The evening world., 1915-02-23
CHAPTER II.
tCoutinusd.
Tke House Without LieItts.

HE reached 10 tho mantsl
above the fireplace ana took
down braas candlsstiok, the
dip half used. The nrs ssrv.
ing to ignite II, she led me 10
. flight Of broad thin steps. I follow
} ID. my hand on the SPINDLE balustsr.
noting only that there was no dust;
|, although . certain musty smell OF
Tended me. what was no doubt the
third floor she threw open . door
and Invited me to enter. The room
was Of fair size. oak-panelied. with
lofty ceilings and diamond paned
windows. Some faded tapestry re-
presenting so far a. could make
out, . contest between some Knights
of the Arthurian period, hung above
the two truckle.beds In one corner.
The floor was baro. and there were
beside the beds only . grape -vinsd
, miror In tarnishsd giit. = mahogany
. chest Of drawers, and q great sea-
chest. Articles scattered about in
the shape Of brushes. trees. and
4, other male etceteras vouched for the
occupancy OF the room.
Suppose Mr.. Jones doesn't take .
fancy to me3" I smiled.
10 ''Well-suppose he doesn't?" She
smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Now" she said. that you know
where you are to sleep. you may
:. leave your coat, hat and gloves here,
and descend with me to the cellar.
II think you will and your friends
roisterinS below"
- "Win you kindly"-
= a"I viii explain nothing just now.
Destdes. am not the one to explain.
You are under orders. Mr.. stran-
A,glthArm!"
There was q hint Of . threat In her
q .teaA II am always under orders to
you." responded. smiling.
> THIS t1me l caught her unawaree.
and vaw her smiling behind bsr val.
'Tneorrtgtbisi" she exclaimed. "Dses
- nothing but the fear Of offending
you" returned. glad to Sc her
SINKING.
~ "You must not say such tninss to
. "Nef' said eooliy. and with q
Aeo1So 70 humble her. You must
s-f0sSsvs me. ant In the habit of
rAZtng such thinss to women"--
30 ehe drew back. with a little intake
a breath. "Mr. stranEitharm." she
mad, II believe you are very insn-
. osre."
II am glad you believe that"
said. $50 few women understand me.
Between US there will be no rAisun-
. derStanding Of attitude from the
Z stfyt. and you will not blame me
IF what9" she demanded angrily.
III what sir?"
,pi I smiled.
'You are dstestable!" she said hot
y. II have been foolish to feed your
ssotism by noticing what you have
.eAid. I'm afraid you are out OF your
element when you arc With me. Mr.
= Strangitharm. Come below and you
\ win ind men. cards and whiskey."
!, s.f II have told you." ! said soberly
that drink no more from tonight
"DTunkards' pledges to abstinencs
., are generally worth as little as tht
=. ,drunkards themselves" she said
"Coms. don't be offended" smiled
, With geptle forgiveness.
,e She halted on her way downstairs
and for the moment I thought tn,
eandlestick would be hurled In m,
q face; but, turning. with a little angry
~ the hand holding the candlestici
i trembling. We passed second ant
Z, hrst landings into an inky splotci
! Which the candle did little to pene
trats. know myself to be descend
n, tng . night OF sQuarely cut ston,
teps, somewhat slippery. New m!
1st, c}ms In contact With . softel
"a. eterfal. and the candle hickeret
8. efore me In straight line. ou
= a a
4eemed to be . yellow streak.
Cobwtbs filmed themselves abou
y NY face ~ passed; and 1 brushed
Them away with q shudderinE feal
., that their weaver might have dropped
INTO my hair. Now the candle halted
md it, flame bathed q portion O
he rock wall In front OF us. TIL,
lAdy's actions seemed futile. for sh,
Nss moving tho candle UP and dovI
=. 0e surface Of the rock, pushing 1
III, the frst time the slender charm
~ those tanned fingers.
.,,, Then. % abruptly that took
n backward step. came the sound o
=. many voices very close to me:
a., "ksSss 81 ~ YOU your % ntnss and nd fgtlSw s ne:
poao. a 's M. 10 iolloa sa ms as'' ons." as.''n
:, Almost at the same instant Q doc
! Spened. apparently from the face o
rock. and q great glare of ligh
h showed cobwebs and damp wall
u, around me: and before me . smok,
Toom whore many mon were cath
cred around a long table.
My lady stepped forward.
~ new companion, gentlemen,
, said she. sneering ont the last word
s',Mr.-whatever he chooses TO cal
himself to you"
7, She pushed me forward. and
gstepped into the room. A my fee
lrtovched the boards heard a doc
-sssosc. Looking behind, ? saw tn
LADY had gone.
:" CHAPTER III.
Underground.