The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-07
CHAPTER w.

In other words, we had departed the
scene of festivities none too soon.
could readily understand why the door
had been locked 1t was not to keep
us in the cellars; rather it was to
prevent ANY one from leaving the
ball room by that route Evidently
our absence had not been noticed,
nor had any seen our precipitate
flight. sighed gratefully.
For several minutes We stood silent
and motionless on the landing. At
length l boldly struck match. The
first thing that greeted my blinded
gaze was the welcome vision of lit
tie shelf lined with stewards candles.
One of these lighted, and two others
l stuffed into the pocket of my Ca
puchins gown Then we tiptoed
softly down the stairs, the girl tug
ging fearfully at my sleeve.
There was an earthly smell. 1t was
damp and cold. Miles and miles away
$50 it seemed) the pale moonshine
filtered through cobwebbed window.
1t was ghostly; but so far as was
concerned, was honestly enjoying
myself, strange as this statement may
seem. Here was l. setting forth upon
an adventure with the handsomest,
wittiest girl had ever laid eyes upon.
If extricated her neatly, she would
always be in my debt; and the thought
of this was mighty pleasant to con-
template
do you know the way out?"
confessed that, so lar as l knew,
we were in one of the tabled labyrinths
of mythology.
Go ahead" she said bravely.
Il ask only TO die in your highness'
service. soberly.
But | do not want you to die; l
want you to get me out of this cellar;
and quickly, too"
I'll live or die in the attempt"
Il see nothing funny in our predic-
ament, ,"-icily.
"A few moments ago you said that
our angles of vision were not the
same; | begin to believe it. AS for
me, think it's simply immense to
find myself in the same boat with
you"
81 wish you had been an anarchist,
or a performer in a dime museum"
You might now be alone here But,
pardon me; surely you do not lack the
full allotment Of the adventurous
spirit. 1t was all amusing enough to
come here under false pretenses."
But ! had not reckoned on any
ones losing jewels"
No more had l."
Proceed. | have the courage to
trust to your guidance"
Il would that it might be al
ways!"-with a burst of sentiment
that was not wholly feigned.
Let us go on,"-impatiently "I
shall not only catch my death of
cold, but shall be horribly compro-
missed
MY dear young lady. on the word
of a gentleman. will do the best
can to get you out of this cellar II
! have jested a little, 1t was only in
the effort to give you courage; for
haven't the slightest idea how we are
going to get out of this dismal hole"
We went on. We couldn't see half
a dozen feet in front OF us, The gloom
beyond the dozen feet was Stygian
and menacing. And the great grim
shadows that crep: behind us as we
proceeded! Once the girl stumbled
and fell against me.
What's the natter" l asked, start
led
Z stepped on something that-that
moved" plaintively.
Possibly it was a potato: there's
a bin OF them over there. Where the
deuce are we?"
IF you swear. shall certainly
screamn she warned
But ! can swear in the most ele-
CANT and approved fashion"
Il am not inclined to have you
demonstrate your talents"
Aha, Here is the coal-bin. Per-
haps the window may be open. II so,
We are saved. Will you hold the can
die for moment?
Have you ever witnessed cat
footing It across the snow?f If you
have. picture me initiating her. Cau-
tiously | took one step, then another;
and then that mountain of coal turned
into a roaring treadmill Sssssh!
.rrrr! In moment | was buried to
the knees and nearly suffocated. l
became angry. l would reach that
window
Hush Hush! The noise, the
noise!" whispered the girl, waving
the candle frantically.
But I was determined. Again l tried.
This time / slipped and fell on my
hands AS / strove to get up, the
cord on my gown became tangled
about my feet. The girl choked
whether with coal dust or with laugh
ter I could not say, as she still had
on her cambric mask.
Forgive me. she said. And then