The Washington times., 1912-06-03
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
House of the Purple Windows
MARY KATHARINE MAULE
Synopsis ef.chspters Already Published the action
Copyright. The Frank A. Munsey Coz

the action to the word. Let us go
Silently the three dark figures set for
ward toward the House of the Purple
Windows. AS they approached II the
against the blacker wood with grim
distinctness. There was no sign of life
about the place. and no CLEAN of light
appeared In its dark windows.
daughter trembled. Every rustling In
the grass, every shadow cast by the
waving trees caused them to start and
or that which they could meet face
to face neither had any fear; but the
dread of the unknown, the awe-inspir-
ing silence, the disappearance of the old
which surrounded the old house filed
them with undefinable terrors.
Noiselessly they assembled the steps
ana crossed the dark porch, with Its
door brought no answer save the furi-
Gus barking of a dog.
That is the hound Pincher!' whis-
pered Annabel tremulously. He mas
always been kept chained to his kennel
at the back of the house before. He
Is monstrous beast, and terribly saw
age. Mrs. Jennings told me. 1 wonder
why they have let him loose in the
Barber smiled grimly.
Because they were looking for
trouble" he answered in low tone.
ns m sRs sGoIf Sadr and rns
around to the back. trying every en-
trance. But doors and windows were
all locked securely, and as they tried
one after another they heard the
he rushed from one entrance to the
other, while the old house echoed with
his hoarse barking.
I'm afraid there is no use trying to
get in here tonight" said Barber at
last. IT is evident that there Is no
How can we tell that? broke in
Annabel. I'VE must get in here to-
night! We must find out what Is be-
hind those doors--some way or
other"
Young Barber looked troubled.
II suppose ! could break in one Of
the windows" he said slowly, but l
don't like to do that without the
that we had better get a policeman
here as quickly as possible"
That is my judgment, too" replied
Mrs. Chisleigh, decidedly. Il wish we
have only been losing time. Annabel,
you run over home and telephone for
the constable and a policeman. Mr..
Barber and l will remain here on
guard"
II might go over with Miss CHS
leigh" Volunteered Barber, but Anna
bel cut him short.
mo; you had better stay here with
mother, l would not have her stay
will be back directly"
"But-but won't you feel timid
about going into the house alone
after all that has happened there?"
asked Barber anxiously.
The girl hesitatcd for an instant
then threw back her small head and
No. shall not stop to think of that"
The man and woman left alone in the
darkness took up their gloomy vigil at
the edge of the wood. They talked a
little, In whispers, and MS. Chislsigh
filled In the details of the story the girl
had told her in broken snatches as they
crossed the field.
He exclaimed aloud as she told him of
the cruel treatment. Of the child that
breath hard and uttering a suppressed
oath.
Whatever comes Of this night s
work." he said when she had finished,
II am with you to the death to ferret
horrible to tolerate in civilized COM
munity. We will never let up until we
run these people to earth and find that
child"
AS time went on the darkness settled
more closely about them The occasions
rustic Of a tree, the snap of twig the
hooting of an owl above their heads.
accentuated the silence and added to the
air of mystery. 1t seemed hours that
they sat there, when in reality it was
scarcely more than minutes.
Crime was too rare in Hillsdale TO
warrant lack of diligence in its officers,
cover the ground the town consta BILE,
accompanied by two policemen, rushed
painting to the scene, Annabel running
before and showing the way through
the wood.
She had related all the circumstances
to them as they came, and when they
reached the spot there was no need to
pause for explanations. With pompous
voice and tread the constable bade them
follow him, and marched up to the great
carved door and rang the bell. There
was no response save the furious bark
ing of the hound. Again he rang, then
pounded on the door with his cane.
Still no response.
When the Officers had gone round and
round the house. trying every window
and door. as had the others before
them. they returned to the porch.
mo one here" said one of the police
Then what in the name of heaven
has become of my poor mother" cried
Mrs. Chisleigh. frantically.
The policeman shook his head,
Strange case, strange case" NUT
tered the constable into his whiskers. L.
That house has got to be searched, -
commanded A1nabel, land right now.
will not leave here tonight until I
know what has become Of that little
girl and my grandmother"
Moving a little apart, the officers held
a whispered consultation. Barber pres
emily Joined them. The constable re-
turned in a few moments to Mrs. CHS
leiEhs side.
''WiIl you make complaint against
these people, Mrs. Chisleigh, and swear
to IT." he asked solemnly.
Certainly WILL" returned Mrs. CHS
leigh prompaly.
"Then" said the constable. at will
take the responsibility upon myself of
searching this house Bill, you stand
ready behind Up to AK that brute of a
dog II he comes at me, and follow close
behind"
with these words he drew back his
heavy brass-headed stick and smashed
in the lower pane of one of the purple
windows.
Instantly they heard the dash OF the
hound across the hall, and as he sprang
at the opening the policeman's pistol
sounded. The hoarse Rrowl died into a
rattle, and there was silence.
When they had waited for a while out
side the constable lighted a match and
peered In. Then cautiously he put his
foot over the sash and entered. closely
followed by Barber and the two police
men.
The interior OF the house was in pitchy
darkness and the constable groped his
way to the table in the hall by the light
OF match and lighted the lamp that
Let