The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-05-16
Chapter 3 THE SWORD CLOCK

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 which, in turn, faced the court
 They were curtained up to about the height flo a mans shoulders. The outside shutters had not been closed, and was looking idly at the black, shining window, which
 reflected, above, the crystal-be- decked chandelier, and thinking | that the wind was increasing in violence, for I could hear it rattle the shutters, when I suddenly per- ceived that I was looking straight i into the face of Lovschiem. I could see only the upper half of his face but it was unmistakable. ba; The rather disturbing thing was that he was staring with curious intensity at the woman with the silver heels. I put down the glass I held, and the motion caught his eyes, which flickered to me and vanished in the same half second. It had been Lovschiem, in flesh, however: I was sure of that. But if man wishes to look in the win doWs of his own hotel I suppose he may do so. unpleasant though his gaze may be. fA I loitered little over some pears, | rather hoping the girl with the sil- yer heels would leave first, so l might get a glimpse of her face. But she did not move, even after the porter had cleared the table and disappeared.
 I rose at length, reflecting that, 1 after all, it was better to let the vision of beauty remain without running the risk of disillusion- ment, and that the room was grow | ing colder and colder.
 The lounge was deserted, and I the parlor was dark. told the DOT ter to light fire in my room and serve me coffee and brandy there. The night had increased in vio- lence while I sat at dinner, and when at length I opened the door that led into the window-lined cor ridor of the north wing, the cold rush of air swooped upon me like some frightened creature let loose. I was glad to see the porter when | he followed me few moments later.
 DO you think it will burn?" l asked, watching him lay kindling.
 He glanced dubiously toward the chimney said something about the north wind. and sssrugged and pulled down his mouth in that splendid French gesture which ut terly disclaims responsibility for what may occur.
 There aren't many guests at the hotel?" I said.
 "No, monsieur. Not at this sea-
 son. We have now Miss Tally,
 Madame Byng, Pere Robart, and
 yourself. That is all" He blew vig- | orously at the small b eg n n ng flame. His alert dark face grew
 scarlet before a flame shot up,
 and he took breath and sat back on his heels with his dark eyes
 now catching lights from the fire
 and his white apron draped over
 his knees.
 Miss Tally, she is the beautiful lady in the dining room tonight.
 The one in the red slippers. Mad anne Byng, she is the" he heSi- tated doubtfully and finally said
 neatly-"sh is the other one" A shutter banged, and the por- ter skipped to his feet and across
 the room, pulling open the long
 window and letting in a blast of
 wind that set the flames dancing
 madly and smoke billowing into the room while he endeavored to l fasten the shutter more securely I judged he did not succeed, for he gave another shrug and left it, fastened the window again and drew the thick red curtains across it.
 My gaze wandered idly about the room, over the thick worn red carpet, the old chairs with their satin upholstery and what looked