The Springfield herald., 1913-06-06

aCCoetcu Uy some one appealing IA
the doorway.
lis this the Red House?" 1t 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; guess so. But you
don't need to scare the daylights outer
me. that way"
The stranger entered the kitchen
and pulled out a 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 you?"
The stranger made no answer. He
had thrown himself into the chair. an
IL 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-"
81 dare say" he snarled. Are you
going to get me a meal, or must
tramp over these confounded hills all
day before 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
we've had many a worse looking
tramp than you. guess Miss Red
mOnd won't mind" E.
Miss Redmond" The stranger
started to his feet. glowering on Sal
lie. Look here! Is this place 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 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! Ill 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 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.
If you will step through the house
10 at har Nv Chov
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"
The two men measured glances.
Il thought you travelled afoot when
pursuing your real estate business, "
sneered the stranger.
Il do, when 1t suits my purposes
replied Chamberlain.
What game are you up to, anyway
in this disgusting country?" inquired
the other.
Kidding 1t 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 .Tdiot!" he said dis
gustedly.
| well, l haven't been caught yet
anyhow" said Sallie grimly.
Chamberlains 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, know your
name. 1t 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 tho range Of the door
way; and once there, he found him
self pushed unceremoniously into the
room.
1t was large, cool room, lined with
bookcases. Near the middle stood m
oblong table covered with green fell
and supporting an old brass lamp
-Four people were In the room, besides
the two newcomers. Aleck Van Camr
was on 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 thei,
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 ChNrlesport
Here's wonderful book-a rare
one-the record of that famous Latin
controversy" Aleck was saying, when
he became conscious Of the entrance
Of Chamberlain and q stranger.
"Ah, hello. Chamberlain, that your
he cried. Agatha and Melanie, turn
ing suddenly to greet Chamberlain
simultaneously encountered the GIN
let gaze Of Chatelard. It was fixed
first on Melanie, then on Agatha. ther
returned to Melanie with an added
increment OF rage and bafiement
sol" he sneered. Il find you aftel
all. Princess Auguste Stephanie Of
Krolvetz! Consorting with these
| Il