The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-03-06

and host departed. Harry and I re- mained to stare at each other moodily. I admit I was glad when finally he announced his intention of retiring.
 A servant showed me my own room. My restlessness grew upon me so that, some time past midnight. not having made an attempt to prepare Tor sleep, I arose, went quietly down the stair and out at the front door, to see if l could find more peace in the open air. By this time every one of the house. hold had retired. I was surprised, therefore, when saw faint streak of light from one of the windows flash out across the lawn. Not wishing to intrude, changed my position. AL most at that instant I saw the fgare of a man appear from the shrubbery and walk directly toward the house, apparently headed for the window from which emerged the light.
 watched him advance, and when saw him reach the heavily barred trei- lis which ran up to the second gallery, I felt confirmed in my suspicion that
  fully in the shadow, I made a rapid run at him, and as his head was turned at the time, managed to catch him about the neck by an arm. His face, thus thrown back, was illuminated by the flare of light. saw him plainly. It was Gordon Orme!
 The light disappeared. There was no cry from above. The great house, lying dark and silent, heard no alarm. did not stop to reason about this, but tight ened my grip upon him in so fell a fashion that all his arts in wrestling could avail him nothing. had caught him from behind, and now I held him with hand on each of his arms above the elbow. No man could escape me when I had that hold.
 He did not speak, but struggled si- lently with all his power. At length he relaxed trife. I stood close to him, slipped my left arm under his left along his back. and caught his right arm in my left hand. Then I took from his pocket a pistol which I put into my own. I felt in his clothing and finally discovered a knife. hidden in scabbard at the back of his neck. I drew it out-a long bladed. ivory thing I found it later with gold let into the hilt and woven into the steel.
 He eased himself in my grip ss much as he could. waiting. as knew. for his chance to twist and grapple with me. l could feel him breathing deeply and easily. resting, waiting for his time, using his brains to aid his body with perfect deliberation.
 "It's no use. Orme," said to him. 'I can wiring your neck or break your back or twist your arms off. and I've a notion to do them all. If you make any attempt to get away I'm going to kill you. Now come along."
 l showed him ahead of me. his arms pinioned. until we found a seat far away in dark portion of the great front yard. Here pushed him down and took the other end of the seat, cov- ering him with his own pistol.
 'Now,"I demanded, tell me what you are doing here"
 You have your privilege at guess Ing" he sneered in his easy, mocking way. Have you never taken a little adventure of this sort yourself?'' ''In Vii ginia we keep the shotgun for men who prowl around houses at night" l said. What are you doing here?"
 You have no right to ask. It is not your house,
 '.There was light" said I. "For that reason I have a right to ask. am guest, and guest has duties q well as hest"
 If 1 give you parole" he aske twill you believe me and let us ta freely?''
 Yes" said slowly. "You are liar. but do not think you will bre. parole."
 l threw the pistol on the seat L tween us. What is 1t you want know?" I asked. And again I as you why are you here when you al supposed to be in South Carolina?"
 "I have business here. You cost m, my chance out there in the vest he answered slowly. "In turn I cost you