Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-10-08
THE GHDED MAN
By CLIFFORD SMY7H

classcd. by any means. with boot leather.
After the first wave of disgust. even the
suspicious Miranda scented welcome rrpasl
in the dishes spread before him. while the
others were in this only too eager to follow
his lead. Their hostess, aware of their
hunger, gave rcassuring gesture of invita-
ton.
Eat" she said solemnly; "it is for you"
They needed no second bidding. Scorntng
the absence of chairs and the ordinary dishes
and utensils that 60 with IA meal they fell
TO and, with the first mouthful. expressed
approval by varying grunts and exclamations.
Even the FISH was voted Il dclicacy Of super
lative excellence. In flavor it recalled the
sweet succulence Of rare tropical fruit like
the crimoya with soupcon OF spice that
gave ii the fllip Of a genuine culinary mas
terpece. AS for the bread It was not bread
at all, but some mysterious compound or
flesh and vegetable. the nutritivc qualities of
which were eagerly explained and cXtOled
by the raVcnous doctor.
Una, however. was denied participation in
this unexpected and singular feast. From the
first Narva had shown special interest in
the girl caused. doubtless, by the latter's
early expression of confidence in her offer to
protect them. This interest. IL now appeared
had a distinct purpose in view, which Narra
lost no time in carrying ont Satisfied that
the others were provided with the entcrtaiu-
ment they desired, she took Una by the han
and led her to n distant corner of the apart
ment
will you go with me-" she asked her in
a whisper.
Una hesitated To leave her uncle and the
others. trusting herself entirely to this
mysterious being. more than she had
bargained for. Divining the cause of her ir-
resolution, Narva spoke reassuringly.
They are safe" she said. I'VE will come
back to them"
Something in the older woman's manner
won Cna's confidence She felt that way
out of their difficulties was being offered her.
Hope Of a still greater result silenced her
fears.
Yes" she said
Then. behind one of the stone benches,
yielding to Narva's touch, door slowly
opened, revealing a narrow passage upon
which they entered.
Gancng hastily back. Una. noticed that
the door, a great block of stone revolving
with the utmost nicely in grooves made for
the purpose had closed behind them, She
was thus separated from her companions and
alone with a singular being whose purpose
in all this she was at a loss to fathom. Mar
vas trustworthiness had appealed to her. II
is true, and she had followed her leading
when the others held back, But there was
an air about Narva, suggesting the occasional
freaks of one whose wits are not OF the
steadiest, that might well cause anxiety
among those temporarily in her power. Just
now however there was no sign OF trouble
and Una repressed any outward evidence of
alarm she might feel Narva, indeed, ed
| to have lost the solemn dignity she had as.
sumed hitherto, and became every moment
more ngratiating, reassuring. Gently strok-
ing Cna's hand she stopped in her hurried
walk down the corridor and throwing back
| the heavy veil obscurng her features, showed
| a face marked by the nobility and calm OF
| age. Its serenity and kindness strengthened
Una's confidence.
I'VE will go back to them" said Narva
"but first we must see" she added enig-