New Britain herald., 1925-03-24

thing. l want a strong lock fitted to the door and iron bars placed across the window, Are you compe- tent to do those jobs yourself with out calling help from the town?"
 ''I could fix the lock all right" said the keeper. "I ain't so sure about the bars. Seemingly, Sir Dud- ley, your guest isn't one that will take much exercise?"
 None at all," was the curt re- joinder. What about the bars, them
 Grimes walked 10 the diamond paned window and looked down. Unless the party has got wings there ain't no bars needed" he said. Its a plumb drop into the mill-race. No foothold for ladder, and anyone as jumped wouldsbe drowned for sure"
 Sir Dudley by personal inspec- confirmed the statement. Though the mill itself was rotten the arti- flcial channel that had furnished power to the derelict wheel was as deep apd strong as ever. The best of swimmers would have been hard put 10 1t to stem the current with out being swept into the wrecked wheel.
 We will let the bars go," he said "The risk will be less than nI GtfnH hu o gossiping blacksmith. Now, as to second guest chamber, Grimes. It may not have to be occupied, and it need not have the modest com forts l am providing for this. Is there any place where a gentleman who is not very friendly to me can be accommodated
 The stoid face of the keeper yielded no sign.
 There is the old grain store, on the ground floor of the mill, sir" he replied. Its got no windows and 1 it's swarming with rats, but 1t would hold anyone as could put up with the damp"
 They descended the stairs, and, passing into the mill proper, came to a truly gruesome place. a veri- i table dungeon reeking with foul odors and echoing the lap of the mill-racc against its outer walls. Sir Dudley lit a succession of matches and peered round.
 This will do," he said. "Bctter put a new lock here, too. Now when can you be ready. Crimes"
 'I ought to have three days, sir"
 You can have them, and you Will get due notice before the place is wanted"
 Sir Dudley strolled into the foot path leading to the Grange, and John Grimes, a sour smile on his lips. turned to close the outer door of the mill. Then the keeper made his way to the bank above the weir and started to recross the shallower stream by way of the stepping stones. He was about half way over when the shrill voices of women drew his gaze to his cottage door
 That stern task mistress his an. gular wife, the only being under the stars of whom he stood in dread was embracing and volubly chatter. ing to a fashionably dressed widow the freshness of whose weeds" be Yoke her bereavement as recent ,JWhn Grimes lifted one hand tC shade his eyes.
 Damned if that widder woman ain't our Sally"
 CHAPTER XIV
 Miss Maud Blair approached tn great front door of Beechwoot Grange with some difidcnce,
 Recognition by Sir Dudley had nt terrors for her The present barone had succeeded to the estates, afte her departure for fresh fields 0 conquest. During his rare visits il Sir Philips time when he was plail Mr Dudley Glenister. she had ncye chanced to meet him. Old Hinkley, the butler. wh' would probably open the door t her. was a different proposition Hes had been familiar with her iron childhood and she remembered tha he was a shrew observer. With the idea of getting it over as one makes a dash for the den lists knocker, she took the last fey steps almost at a run and pulle' the old-fashioned bell-chain hard The ponderous door slid back O well-oiled hinges and Hinkley o the pink face and white whisker confronted her.
 ITO Be COntiDued)