The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1913-02-16
=. 9
not noticed It before. He turned to the


Then Philip dropped upon his knees
and examined the floor.
The light had grown so dim by this
dme that he was obliged to open bis
matchbox and strike match.
By its little fare he could make out
long semicircular scratches sweeping
from west to east.
There was a light covering Of dust
on the floor. and some object bad swept
it clean In places. There were long.
irregular spaces as though some heavy
body had been dragged around the
north side Of the room.
Philip lighted match after match be-
fore he finally hit upon solution Of
the mystery.
II Peter Cook had accidentally press
ed some hidden spring which control
led the revolving walls and had been
swept around into an adjoining room
before he could do more than utter
surprised exclamation IT was quite
probable that Peter was imprisoned In
the next room. on the other side Of
the north wall.
In case Philip should discover the
secret spring which Peter must have
operated and he in turn should press
1t, what would be the result?
In all probability he would be car
ried around with the swinging walls
into the next room. and Peter. If he
stood within range Of the north wall.
would be swept back into the original
chamber-in either case they would be
parted
Nevertheless Philip intended to try
to rejoin Peter Cook.
But first he lifted his voice and shout
ed, Peter, Peter, Peter!'
"P-eter" was echoed back at him
from the hooking walls.
Philip made a careful examination of
the northwest corner Of the chamber.
where Peter Cook had been sitting on
the floor He sat down in the eoact
spot and, lighting more matches.
searched for the hidden spring. In the
uncertain light the floor seemed entire
ly Of one piece-a smooth expanse OF
polished gray stone which reflected the
flare of his match.
Back and forth across the floor his
hand moved slowly without result; then
,lup and down. here and there. closely
scanning the walls near the floor-with-
out result. His match crumpled up.
and the growing cinders dropped to
the floor They fell into tiny depres-
sion round and sunken just below the
surface of the floor. 1t was perhaps an
inch In diameter.
Philip crowed softly as he pulled out
his knife. With the handle he pressed
down into the little cavity. In the
darkness he felt something give way
beneath the knife handle. There was
creaking clank, and with incredible
swiftness he was caught by the NOV
ing northwest angle Of the room and
shot around into black space.
He felt himself sliding rapidly across
smooth floor. and as the creaking
clank died away and the floor trembled
slightly Philip bumped sharply against
hard wall and stopped.
He struck another match and looked
about. 1t was as he had supposed.
He was now in the duplicate cham,
Der. and Peter Cook was no doubt back
In the prison room.
Philip was now on the farther side
Of the duplicate chamber and out of
reach of the revolving walls. Before
him. against the south wall, grinned
and grimaced the god of war. All
about him were idols similar to those
in the room he had just left.
The swinging walls had given his
body such impetus that he had slid all
across the room into what might be
termed an isle Of safety. he knew
that Peter would guess what had oc.
Cured and that the youth would at
once operate the secret spring and Join
his employer as soon AZ possible
Therefore Philip resolved to remain
quietly where he was until Peter should
appear. .te
He had not long to wait. Within
ten minutes there came the same
creaking clank, tremble Of the 6ool
and q rush of air in the darkness
When the noise and vibration had ceas
ed Peters voice came sharply.
'Are you there, Mr.. NewtonY
"Yes," said Philip gladly. Come over
to this side Of the room, Peter"
In trice they found each other In
the darkness and were joyfully shak
ing hands and relating their expert
ences.
How did you discover the secret
spring, Peter?" asked Philip at last
Peter spoke sheepishly. 81 had my
knife and was trying shots at the little
hole in the floor when all at once the
knife struck it sharply. and then some
thing hit my back, and the next thing
that l knew l was in this room al
alone"
Perhaps 1t will turn out the best
thing that could have happened to US.
said Philip There may be some exit
from this room. I have thoroughly
searched the other one. and there Il
J none whatever"