The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-06-05

| OdkSIlOUC 5 Darn, du dAlCACAlVa SVA w
ture, its rotting thatch disheveled,
its doors gone long since, its aged
walls cracked and Scared by years,
very monument of desolatlon;
upon its threshold weeds had sprung
up, and within its hoary shadow
breathed an air damp, heavy, and
acrid with decay.
It was indeed a place of solitude
full of the hush of leaves, shut
out from the world, close hidden
from observation, place apt for
the meetings of lovers. And, there
fore, leaning in the shadow of the
yawning doorway, Barnabas froWned.
y
II VENING was falling, and from
l. shadowy wood, from dewy
grass and flower, stole soft watts of
perfume, while from some thicket
near by a blackbird filled the air
with the rich note of his dangerous
song; but BarnabaS frowned only
the blacker and his hand clenched
itself on the stick he carried,
heavy stick, that he had cut from
the hedge as he came.
All at once the blackbird'S song
was hushed. and gave place to a
rustic of leaves that drew nearer
and nearer; yet Barnabas never
moved. not even when the bushes
were pushed aside and a man
stepped into the clearing "a tall,
elegant figure, who having paused
to glance sharply about him. Strolled
on again towards the barn, swing
ing his taSseled walking cane, and
humming softly to himself as he
came. He was within yard of
Barnabas when he saw him, and
stopped dead.
"Ah!" he exclaimed, softly; and
thereafter the two eyed each other
in an ominous silence.
'And who the devil are you?" he
inquired at length, his eyes still
intent.
Sir" said Barnabas, yet leaning
in the doorway your name, I
think, is Chichester"
"WelI?"
Permit me to return your coat
button!" and Barnabas held out the
article in question, but Mr.. Chiches-
ter never so much as glanced at it.
What do you want here?" he de-
manded, soft Of voice.
ITO tell you that this dismal
place is called Oakshott's Barn,
sir"
"Weu?"
ITO warn you that Oakshott's
Barn is an unhealthy place-for
your sort, sir
Hal" said Mr.. Chichester, his
heavy-lidded eyes unwirking, do
you threaten?"
Let us rather say-I warn!"
$50 you do threaten!"
"I warn!" repeated Barnabas.
ITO the devil with you and your
warning!" All this time neither of
them had moved or raised his
voice, only Mr.. Chichesters thin,
curving nostrils began to witch all
at once, while his eyes cleaned be-
meath their narrowed lids. But
now Barnabas stepped clear of the
doorway, the heavy stick swinging in
his hand.
Then, sir" said he, "let me adj
wise. Let me advise you to hurry
from this solitude"
Mr.. Chichester laughed-a low,
ripping laugh.
"Ah" said he, "ah, SO that's it,"
YVES" nodded Barnabas, shift
Il ing his gaze to Mr.. Chichester's
right hand white beringed hand,
whose long, slender fingers toyed
with the seals that dangled at his
fob, so pray take up your button
and go"
Mr.. Chichester glanced at the
heavy stick; at the powerful hand,
the broad shoulders and resolute
face of him who held it, and
laughed again, and, laughing, bowed.
Your solicitude for my health
touches me, sir-touches me, my
thanks are due to you, for my
health is paramount. I owe you a
debt which I shall hope to repay.
This place, as you say. is dismal. I
wish you good EVENING"" Saying
which, Mr. Chichester turned away.
Ito Be Continued.