Evening star., 1935-09-22
Falcon Castle
Continued from page thirteen
Section

not rest until | had discovered the
truth. | had the back door key in
my pocket; but before entering,
Thought | would walk quietly round
the place to see that everything was
shipshape.
continued along the path in front
of the house. and was about to turn
the corner when came to an abrupt
halt. In one of the windows of the
library, | caught glimpse of light,
which suddenly went out. | made my
way round TO the back door, unlocked
Hit, and hurried towards the library.
The door was closed, but it opened
& to my touch. paused for moment
+ TO listen before entering the room. At
first thought | was alone; then sud-
denly heard a choking gasp. There
was the sound of a struggle, and
woman's voice rang out in alarm
Lucille Paradene! That was my first
Thought, but somehow it was not like
Lucilles voice. My heavy walking
stick was still in my hand. made a
rush across the room, to be stopped
short as | blundered into small
table and sent ii topping to the floor.
Grasping my stick. listened; but the
noise of the scuffle had ceased.
There was complete silence. That
two people had been struggling to-
gether | had no doubt, and one of
them had certainly been a woman. |
went forward again, this time more
cautiously And then | heard quick
footsteps. called out in the darkness,
demanding to know who was there.
AS soon as had spoken. | realized
had made mistake. 1t would have
been wiser to keep quiet. The footsteps
stopped. | was about to go forward
again when | was taken by surprise.
Before | had time to defend myself,
a man had hurled himself furiously
upon me, and pair of strong hands
went around my throat. The impact
was so terrific that lost my balance
and went down with crash
| must have been half stunned. The
fingers at my throat frightened; and |
can remember noting. as | tore at
them wildly. that the hands of my
assailant were gloved. thought he
was going to choke the very life out
Of me, when he released his hold and
leaped to his feet.
For few moments, lay gasping
for breath; then began to scramble
up unsteadily. was still dazed. but
could plainly hear the voice that spoke
across the library in a sharp whisper:
Il recommend YOU 10 clear out. Mr..
Alan Hrpine' You remember What hap
bened 10 Mr.. Paul ="
Nearly minute must have passed
before ! was able to pull myself to-
gether. | am fairly we'll built, and
had little doubt that if it had been a
fair trial of strength, would have
been able to hold my own. But the
attack had been so sudden that had
gone down on the floor with force
enough to leave me stupiiied. Folding
lighted match above my head,
found myself looking into the white
face of Lucille Paradene.
We were alone in the room, and |
hurried out to the corridor. There
was no sound to be heard, however,
and when | raced along to the front
door. | found it locked on the inside.
How the intruder had got away |
could not imagine, and knew there
was little chance of my being able to
come to grips with him again. With
out further delay made my way
back to the library. Lighting two big
candles on my grandfather desk, l
turned to Lucille Paradene.
"Well?" said shortly.
AS if to support herself, she gripped
the back of chair. and stared at me
'as though had been ghost.
Il fancy | arrived just in timer" I
remarked
She moistened her lips. Il didn't
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