The Oakes times., 1913-04-17

the doorway.
"Is this the Red lIouse?" II 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 chair from the table
Give me something to eat and drink
the best you have, and be quick
about it, too"
Sallie paused, carving knife in hand.
looking at him with frank curiosity.
Well. l snum! You amt the new
minister either, now, are you?"
| The stranger made no answer. He
had thrown himself into the chair, as
If 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 l
tramp over these confounded hills all
day before can eat?"
"Oh, I'll get you up a bite, II that's
all you want. never turned anybody
away hungry from this door yet and
we've had many worse looking
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 it was, the
way I've been driven from pillar to
post for the last ten days! But you
can stay; I'll get you meal, and a
good ene,. too"
Sallie's good nature was rewarded
by convulsion Of anger on the part
Of the guest. Fool! Idiot" 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 ho
tel within five miles of here-and q
poor cne 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.
III you will step through the house
and go out the other way" Mr. Cham
berlain remarked coolly, ut will oblige
me. My horse is loose in the yard
and I'm afraid you'll scare him of
, He's shy with strangers"
j. The two men measured glances.
Il thought you travelled afoot wher
pursuing your real estate business,
sneered the stranger
, Il do. when it suits my purposes,
replied Chamberlain.
l What game are you up to, anyway
In this disgusting country?" inquired
the other.
, Kidding it of rascals. This way
t please;;" and Chamberlain pointed be
, fore him toward the door leading in
! to the hail. AS the stranger turned
his glance fell on Sallie, still carvin,
her veal loaf Idiot" he said dis
gustedly.
We'll, haven't been caught yet
/. anyhow" said Sallie grimly.
4 Chamberlain's voice interrupted her
! This way, and then the first door OF
+ the right. Make haste, If you please
t. Monsieur Chatelard."
3 At the name, the stranger turned
t standing at bay, but Chamberlain wal
! at his heels. You see, l know you
= name. 1t was supplied me at tn,
: reading room. Here-on the right
. quickly!"
3 The hall was dim, almost dark, tn,
only light coming from the open door
: way on the right. Whether he wishe,
, or no, Monsieur Chatelard was force,
. to advance into the range of the door
, way; and once there, he found him
, self pushed unceremoniously into tn,
: room.
1t was large, cool room, lined will
bookcases. Near the middle stood a,
oblong table covered with green fel
and supporting an old brass lamp
-Four people were in the room, beside,
: the two newcomers Aleck Van Cam,
was on low step-ladder, just in tn,
| act of handing down book from tn,
top shelf. Near the step-ladder two
} women were standing, with theil
backs toward the door. Both were il
: white, both were tall, and both hat
/ abundant dark hair. One of tn,
French windows leading out on to tn,
porch was open, and Just within tn,
, sill stood the man from Charlesport
Here's a wonderful book-a rart
one-the record Of that famous Lati1
controversy" Aleck was saying, wher
he became conscious of the entrance
of Chamberlain and stranger.
"Ah, hello, Chamberlain, that you? ?
!. he cried. Agatha and Melanie, turn
ing suddenly to greet Chamberlain
: simultaneously encountered the GIN
} let gaze Of Chatelard It was fixet
first on Melanie, then on Agatha, ther
returned to Melanie with an addet
increment of rage and baflement
so" he sneered. II find you aftel
all, Princess Auguste 'stephanie O
; Krolvetz! Consorting with these
these swine!"
Melanie looked at him keenly, will
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