The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-06-23

open, without a word, and ! was led
down into the basement. The flicker
ing candle yielded but glimpses OF
great rooms, beautifully decorated,
and, almost before realized what was
occurring, l had, been thrust into a
square apartment, the door behind me
closed and locked. The two guards
left the sputtering candle, perhaps a
third burned, behind, and heard them
stumbling back through the darkness
to the foot of the stairs. / glanced
about curiously, shaking the loosened
rope from my wrists, my mind instant.
ly reverting to the chance of escape.
Whoever these fellows might be, what
ever their purpose, had no intention
OF remaining in their hands moment
longer than necessary. Somehow their
silence, their mysterious movements
had impressed me with strange feel.
ing of fear which ! could not analyze
could not believe myself mere pris-
oneF OF war, but rather as being held
for some private purpose yet to be re.
yealed. Yet the room offered little
promise. 1t was nearly square, the
walls of stone solidly imbedded in
mortar, the door of oak, thickly stud,
ded with nails, and the two small win.
dows protected by thick iron bars. II
was cell so strong that a single
glance about convinced me of the hope
lessness of any attempt at breaking
out.
/ was not there to exceed ten min.
utes when, without warning, the lock
clicked, and Peter came in. / sat UP
quickly, but as instantly he had closed
the door, and actually stood there
grinning cheerfully. would never
have believed him capable of so pleas.
ant an expression but for the evidence
of my own eyes.
Spring lock-" he grumbled, thumb
over his shoulder, "opens outside"
Whatever resemblance to a soldier
he might have previously shown while
in uniform was now entirely banished
Bareheaded, his bald dome of thought
shining in the candle-light, his round.
solemn face, with big innocent gray
eyes gazing at me, an apron about his
fat waist, the fellow presented an al
most ludicrous appearance. Somehow
my heart warmed to him, especially as
perceived the tray, heavily laden
which he bore easily on one arm, and
the towel flung over his shoulder. And
as I stared at him his movements be
came professional. Silently, solemnly,
his mind strictly upon his duties, he
wiped off the table top, and arranged
the various dishes thereon with the
greatest care, polishing cups and
glasses, and finally placing one of the
chairs in position. Stepping back, nap
kin still upon arm, he bowed silently. ]
took the seat indicated, and glanced
up into his almost expressionless face.
Peter, you old fraud" / said swift
~, have you eaten?"
mot as yet, SIR" his voice showing
just the proper tone Of Difference, his
eyes staring straight ahead.
Then take that chair and sit down"
"Oh, no, sir; indeed, sir. am not al
all hungry, SIR"
I squared myself, lingering the knife
at my plate.
Peter" I said, sternly, "I'm a bet
ter man than you are, and you'll either
sit down there and eat with me, or I'll
lick you within an inch of your life
There is food enough here for three
men. and want company"
He rubbed his hand across his lips,
and l caught CLEAN of intelligence in
his eyes.
We'll. sir. SEEING Won nut "a in thai
way, sir" he confessed, almost as
though in regret, II hardly see how
can refuse. 1t is very fiattering, sir"
He drew up the other chair and sat
down opposite me. Would you care
for glass Of wine first, sir?" he
asked solicitously. 1T has been a
rather dusty ride"