The Holly chieftain., 1914-05-15
THE VANISHED f
MILLIONAIRE
(continued.)

with a good light and an easy CON
science may think I was timid fool:
yet 1 was afraid-honestly and openly
afraid. The little detective heard the
news of 1t In my voice. for he gave me
reassuring pat upon the back.
Have you ever heard of priests
hole? he whispered. In the days
when Meudon Hall was built. no coun-
try house was without its hiding-place.
Protestants and priests. Royalists and
Republicans. they all used the secret
burrow at one time or another"
How did he get in?"
THAT Is what we are here to dis
cover; and as l have no wish to de-
stroy Mr.. Fords old oak panels
think our simplest plan will be to wait
until he comes back again
The shadows leapt upon us as Peace
extinguished the light he carried. The
great window alone was luminous with
the faint starlight that showed the
tracery OF Its ancient stonework: for
the rest. the darkness hedged US
about in impenetrable barriers. Side
by side, we stood by the wall In which
exist
1t may have been ten minutes or
more when from the distance-some.
where below our feet or SO 1t seemed
to me-there came the faint echo OF a
closing door. 1t was only In such
cold silence that we could have heard
It, The time licked on. Suddenly,
upon the black of the floor. there
shone thin reflection like the slash
of sword-a reflection that grew into
a broad gush Of light as the sliding
panel in the wall, six feet from where
we stood. rose to the full opening.
There followed another pause, during
which could see Peace draw himself
together as II for some unusual exer-
ton.
A shadow darkened the reflection
on the floor. and head came peering
out. The light but half displayed the
face, but | could see that the teeth
were bare and glistening. like those
of man in some deadly expectation.
The next moment he stepped across
the threshold.
With spring like the rush Of a
terrier, Addington Peace was upon
him. driving him OF his balance with
the impact of the blow. One loud
scream he gave that went echoing
away into the distant corridors. But,
before could reach them, the little
detective had him down, though he
still kicked viciously until lent
hand. The click of the handouts on
his wrists ended the matter.
1t was Ford's valet, the man Jack.
son.
We were not long by ourselves. |
heard quick patter Of naked feet
retary. came running up. swinging a
heavy stick In his hand. Ransom fol.
lowed close at his heels. They both
stopped at the edge of the patch OF
light in which we were. staring from
us to the gaping hole in the wall
what In thunder are you about?"
cried the manager.
Finding solution to your prob
lem." said the little detective. getting
to his feet. Perhaps. gentlemen. you
will be good enough to follow me-"
He stepped through the opening in
the wall. and lifted the candle which
the valet had placed on the floor
whilst he was raising the panel from
within. BY Its light could see the
first steps Of a fight which led down
into darkness.
I'VE will take Jackson with u.s." he
continued. Keep an eye on him. Mr..
Phillips. II you please"
1t was a strange procession that we
made. First Peace. with the candle,
then Ransom. with the valet follow
Ing while and Harbord brought up
the rear We descended some thirty
steps, formed in the thickness OF the
wall. opened heavy door. and 80
found ourselves In a narrow chamber.
some twelve feet long by seven broad.
Upon mattress at the further end
lay a man, gagged and bound. AS the
light fell upon his features Ransom
sprang forward, shouting his name.
"silas Ford. by thunder!"
With eager fingers We loosened the
gag and cut the ropes that bound his
wrists. He sat UP. turning his long,
thin face from one to the other OF US
Us he stretched the cramp from his
limbs.
THANK you. gentlemen" said he
We'll. Ranrom, how are things?"
'i'ad, cir; but It's not too late"
lie nodded his head. passing his