The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-11-19

sun,up. II must think as 'ow you're
a chicken or a cow
Ronald Roberts sprane out OF bed. ana
peered through the mullioned window
at the symphony OF landscape outside
I'm sorry he didn't give It to me
then-I was up almost that late my
self And ] visited the haunted house,
Hawkins lt's too bad to disappoini
you.".he added AS he saw the startled
look on the servants bland face, but
nothing happened. ! don't even think
there's a cricket or mouse haunting
the place.
After hearty breakfast (which
brought back ais wealth OF good hui
NOR. Roberts made another visit 10 the
building OF his interest. hoping to find
some clues of old romance which might
light the fires of his inspiration. Haw-
knS was sent down Ia hear any re-
ported news from Captain Farwell, for
the Sea Gull was equipped with wire
less. and constantly In touch with the
outside world.
Roberts search was more awaiting.
this time. ON one side of the house
he found n window, from which the
protecting board had been removed.
"Ah. this Is recent, for the dust has
been scraped or brushed away" he
mute Oh. well. see the sign to
let over here--I may as well climb In
and Inspect the place. IL might he just
the place to spend a week"
the space through which he had to climb
was restricted: the former entrant had
been OF much narrower beam than
the sturdy novelist.
Within was a pathetic scene OF DESC
! latiOn. Everything stood just as IL had
been left. by the former owner, Distant
relatives. so 81 Squiggins had told him,
| refused to touch the furniture of the
| Inflated home. and so beneath the dust
OF years lay furniture, books, bric-a-
| H.
usually attractive home.
| Roberts wandered around, from room
to room. disturbed only by the scurry-
ing OF rats which seemed to abound In
! tjlo old place.
'"They must be vegetarians," he
laughed to himself" ] cant see what
they get to eat except the weeds and
grass"
4 few more minutes OF Inspection con-
WINGED him that the spot was ideal
Here he could be undisturbed. and Haw'
kins, by no means an unskllled cook
could prepare his meals from supplies
purchased In the village. And there
was the Holly Branch Tavern and lis
ancient vintages not too far away!
Within an hour he was temporary
owner of the house. for he had paid the
shrewd old agent OF the estate the pric,
demanded without the traditional bick
ering over terms. Hawkins had strug
gled with more luggage sent In from thu
yacht, and the novelist was ensconceC
In the old home happy with his new
toy, and determined that his pen shoulC
produce the sought-for story.
Hawkins made a close inspection O.
the kitchen, bringing to light some hard
ened cakes, stale bread and mouldy fooC
which had been left by the last tenant
The busting little butler within an
other two hours. had much of the sur
face dirt removed.
"Oh. hif we was only back on tn,
b!oomin' yacht! he sighed. and thel
cast an apprehensive glance at the ok
clock. which he had oiled and wound
"And before many hours-thaL ghost
Cgh! He shivered.
More than once during the afternoon
he pleaded with his master TO permi
him to remain on the vessel until morn
ing. But Roberts was adamantine.
IT need you Hawkins, as one of tn
characters In my new book. There 1
nd telling what the spooks are apt L
do4-and ! want to study your psychol
cgS under the. eXigencies."
,"The what. sir?' and Hawkins JAY
fell at the unusual words. At Roberts
smile he turned toward the kitchen.
have surprise for you, sir-.-an oil
fisherman brought up some of his wares
and I'm cooking them now, sir"
Splendid" and Roberts snatched u
i his hunting rife. to follow him. ~
clean up this gun. You can do yer
we'll with a frOck coat, but you are
J very poor manicure for a Remingto
heavy caliber. Hawkins"
Tis fragrant aroma Of the cookin