The Monticellonian., 1915-11-04

l On the roof at last, the naturalist crawled along, looking for some way of getting into the house. But he could not seem to find any. Carefully he craWled to the edge of the roof and looked over. Below he could hear sounds, but could make nothing | of them.
 From his pocket he took the leather case and opened it. There was a pc culiar arrangement, like some of the collapsible arms on which telephone l instruments are often fastened to a desk or wall, capable of being col l lapsed into small space or of being ex- l tended for some distance On the thing was arranged a system of mir TOTS, which the naturalist adjusted. It was a pocket periscope. He thrust the thing over the edge of the roof and down, and looked through it. Below, he could see into the room from which came the pecu- liar sounds.
 He looked anxiously. There he could see Elaine endeayoring still to loosen the cords and unable to do so. Only for a moment lie looked Then he folded up the pocket periscope in the case and showed it back into his pock- ct. Quickly he crossed the roof again and slid down the rain-pipe
 At the door stood three of Del Mars men waiting for Del Mar who had told them he would follow immediately. The naturalist had by this time reached the ground and was going along carefully back to the house He drew his revolver and, pointing it down. fired. Then he lodged back of an extension and disappeared for the moment
 Instantly the three men sprang up and ran toward the spot where it seemed the shot had been fired. There was no one about the side of the house. But the wind had carried the smoke into some bushes beside the grove. and they crashed into the bushes, beating about.
 At the same time, the naturalist, having first waited until he saw which way the men were going, dashed about the house ill the opposite direction. Then he slipped, unopposed and unob- served, in through the open front door, up the stairs and along to the room into which he had just been look ing. He unlocked the door and en- tered Elaine was still struggling with the cords when she caught sight of the stranger.
 Not word," he cautioned under his breath.
 She was indeed too frightened to cry out Quickly he loosened her. still holding his finger to his lips to enjoin silence.
 Follow mel. he whispered.
 She obeyed mechanically, and then went out into the hall. On downstairs went the naturalist. Elaine still keep ing close after him.
 He looked out through the front door, then drew back. Quickly he went through the lower hall until he came to the back door in the kitchen, Elaine following He unbolted the door and opened it.
 Run" he said, simply, pointing out or the door. They re coming back the other way. I'll hold them"
 She needed no further urging, but darted from the house as he closed the door after her.
 It was just at this point that Del Mar came riding along the main road on horseback. He pulled up suddenly as he saw car run in alongside the road.
 That's Elaine's runabout," he nut tered, as he dismounted and tied his horse. How came it here?"
 He approached the car, much wor- ried by it's unaeeountable presence there instead of before the St. Ger main. Then he drew his gun and hur- ried up the side road.
 He heard shot and quickened his pace. In the woods unexpectedly he about, searching with drawn revolvers for the person who had fired the shot
 "Well?" he demanded, sharply. whats all this?"
 Someone fired shot" they ex- plained, somewhat crestfallen.
 It was a trick, you fools" he an- swered testify. Get back to your prisoner"
 Without a word they turned and hurried toward the house, Del Mar following. You two go in,' he or dered the foremost. "Tll go around the house with Patrick"
 As Del Mar and the other man ran around the corner they could just catch fieeting glimpse of someone disappearing into the trees.
 It was Elaine.
 The man hurried forward, blazing away with his gun.
 Running, breathless, Elaine heard the shot behind her which Del Mars man had fired in his eagerness. The bullet struck a tree near her with "ping!" She glanced back and saw the man. But she did not stop. h. tead she redoubled her efforts, run ming zigzag in among the trees where they were thickest.
 Del Mar, little bit behind his man where she could not recognize him, urged the man on, following carefully.
 On fled Elaine, her heart beating fast. Suddenly she stopped, and al most cried out in yexation. A stream blocked her retreat-a stream swift and deep.
 She looked back, terrified. Her pur- suers were coming ahead fast now in her direction. Wildly she gazed