Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-03-23
BY GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON

Ill
turned in some haste to my balcony.
The mists of the waning day were rising from the
valley below The smell of rain was in the air. looked
in vain for the lady's tresses. They gone. The
also gone. Its work for the day was DONE
A FTER the worst meal that Frau Schmick had ever
cooked, and the last that Max in any circum-
stance would be permitted to serve, took myself oil
to the enchanted balcony. The night was
black and tragic, swift stormcouds having raced up
to the moon and stars. With radiant lantern
in the window behind me- sat down with pad, pipe,
and pencil. The storm not far away. saw that
it would be booming about my stronghold and
realized that my fancy would have work faster than
it had worked before if half that had in mind was
to be accomplished.
physical world, when there to my sound
that gave greater shock than any streak of light
ming could have produced,-a woman's voice, speaking
to out of the darkness, and from point quite
at hand! Indeed, could have sworn it was al
most at my elbow.
al beg your pardon but would you mind doing me
slight favor?" Those the words, uttered in Clear
sweet, perfectly confident voice, of who never
asked for favors, but exaced them.
looked about me, blinking, utterly bewlldered. NO
to be
She laughed. Cant you see me?" she asked.
looked ntently at the spot from which the sound
seemed to perfectly solid stone block less than
three feet from my right shoulder 1t must have been
very amusing. She laughed again -,
l flushed resentfully. "Where you?" | cried out
al see you quite plainly, and you are very ugly
when you scowl, Sir; Are you scowling at me?'
Il don't know replied truthfully still searching
'0' yes 9es; D0eS II seem 50 70 y00'
Then must be looking in the tight tight direction
My strainng eyes had located small oblong blotch
the of the tower not than twenty feet from
where stood, and on direct line with my balcony.
fancied could distinguish shadow that might pass
for face.
Al didn't know that little window there cried
puzzled.
ism here in of dJreSS. See-l
close it."
The obong blotch abruptly disappeared: only to
appear an instant later. beginning understand
OF course it was in the beleagured east wing!
II hope didn't startle you moment ago.
resolved to be very stiff and formal about it. "Mad-
am, what are you doing in my hou.my castle?"
al am living here she answered:
$50 perceive, said |.
"And have come down to ask simple, tiny, little
favor of you, Mr.. Smart she resumed.
"You know my name?" l cried, surprised
Il am reading your last book. Are you going:'
lust an moment please called a out struck by
the lantern and brought its to bear upon theer
fectly blank wall! stared open mouthed and unbe
levng. "Good Heaven! Have been dreaming all
ths?" cried aloud.
My gaze fell upon two tiny holes in the WALL exposed
to view by the bright light of my lamp They appeared
marked by the elusive oblong Even as stared at the
holes slim object that at recognized finger
protruded from one of them and wrigged at me in
merry but exceedingly irritating manner. Senslbly L
restored the lantern to its place inside the window and
waited for the mysterious voice to resume.
care you SO homey as all that" l demanded when
the shadowy face looked out once more Very clever
of me, thought.
a am considered rather good looking she replied
serenely. "Pease don't do that again. 1t very
rude of you Mr.. Smart"
"Oh I've seen something of you before this, | said
@You have long, beautiful brown hair-and dog
She was silent.
a am sure you will pardon me if l very politely ask
who you are?" l went
"That question takes me back to the favor Will
you be very, kind to cease bothering Mr.