The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-10
TODAYS INSTALMENT.

ToDAYS INSTALMENT. T will tell you about last night, "
 said Lady Brackenstan. You are
 aware, perhaps, that in this house all
 wing. This central block is made up of the dweIing-roons, with the kitchen behind and our bedroom above My maid, Theresa, sleeps
 above my room- There is no one else, and no sound could alarm those who are in the farther wing This must
 have been well known to the robbers,
 or they would not have acted as they did.
 ''Sir Eustace retired about half
 past ten The servants had already gone to their quarters. Only my maid was up, and she had remained in her room at the top of the house until I needed her services. I sat until after eleven in this room, absorbed in a
 book Then I walked round to see that all was right before I went up- stairs It was my custom to do this
 myself, for, as I have explained, Sir Eustace was not always to be trusted. went into the kitchen, the buffers pantry, the gun-room, the billiard room, the drawing-room, and finally the dining-room. As I approached the window, which is covered with thick curtains, I suddenly felt the wind blow upon my face, and req lized that it was open I flung the curtain aS1Qe, ana 1OunQ myself lace to face with a broad-Shouldered, elder ly man, who had just stepped into the room. The window is long French one, which really forms a door lead ing to the lawn. I held my bedroom candle lit in my hand. and, by its light, behind the first man I saw two others, who were in the act of enter ing. I stepped back, but the fellow was on me in an instant. He caught me first by the wrist, and then by the throat. I opened my mouth to scream, but he struck me a savage blow with his first over the eye, and felled me to the ground.
 T must have been unconscious for a few minutes, for when l came to myself, I found that they had torn me tightly to the oaken chair which stands at the head of the dining-table, L was so firmly bound that I could not move, and a handkerchief round ing sound It was at this instant that my unfortunate husband entered the room He had evidently heard some suspicious sounds, and he came prepared for such a scene as he found. He was dressed in his shirt and trousers, with his favorite black thorn cudgel in his hand. He rushed at the burglars, but another-it was an elderly man, stopped, picked the poker out of the srate, and struck him a terrific blow as he passed. He fell with a groan. and never moved again. I tainted once more, but again it could only have been for a very few minutes during which I was inSenSible. When I opened my eyes I found that they had collected the silver from the sideboard, and they had drawn a bottle of wine which stood there- Each of them had a glass in his hand. I have already told you, have I not, that one was elderly, with a beard. and the others young, hairless lads They might have been a father with his two sons. They talked together in whispers Then they came over and made sure that I was securely bound Finally they withdrew, closing the window after them- It was quite a quarter of an hour before I got my mouth free. When l did so, my screams brought the maid to my assistance. The other servants were soon alarmed, and we sent for the local police who instantly communicated with London. That is really all that I can tell you, gentle men. and I trust that it will not be necessary for me to go over so painful a story again.
 Any questions, MT. Holmes ?" ask ed Hopkins
 ''I will not impose any further tax upon Lady Brackenstalls patience and time." said Holmes. Before I go tn- to the dining-room. I should like to