- tire surface inch by inch. Apparently the mantel was as solid and immov- able as the closely fitted stones of the chimney stepped back, staring in bewilderment beginning to doubt the evidence of my own sight. O'Brien still held the lamp in unsteady hands.
 q tould ye. sor." he burst out wildly, '.that was no human. Twas the divirs own face that saw, an niver a doubt of 1t"
 Whatever the cause or purpose, whatever of hellish suffering lay be- hind. that dreadful apparition. pictured the very spirit of murder-murder in the dark.
 Two murders have been committed In this house within forty eight hours OBrien. You and I both saw that mantel move until 1t revealed an open ing. 1t was done by human hands. and the face which glared out at us was . human face It was devilish enough, admit, but with flesh and blood behind 1t. Now shake yourself together and stand by, for I am going to ind a way in, and you are going along with me-"
 He did not appear very promising subject. and half expected to see him break for the stairs.
 Come on. lad." I insisted. "Place the lamp on the chair. so you can keep the gun in your hands while I feel over every inch of this contrivance. There Is spring lock here somewhere"
 heard him cock the carbine, the sharp click plainly audible in the si- fence. and was pleased to note the thin dne of his compressed lips.
 Are ye sure it was human, sor?" he Said. wiping the precipitation from his forehead with one hand.
 'They were insane eyes, that was all, O'Brien. Now stand steady"
 The mantel fitted back into the chim- ney so perfectly found no spot where even the thin blade of my knife could find entrance; the stones were solidly