The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-04-20

l..
then" said the Librarian. we haven't
seen him here for long time until
two days ago, when he came and put
in a morning, reading on insects"
so, Mr.. Alexander Blair said
Kent. addressing the last fence post
on the outskirts of the town, after n
thoughtful walk, that was a fatal
break on your part, that mention OF
Helmund. Amateurs who have wholly
dropped a subject since years back
don't usually know publications issued
only within three months That cas- +
ual meeting with me was we'll carried
out, and you called 1t chance A very
palpably manufactured chancel But
why am worth so much trouble to
know? And why does Alexander Blair /
leave desperately Ill son to arrange
an crrand for me at this particular
time? And is Hedgerow House, four I
teen miles distant and possessing Just
such an electric car as woman would /
use in driving round the country. per-
haps the place whence came Sedg-
wick's sweet lady of mystery7 Fin F
ally, what connection has all this with
the body lying in Annalaka burying-
ground %
Elicitfng no reply from the fence
post, Kent returned TO the Eyrie,
called up Hedgerow House, and de- 4
Clined Blair's proposition.
Early that evening Francis Sedg- .
wick came to the hotel The clerk. at
first negligent, pricked up his ears and
exhibited unmistakable signs of hu-
man interest when he heard the name:
for the suspicion attaching to the ar
fist had spread swiftly. Moreover,
the caller was in state Of hardly
repressed excitement.
Mr.. Kent? I'm afraid you can't
see him, sir. He isn't in his room"
isn't he about the hotel?''
The clerk hesitated. II ought not
to tell you, sir, for it's MFR. Kent's
strict orders. not to be disturbed; but
he's In his special room. Is It any
thing very important? Any new evi.
dence or something of that sort?"
THAT is what / want Mr.. Kent to
decide"
'In that case / might take the re
sponsibility. But I think had better
take you to him myself"
After the elevator had carried them
to the top of its run, they mounted
flight of stairs, and walked to far
corner of the building.
"Nobody's been in here since he
took it," explained the clerk as they
walked. Turned all the furniture
out. Special lock on the door. Some
kind of scientific experiments, I sup
pose. He's very quiet about it,"
Having reached the door. he dis
CTeetIy tapped. no answer came.
Somewhat less timidity characterized
his next effort. a growi OF surprising
savagery from within was his reward
You see. Mr.. Sedgwick,' said the
clerk. Raising his voice he called,
Mr.. Kent, I've brought"
Get away and go to the devili''
cried voice from inside in fury.
What do you mean by"
It's I, Kent, Sedgwick. I've got to
see you
There was a silence Of some sec
onds.
What do you want?" asked Kent
at length
you told me to come at once If
anything turned up
so / did, sighed Kent. We'll, :
chase that Internal bell-boy toathe
stairs and I'll let you in"
With wry face the clerk retired
Kent opened the door, and his friend
squeezed through into a bare room.
The walls were hung and the floor
was carpeted with white sheets. There
was no furniture of any kind. unless
a narrow mattress in one corner could
be so reck oned. Beside the mattress
ay small pad and a pencil. Only
On the visitors subconscious self did
hese peculiarities impress themselves,
UGH was his absorption in his own
interests.
HAS it?" said Kent. Lean up
against the wall and make yourself
It home. Man, you're shaking" y
You'd shake, too retorted the [
irtist, his voice trembling.