The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-14
CHAPTER XVI

"Yes," the man went on, "it is
 rue. Two years ago escaped land for at least five years before that had been making my plans. Plans for escape from prison, and lplans for revenge upon the woman who had desecrated my teachings land caused my misery"
 Kay and Grant were speeches.. True as the madman's story pro- gressed they had become more and more certain that he must be De- Witt Montgomery. Yet the shock of his confession, and his frighten- ldng pride in it, had struck them IMith terrible impact. Harper's IRnanner changed instantly, for he realized now that there would be Emall chance to humor a man so pbSesSed.
 You may imagine my disappoint- ment," Montgomery went on, ap- parently oblivious to their new atti- tude, "when I discovered, after my lescape, that the woman I sought was alreday dead. But I am man of reSourcefulness. There are many ways in which to revenge oneself" He made a sudden contrite gesture. s:But am boring you with my pre- Eonal feelings, and that Is not the way of good heart. If you have rested sufficiently, should like to show you the rest of my poor home. Almost imperceptibly, Harper nodded toward Kay. All during Montgomerys story he had been studying this room while he listen- ed, and he was convinced there was no escape from it. Perhaps in the movement from one room to another he would have an opportunity to better his position, catch Montgom- ery of guard.
 Here is the library of which I spoke" Montgomery swung open a paneled door, revealed square room whose walls were lined with old Rolurnes. The smell of book cloth and paste, there in that slightly damp atmosphere, drifted heavily to Kay and Harper. Please go in," Ehe man said. T will let you browse D bit, for you must excuse me once again"
 Before they could reply the door shut swiftly. Worthless, the two faced each other. This room was mora of a prison than the last. With Q little cry, Kay Dearborn ran to Harper's arms.
 I'm afraid" she whispered. He's going to kill Us. can see 1t in his eyes,"
 Grant Harper gripped her shoul- derS. Steady, Kay. Nothing very bad has happened to us yet, and I still hope that if we show enough Interest in this fellow, feed his ego n little, he may forget his inten- Eions."
 But why did he leave usP Where as he now?"
 Harper smiled down at her. "At least while he's gone, we're safe" He walked to one of the walls of books, ran his hand over row of titles. Obviously, the man was we'll educated. Probably when he first came to the island his mind was balanced, then the loneliness re- leased some hidden spring and he got off on this idea of a new re- ugion. Then the prison, and his bbsession for revenge, aggravated his condition"
 T can't think he was very well balanced if he wanted to live un- Herground like this"
 T don't know. There've been Bots of cases where men have built strange living quarters which the average man would think eccentric. rhe curious thing to me is that newer cabin above ground - where Hour friends tell me you found that woman. I wonder why he built Ehat? It's possible that" |
 Harper stopped suddenly, glanced Coward the ceiling. Kay! Wouldn't hat cabin be almost above here?" i. "Why-why it could be? And there