The state herald., 1913-07-11

ening InIre on a whetsrone, prepara.
tory to carving thin slices from veal
loaf that stood near by. when she was
accosted by some one appearing In
the doorway.
rs this the Red House?" 1t was a
cool. sharp voice. sounding even more
outlandish than Mr.. Hands. Sallie
turned deliberately toward the door
and surveyed the newcomer
We'll. yes; l guess 80. But you
don't need to scare the daylights outer
me. that way"
The stranger entered the kitchen
and pulled out a chair from the table.
Give me something to eat and drink
tho best you have. and be quick
about 1t, too"
Sallie paused, carving knife in hand,
looking at him with frank curiosity.
We'll, l snum! You amt the new
minister either. now. are your"
The stranger made no answer. He
had thrown himself into the chair. as
II tired Suddenly he sat up and look
ed around alertly. then at Sallie, who
was returning his gaze with interest.
Where are you from. anyway"
she inquired. I'VE don't see people
like you around these parts very oft
en-"
Il dare say" he snarled. Are you
going to get me meal. or must
tramp over these confounded hills all
day before ] can eat?"
oh. I'll get you up bite, II that's
all you want. never turned anybody
away hungry from this door yet. and
we've had many a worse looking
tramp than you. guess Miss Red
mond won't mind"
Miss Redmond" The stranger
started to his feet, glowering on Sal.
lie. Look here! IL this place a no
tel. or Isn't it?"
We'll, anybody'd think 1t was. the
way I've been driven from pillar to
post for the last ten days! But you
can stay; I'll get you a meal. and a
good one. too"
Sallie's good nature was rewarded
by convulsion of anger on the part
of the guest. Fool! Idioti" he
screamed. You trick me in here.
You lie to mel"
"Oh. set down, set down." inter.
rupted Sallie. you don't need to get
so het up as all that! I'll get you
something to eat. There amt any no.
tel within five miles Of here-and a
poor one at that!" Thus protesting
and attempting to soothe, Sallie saw
the stranger make a grab for his hat
and start for the door. only to find
1t suddenly shut and locked in his
face. Mr.. Chamberlain. moreover, was
on the inside. facing the foreigner.
IF you will step through the house
and go out the other way" Mr.. Cham
berlain remarked coolly. 1T will oblige
me. My horse is loose in the yard
and I'm afraid you'll scare him OF
He's shy with strangers"
The two men measured glances.
Il thought you travelled afoot when
pursuing your real estate business, "
sneered the stranger.
Il do. when It suits my purposes. :
replied Chamberlain.
What game are you up to, anyway
In this disgusting countryr' inquired
the other.
Kidding 1t of rascals. This way
please" and Chamberlain pointed be
fore him toward the door leading In
to the hall As the stranger turned
his glance fell on Sallie. still carving
her veal loaf. ''Idioti" he said dis
gustedly.
We'll. haven't been caught yet
anyhow" said sallie grimiy.
Chamberlain's voice interrupted her
This way. and then tho first door on
the right Make haste. II you please
Monsieur Chatelard."
Al the name. the stranger turned
standing at bay. but Chamberlain wns
at his heels. You see. ! know your
name. 1t was supplied me at the
reading room. Here-on the right
quickly!"
The hall was dim. almost dark, the
only light coming from the open door
way on the right Whether he wished
or no. Monsieur Chatelard was forced
to advance into the range OF the door
way: and once there. he found him
self pushed unceremoniously Into tn,
room.
1t wns large. cool room, lined with
bookcases. Near the middle stood ar
oblong table covered with green fell
and supporting m old brass lamp
Four people were In the room. beside,
the two newcomers. Aleck Van Caml
was on a low step-ladder. Just In tn,
act Of handing down n book from tn,
top shelf Near tho stcp.laddcr two
women were standing. with theii
backs toward tho door, Both we're II
white. both were tall. and both hat
abundant dark hair, One OF tn,
French windows lending out on IN IN,