Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-08-15

us this the Red HouseT" It was q
cool. sharp voice, sounding even more
outlandish than Mr.. Hands, Sallie
turned deliberately toward the door
and surveyed the newcomer.
We'll. yes; / guess so. But you
don't need to scare the daylights outer
me, that way"
The stranger entered the kitchen
and pulled out chair from the table
Give me something to eat and drink
the best you have, and be quick
about 1t, too"
Sallie paused, carving knife in hand
looking at him with frank curiosity
We'll, / snum! You amt the new
minister either, now, are your"
The stranger made no answer. He
had thrown himself into the chair, az
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 a meal, or must
tramp over these COMPOUNDED hills all
day before l 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
wave had manu- a uyorua Ionli0 a
tramp than you. l guess Miss Red
mond won't mind"
Miss Redmond" The stranger
started to his feet, glowering on Sal
lie. Look here! Is this place a ho-
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 a CONFUSION of anger on the part
Of the guest. "Fooli Idiot" he
screamed. you trick me In here!
You lie to met"
"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 ho-
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
it 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, twill 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 country" inquired
the other.
Kidding It 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. Idiot" he said dis
gustedIy.
We'll. / haven't been caught yet,
anyhow" said Sallie grimly.
Chamberlain's voice interrupted her.
This way, and then the first door on
the right. Make haste, II you please.
Monsieur Chatelard."
At the name, the stranger turned.
standing at bay, but Chamberlain was
at his heels. you see, l know your
name. It 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 the
room.
1t was large, cool room, lined with
Near the middle stood an
oblong table covered with green felt
and supporting an old brass lamp.
Four people were in the room. besides
the two newcomers. Aleck Van Camp
was on a low step-ladder, just in the
act Of handing down a book from the
top shelf Near the step-ladder two
women were standing, with their
backs toward the door. Both were in
white, both were tall, and both had
abundant dark hair. One of the
French windows leading out on to the
porch was open, and just within the
Sill stood the man from Charlesport.
Here's a wonderful book-a rare
record of that famous Latin
Aleck was saying. when
he became conscious Of the entrance
If Chamberlain and a stranger.
y "Ah. hello, Chamberlain, that your
he cried. Agatha and Melanie, turn
ng suddenly to greet Chamberlain,
simultaneously encountered the gim-
ct gaze of Chatelard. It was fixed
irst on Melanie. then on Agatha. then
'eturned to Melanie with an added
Of rage and bafiement.
Sol" he sneered. Il find you after
Ill. Princess Auguste Stephanie of