Evening star., 1914-07-26

prisoner in the tower which had penetrated for
generation; for the steps had been partly swept away
leaving them treacherous and uncertain the
that nearly David Balfour his death. Clearly
this had been repaired at least with of make
Shift and he remembered that the stairs creaked
like galows when he had been hurried up He re-
called too that the tower far out of the beaten
road across the downs and at long distance from the
highway, surrounded by thick copse,-huge old
beeches and less ancient vegetation of tangled under
growth. He listened; but no sound came save his
breathing Giving up his idea of knocking loudly on
the heavy oak door, he flung himself into the Morris
chair and fell asleep
1t was sunup when he awoke. A few minutes later
panel in the door pushed aside and bony hand
passed in a tray which steamng cup of coffee,
rolls, and dish Of bacon and eggs.
@Will you be kind enough to tell the meaning of
this?' demanded Ransome.
A cold voice creaked reply. @You must consider
yourself prisoner until persuades you of the
justice of You will find plenty of literature
the table, and you will have plenty of time to think
it over. We are now preparing statement which will
give you opportunity to recant your recent utter
ances."
The humor of the situation broke on him, and he
laughed he munched his roll. Breakfast done, he
looked the books the table-3The History of
Suffrage" @Why Women Should Vote" @The Unjust
Burden" three thick volumes. There
number of lesser books and of pamphlets. He
opened one to read.
ATnoon savory dinner thrust through the panel
On the edge of the tray sheet of fooscap
Ransome read:
Whereas I. Charles James Ransome member of parlia-
ment from Dorngham have been persuaded of the aacy
of recent uterances against the of franchise for
bers of the female know then, that, having duly
weighed the question: for which considering it
pressing and needfu did myself apart for the
time being that the aforesaid Charles James Ransome
do heartily favor such will equality of
the ballot both and pledge myself both
for any such all such and forward their
consurnmaton
Ransome boiled as he read. Raging he paced the
floor, then shook the iron-grated window, and then
hurled himself at the door, pounding it with his fists
Then he took up chair and wrenched off leg and bat
tered it against the door till it shivered to pieces
The panel opened, and voice said, "You have moth
ing to gain by this Pray be calm and consider" 1t
a mellow voice, tri1e nervous, it seemed, but
gaining in courage the conversation proceeded.
Il demand to know who IS responsible for this out
rage Where is Miss Stanhope?'
miss Stanhope is not here. You may regain your
liberty any time that you sign the paper
@Dont you know that promises made under duress
not bnding?"
ave have faith that they will be if you make them
in any circumstances"
@You are right. But remember this: 1 will not sign
the paper, if you keep me here till Doomsday And
that you can't do. Don't you know the police of the
whole country will scour every nook and cranny?'
HOh, we're well aware of that. But we don't think
they will find you. Do you?"
Really, this is very silly piece of business"
Ransome changed his tactics.
3On the contrary, it is the greatest thing that has
ever been done in cause"
@You can't gain this way. Re-
lease me- will promise YOU all