Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1914-03-28
BOOK /.
CHAPTER ll-contlnned.


First Of all, Van Vechten was struck
by this coincidence. Even before in
ventorying the mans semblance, he
asked himself how many had preceded
him; how many were yet to come. And
how did they time their arrival so
nicely7
There had been something furtive
about the second fellows admittance,
Van Vechten recalled; not particularly
on the mans part but suggested rath-
er by the narrow crack which the open
door at first disclosed making one
think that the chain had not been re-
leased until after a parley. And then
the aperture had widened only enough
for the visitor to squeeze his bulk
through. whereupon the door had
promptly banged shut. Van Vechten
retained merely sense OF absolute
darkness beyond the threshold; not
the slightest glimpse had ne caught
OF servant or attendant The door
might have been tended by invisible
hands
Again he asked himself: Would the
incident be repeated In another hour?
The wait between ten and eleven
o'clock dragged with most exasperat-
ing slowness; but the self-appointed
watchers interest was at such high
pitch that he left his third cocktail un-
tasted.
AS the hour approached. he darted
quick glances along tho street in an
ticipation Of new arrival. And sure
enough, at minute or two before the
hour, here came third muscular, reso-
lute-looking young man, not over-fas.
tidiously alfred who was scanning
me house numbers as intently as his
two predecessors had done.
And Just as the chimes In the hall
began tolling eleven, he mounted the
steps and rang the bell.
Van Vechten scarcely breathed. 30
intently was he following the proceed
ings across the street AS before. the
door was opened perhaps an inch.
brief colloquy patiently ensued. then
the gap widened barely enough for the
young man to squeeze through And
also as before. the door was slammed
without Van Vechten obtaining the
least glimpse Of whatever mysteries
might lie beyond
by now he was taking account of
time only with reference to Number
1913. He was in such state of mind
that he forgot that he was tired and
gHAnnV mr. bl, j. a
Other club members the few unfor-
Inmates anchored to the city-were be-
ginning to drop in, but Van Vechten
was too intent to give any Of them
particular notice until Tom Phtnney
arrived
1t was impossible to ignore Tom
Phinney Not that Van Vechten want.
ed TO- because he dldnt-as a rule.
Their friendship antedated their col.
Iege days which was odd enoueh If
one cared to sum up the differences
between their two characters. Tom
Phinney. never celebrated for his wit.
was once inspired TO epigram hy an
appreciation OF these tempermeutal
dissimllarities, and as his utterance ia
not without pith il is worth quoting.
lie conhded TO his right-hand neigh.
Dor at certain formal dinner: "Rud.
dy not only belongs to half of the
world that's not wise 20 how the other
half lives but it's the half that doesn't
care rap and would be tired to death
II you tried TO tell It,"
With a lazy lifting Of one slender
hand, Van Ncchten arrested Phinney's
noisy progress across the louuging-
room. AS soon as Tom comprehended
who was halliug him, his eood-hu.
fnored expression died away with com
teal rapidtty. a look of mingled amaze
ment and alarm taking it's place.
Moses and green spectacIes!' he
voiced in establishment You! Out
OF bed this time of day? Sunday. too,''
lie hurried TO his friends side and ex-
amned him critically.
Seen doctor YETI You'd better. If
you're NOT able III go fetch old pottle
sleeps here, YOU know"
These remarks were ignored
Draw up chair" was the response
no nai that stufy one, il makes
me persWre only TO look AT 1.-THE WI.
low rocker"
Tom did precisely as he was direct.
&c. Wen?" hs grunted. cycling Van
Iechten with a concert that was euly
half simulated. But in a moment he
felt his gaze inpeIled to follow his
S'Vnds
What's UP" he demanded. staring
hard-eren beIIigerently-at the silent
House OF Mystery
Van Nschten lstleesly consulted his
watch, stiiied yawn. and ther said:
'TWeaty minutes TO twelve. IN
lay you a Nludred that while the
clocks striking ih& hour chap viii