The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-06-20

You refuse to inform me as to the
truth Of this AFFAIR." faltered at last,
as he lifted his burden on one arm,
He turned stolid face my way.
II would seem so, sir | have to
thank You for a most delightful eve
ming, sir. Your conversation has been
both instructive and entertaining.
However, sir, the hour is now late,
and should advise your retiring"
He bowed soIemnly, backing toward
the door, and l sprang to my feet,
overtaken by a sudden determination
to make break for freedom. There
was q slight glitter in Peters gray
eyes, as he raped sharply with his
heel on the door
Il hardly think that would be advis-
able, air,' he warned softly THE man
outside is armed, and in the excite
ment might hurt you"
There was a click Of the lock, and
the heavy door swung open. ] stood
molionless, tempted to spring, yet not
daring the venture. Peter backed
majestically out, and ! caught a
glimpse OF the graybeard, and the
black outline OF a pistol. Then the
door closed, leaving me alone. The
little scrap OF candle left sputtered
feebly, and, after walking across the
floor half-dozen times, striving to
gain control of my temper, | blew it
cut, and crawled into the bunk. There
was nothing could do, but wait for
morning; not a sound reached me
from without, and, before realized
the possibility, was fast asleep.
/ must have slept long and soundly,
for when / finally awoke a CLEAN OF
sun lay the full length of the room,
and food was upon the table. Some
one-Peter, no doubt-had entered
and departed without arousing me.
Sleep had left me in pleasanter
frame of mind, and | ate heartily,
wondering vaguely what the day would
disclose. determined one thing, that
when Peter returned for the dishes, /
would back him into a corner and
choke at least a portion Of the truth
out Of HIS unwilling throat. ! had
hardly reached this decision when the
door opened, and he stood there gaz-
ing at me with sphinx-Iike stupidity.
! arose to my feet, gripping the back
of a chair, but the utter vacancy in
that face seemed to numb action.
There was no positive expression, no
dim glimmer of interest in his fea-
lures; the shining bald head alone
gave him a grotesque appearance, re-
straining me from violence. could
as easily have warred with baby.
Il trust, sir, you slept well, he said
soothingly, "and that the service Is
satisfactory"
choked back my indignation, the
quiet Difference of his manner causing
me to feel like a brute.
''Nothiag could be added TO my hap
piness," | answered, unless it might
be little information which you seem
disincIined to furnish"
He waved one hand, as though
brushing calmly aside some imagined
insect.
"Dlsinclined? Oh, no, sir; there is
nothing TO conceal, sir, assure you"
Then, for Gods sake, let it out OF
your system, mani" burst forth Inn
patiently. Whom am prisoner to?
What am held for? What sort Of
treatment is this am receiving@
Peter bowed, without the tremor Of
an eyelash.
DO not mention 1t, sir" he muir
INJURED smoothly; I'VE are only too
proud to have you as our guest at
Elmhurst II has been very quiet here
now for some weeks, sir, and your
coming was welcome to us all"
could only stare at the fellow with
open mouth, so dumbfounded as to be
speechless. OF all the idiots / had
ever met he was the worst, or else
his acting was magnificent. To save
me was not certain which might be
the correct guess. He continued in
stately solemnity:
Il trust there remains nothing more
you desire to learn sir? If not, / am
requested to conduct you to the Ii.
brary. All, thank you, sir--this way,
please"
He stood aside, statue-like, his eyes
looking directly past me. and pointed
with dignity to the open door. obeyed
the calm movement Of that hand as
though It had been a military order,
but. as / stepped into the twilight of
the outer basement, / suddenly per.
ceived the presence there Of the at.
tendant graybeard. He moved in adj
vance, and / followed, aware that
Peter was closely at my heels. A
glance told me here was a library, not
only in name. but in fact, a large
square room, we'll lighted, the furni-
ture mahogany, shining like glass.
three Of the walls lined with books,
mostly in sombre bindings. A green.