Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-03-30

Ou Tue one udLiu ne n2u the wall OF
the private park, topped by naked,
soughing limbs of neglected trees. On
the other, across the way, block of
tall old buildings, withdrawn behind
jealous garden walls, showing-at that
hour at least-stupid, sleepy faces and
ightless eyes to passers-by.
Within the perspective of the street
but three shapes stirred-Lanyard and
the girl in the shadow of the wall and
a disconsolate. misprized cat that
promptly on their appearance vanished
like a terror-stricken ghost
Overhead the Sky was breaking.
showing ebon patches and infrequent
stars through wind-harried wTack of
cloud. The night had grown sensibly
colder and noisy with the rushing
sweep of a new-sprung wind.
Several yards from the postern-gat
Lanyard paused definitely and spoke
for the first time in many ;sinutes, for
the knowledge of their er.~nd's gray
ity had oppressed the spirits of both
and enjoined an unnatural silence ever
since their departure from the Rue des
Acacias
This is where we stop" he said.
with a jerk of his head toward the
wall; "but-it's not too late"
For WHAT" the girl asked quickly.
Il promised you no danger; but now
that I've thought it over, can't be GER
tain of that-there's always danger
And I'm afraid for you. It's not yet
too late for you to turn back and await
me in a safer place"
you asked me to accompany you
for special purpose, 1 believe" she
said; you begged me to come with
you, in fact. Now I have agreed, and
come this far, l don't mean to turn
back without good reason"
"You-you really care that much?"
he faltered, staring.
We're wasting time she returned
steadily.
His gesture indicated uneasy acqui-
essence. Il should never have asked
this of you. l think must have been
a little mad. If anything should come
Of it to injure you"
IF you mean to do what you prom
ised-'
DO you doubt my sincerity?"
ut was your own suggestion that
you leave me no excuse for doubt
Without further remonstrance, If
with mind beset with misgivings, he
led on to the gate, blank door of wood,
painted a dark green, deeply recessed
in the thickness Of the wall.
In support of his promise that he
had made every preparation to attack
the premises before the sudden depar-
ture of Madam Omber for England,
Lanyard had a key ready and in the
lock almost before they reached it.
And the door swung on well-greased
hinges. AS silently it shut them in.
Beyond the fact that they stood upon
! a weed-groWn gravel path, hedged
| about with thick masses Of shrubbery,
+ the girl was unable to make much of
| the general aspect Of their surround
ings. The park was as black as a
| pocket, and the heavy effluvia Of wet
| mold, decaying weeds and rOtting
| leaves that choked the air seemed only
to render the murk still thicker.
But Lanyard evidently knew his
way blindfold; though motives of pru'
| dence babe him refrain from using his
| f1ash-lamp, there wasn't the least I'm.
| certainty in his actions. Never nn"o
at loss for the right turning, he piloted
| the girl swiftly through a bewildering
! black labyrinth of paths and lawns
| and thickets.
In due course he pulled up and she
saw that they had come out into a
clear space of lawn and stood close be
side the featureless, looming bulk OF
a Lghtless building.
His grasp frightened, admonitory
upon her fingers, and she caught his
curiOusiy penetrating yet guarded
whisper:
This is the bacS of the house-the
service entrance. From this door a
| broad path runs straight to the main
service gateway; you can't mistake it;
and the gate itself has a spring lock
easy enough to open from the inside.
Remember this in event of trouble. We
might become separated in the dark.
ness and confusion"
Gently returning the pressure, 81 I'm.
derstand.' she said in whisper.
Immediately he drew her on to the
house, pausing but momentarily before