The Huttig news., 1912-07-06
In the House Of
Mystery
By FRANK L. OGDEN


When he came to his senses he
found himself in strange bed with
man In divers suit sitting beside
him. His head panied him Investi-
eating fingers told him that Ii was
bandaged.
Where am II" he whispered.
weakly.
The man In the deep-sea armor
made no reply.
Hendersons slumber was disturbed
by hideous dreams. II seemed to him
that he did not go to sleep again
after taking the medicine. but merely
simulated slumber. He peeped an
eve to find the diver standing over
him and about to lmpale him upon a
terrible three,pronged fork He
shrieked and closed his Mortified eyes,
opening them later to find the mon
strosity gone and In its place the ia
miliar figure of the girl
Tom Henderson flushed slightly So
he was really in the house of mystery
at last. and with-her,
For months the young man had
striven unsuccessfully for this very
end and now there was more than a
triumphant light In his handsome
black eyes as he glanced toward the
maid. She turned quickly and read
the message in them.
II hope" she began, caustically-
and Hendersons susceptible heart
beat faster than ever at the rich
depths to her voice. Il hope that you
are satisfied now. Mr. Henderson.
You have at last obtained entrance
to our house"
Il" stammered the flushed and
embarrassed youth
"Oh. don't attempt any EXPLAIN
ton" interrupted the girl For
months we have watched you even
as you have watched US You are
handicapped by an Unsuitable curios-
ity, my friend: you should learn to
curb It,
But how did come here" de-
manded Henderson.
Always curious" sighed the maid,
and Henderson had the grace to flush
a deeper red as she continued.
while you were-e r-snooping
about the house a brick fell from the
chimney and knocked you senseless
Now. thanks to you and others In this
small town who are not content to
mind their own small affairs and al
low others to attend to theirs. It
would be unsafe for MS to allow you
TO lie in front of our house. seemingly
struck down by some weapon in the
hands of dangerous person
This would have given your towns
people the excuse they have long
sought Our home would have been
forcibly entered and-and certain
things discovered that we wish. for
purely personal but honest reasons.
TO remain our secret"
Years before. the house had been
factor in the intrigue of war; later
II had furnished it's quota of tragedy
with the murder of bride by jeal
Gus husband behind its walls
One morning the residents of the
little burg awoke to fnd the house
undergoing repairs. II had been sold
One week later the new owner
moved in. Months went by. Occa-
sionally strikingy handsome girl
came from the place. bought neces-
sary supplies and returned.
And now Tom Henderson found
himself installed in the house of mys-
terry. Henderson. although he was of
the town, and lived in 1t for a part
of the time. was q youth without rel.
atives and his comings and goings
were matters of no comment at the
hotel where he made his headauar..
ters.
After several DAYS Henderson and
his nurse became better acquainted
The maid seemed acutely conscious
of the youths unsroken devotion Nor
did she take tiff bushes and down.
cast eyes are true criterions-at all
amiss.
One day Henderson told his love.
his own hands holding fast to the
girls little one.
20 no" she easped. frightened. her
futtering fingers striving in vain to
release themselves "Why-why, Won
don't even know who ] am. You"
Il know that you are the one wom-
an In all the world for me-" answered
the youth. Il don't care who you
are
"But-I-I may he queen Of coun-
terfeiters" suggested the girl, covert
ly watching him.
Don't" Henderson expostulated.
you know you love me, dear. | can
see II In your eyes. Will you marry
me? There is no reason why you can
mott know it,
mo reason she echoed. in the
voice of the woman who loves. mo
reason at all, sweetheart. All this
mystery In which the town has
shrouded us amounts. IN reality. to
nothing.
Father Is an inventor of repute,
We have reason TO be afraid of spies
and came here to be free while he
perfects submarine boat of which
he expects great things.
Naturally he was suspicious of
you. Your interest In our affairs both
cred him. He thought perhaps you