The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1912-08-22

call him back and make sure. And
this verandah, still and empty as it
was, softly lighted by lanterns depend
ent from its roof, was to him small
oasis in world of darkness. With
out advice he was lost, could find his
way no other where. He would have
simply to wait until the house
hold came to life, or until by his own
efforts he succeeded in quickening 1t.
He tried to do this latter to the
best of his ability by tapping sum-
mons on the door-jamb. Through the
wire insect-screens broad hallway
and staircase rising to the upper
floor We're visible. Limp, cool-looking
rugs conceived in pleasing color
schemes protected the hardwood floor
ing. To the right door stood ajar
and permitted broad shaft of light
to escape from the room beyond. On
the other hand similar door, like
wise open, showed a DINNER glow.
Two other doors were closed;
| O'Rourke assumed that they led to
the kitchen Offices.
| Having waited few moments with
out event, the Irishman knocked a Sec
ond time, and would have knocked a
third when he thought better of 1t
and glanced at his watch. 1t was only
matter of ten minutes after eight;
strictly interpreting the intent of
Sypher's invitation, he was trifle
early Presumably the servants were
all out of earshot, preoccupied with
preparations for the meal; while
Sypher and his niece were most prob
ably still dressing.
With an impatient air O'Rourke
turned back to the veranda. A ham,
mock in one corner was swinging idly
in the breeze. A number of wicker
Iarmchairs stood about invitingly fur
nished with cushions. ORourke Sc
lected one and disposed himself to
wait.
After five minutes he frowned
thoughtfully and lit cigarette.
Faith, tbs a fine surprise he's Civ.
en- me-" he said, irresolute. But ii
can't be premeditated insult. Why
should it be? And they can't all he
out. IT'S sorry am let that driver
go; more than likely this will be *hc
wrong house entirely. That must bd
the trouble. I'll just go, quietly fold
up me tent and decamp before the in.
habitants, if any there be, discover
me and run me off the premises"
But at the head Of the steps, with
foot poised to descend, something re-
strained him; it would be difficult. t.:
say what, unless it We're the unbroken
steadfast, uncanny quiet. I'll have q
look" he determined suddenly; per
haps
He turned to the right and stepped
before long, open window, looking
into what seemed to be music room
and library combined. Brilliantly il
Illuminated by hanging lamps of un
usual brilliancy, the interior was clear
ly revealed. And with an abrupt ex
clamation the adventurer entered, feel
ing for the revolver, to carry which
had of late become habitual with him
The room was simply furnished, i
tastefully. There was a grand piano
near the veranda windows with a mu
sic rack and cabinet near by Dis
persed about the floor were few com
Portable chairs, rug of rare Orien
! tai texture, two consoles adorned will
valuable pOrcelains. In the middle O
the room stood a draped center table
Uttered with books and magazines; to
ward the back long, hat-topped desk
And against the rear wall, ordinaril,
/, hidden by a folding screen of Japan
ese manufacture, now swept aside
was a small steel safe. Upon this
O'Rourke's attention was conferred
He remarked that it looked new anG
very strong; it was open, disclosing
variety of pigeonholes more or less
occupied by docketed documents, anG
a smaller interior stronghold
. Between the desk and the safe mar
lay prone and quite motionless. HI
| was dressed for ceremonious dinner
J and apparently had been struck dow,
| in the act of stepping from his desl
, to the safe. For beyond all doub. h,
, had been murdered. The haft of /:
l knife protruded from his back, buriet
to it's hilt just beneath his left Shout
} der-blade.
, O'Rourke moved over to the bod,
| and lifted it by the shoulders, turn
, ing the face to the light Then, witt
: a low oath, he dropped it.
A small sound, SO slight as to be al
3 but indistinguishable, penetrate
p O'Rourkes stupefaction. He stoo
: erect, looking about, telling himse]
i. that the noise resembled as much a
y anything the hushed cry of a chill
y sobbing in sleep, soft and infinitel
e pathetic. Unable to assign its sourc
e elsewhere, he attributed it to tn
+ stricken man at his feet; and in de-
!. perate hope that the pulse of lif
j. might still linger In Sypher's body, h
knelt, withdrew the knife, turned tn
J. corpse upon it's back, and laid his ca