The Dolores star., 1923-03-02
CHAPTER xl
The Ally in the House.

by the open window TO see the house
by daylight As 1t grew lighter, he
could see II was an immense struc-
ture of smooth gray stone. Eaton was
in its central part, his windows look
ing to the south As he watched, one
Of the two nurses who had been on the
train came to a window of the fartheSt
room on the second floor of the south
wing and stood looking ont; that.
then, must be Santoine's room: and
Eaton drew back from his window as
he noted this
The Sun had risen, and Its beams.
reflected up from the lake. danced on
his ceiling. Eaton. chilled by the
sharp air OFF the water-and knowing
now the locality where he must be
pulled off his coat and trousers and
jumped back into bed. He realized
that circumstances had given him
time for anything he might wish to
do; for the nights stop at Minneapolis
and Santoine's unexpected taking him
into his own charge must have made
Eaton's disappearance complete; for
The present he was lost to then
who had been following" him. and to
his friends alike. His task. then. was
TO let his friends know where he was
without letting them" learn II; and
thinking of how this was to be done,
he fell asleep again.
At nine he awoke with start
then. recollecting everything. he
jumped up and shut his windows.
There was respectful, apologize
knock at the door; evidently a servant
had been waiting in the hall for some
sound within the room
May come In. sir?"
Come in"
The man who had attended him the
evening before entered.
Your bath, sir; hot or cold in the
morning, sir?"
Hot" Eaton answered.
"Of course, sir; I'd forgotten you'd
just come from the Orient, sir. shall
tell them to bring breakfast up. sir
or will you go down." the man asked.
Eaton considered. The manners of
servants are modelled on the feelings
VI liNII IIhSi'IS, anu lIit illuIl > htltl-
ence told plainly that, although Eaton
might be prisoner, he was not to
be treated openly as such.
II think | can 20 down" Eaton re
piled. He found the hall and the
rooms below bright and open but un-
occupied; servant showed him to
Il blue Delft breakfast room to the
l. halt All ,,t
and greens before anyone else ap
peared.
This was tall. carefully dressed
man of more than fifty. with hand
some well-bred features-plainly
man of position and wealth but with
out experience in affairs, and with
out power. He was dark haired and
wore mustache which, like his hair,
was beginning to gray. AS he ap-
peared in the hall without hat or over
coat, Eaton understood that he lived
in the house; he came directly into
the breakfast room and evidently had
not breakfasted.
Il am Wallace Blatchford," the
stranger volunteered as Eaton looked
UP. liz gave lht HdIHt Ill IL
which seemed to assume that he now
must be recalled; Eaton therefore
feigned recognition as he gave him
his name In return.
Basil Santoine is better this morn
ing" Blatchford announced.
Il understood he was very comfort
able last evening" Eaton said. II
have not seen either Miss SantoIne
or Mr.. Avery. this morning"
II saw Basil Santoine the last thing
last night" the other boasted. He
was very tired; but when he was
home, of course he wished me to be
beside him for a time"
"Of course" Eaton replied, as the
other halted. There was humility
In the boast of this mans friendship
for Santoine which stirred sympathy,
almost pity.
Eaton finished his breakfast but re-
manned at the table while Blatchford,
who scarcely touched his food, con-
tinued to boast, in his queer humility,
OF the blind man and of the blind
mans friendship for him. He checked
appeared in the doorway. He and
Eaton at once were on their feet.
MY dear! He wants to see me
now?' the tall man almost pleaded.
He wants me to be with him this
morning?"
"Of course, Cousin Wallace" the
girl said gently. almost with COM
passion.
"You will excuse me then. sir"
Blatchford said hastily to Eaton and
hurried Off. The girl gazed after
him. and when she turned the next
instant to Eaton her eyes were wet.
Good morning, Miss Santoine. You
are coming to breakfast?"
"Oh. no; I've had my breakfast;
was going out TO see that things out
side the house have been going on
well since we have been away"
May go with you while you do
that2" Eaton tried to ask casually.