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“I am about to disclose to you. Mr. (:reatorex. the secret of my occlusion." I me with him. otnngeiy influenced by thin ooietnn scene. Woo it really noiemn. or wu it the more whim of old age. the pompous revelation of la nile eccentricity? I followed him down the stone passage to the eastern win: or the cutie. Fifty pace. farther brought on to the entnnco to the keep. bntndounnflotromthhlr.“ tavenpenudond,turningthehey!n a heavy eaten door. entered a room 0! considerable line, which. as you will lee, looked forth upon the beck port at the park from the mom door. Like- all the chamber- in that “dent bund- innit Ive-paneled without. . The room was devoid o! tut-n! save for a ticket: chair or two wuwhollydeeti motto ot’ametoo “I have had the honor of your ac- quaintance for some twenty hours, Mr. Greatorex. It is little two men may know of each other in so brief a time. But I am wont to take quick cogni- zanee of people and content to risk a mistake. You have, if you will forgive me saying so, an admirable habit of si- lence.” He paused. and, as if it had been to justify his sentence, I held my tongue. “A recluse like myselfâ€"that is how you would style me,” he re- sumed. “must have some occupation for his thoughts. I have explained that i am no student. It follows that I have some other hobbyâ€"shall we say?" A ghost of a smile glittered on his face. and then hls head turned sharply toward a window which overlooked the courtyard. There was the sound of footsteps upon the rough cobble. or course I put myself at his dispos- al, tor, In truth, I had eaten and drunk quite enough. But, seeming not to war me, he looked upon the table, and at last, raising his eyes to mine and playing gently, but scarcely in a nerv- ous fashion, with the forks before him, he said very quietly: “I beg your pardon, Mr. Greatorex,” he said, with a gesture of apology. “I had not noticed you have not finished. Pray forgive my discourtesy.” Our walk had exhilarated me and, what is more, had given me a huge appetite. The result was that I ate heartily of lunch, which was delicately served by the agreeable old housekeep- er. Mr. Kesteven also seemed a, rally his appetite, for he had eaten but little the previous evening, and drank a good deal of brown sherry, in which he jest- ingly invited me to join him. But I was for the sour or perfumed claret, which I found much to my palate. Whether it was the sherry or not, my host’s tongue plied very continuously during the meal, but always in the most possessed and civil manner. He spoke of his house, of his ancient de- scent (which was as ancient as the castle) and finally of himself. The Kes- tevens had been people of note in oth- er centuries, had hoarded gains and fulfilled the pomp even of courts, had fluttered briefly and very brightly and in various characters across the stage of history. But now they were dwin- dled to this one old feeble man. The race had lost its physical vigor. From contesting tournaments, fighting bat- tles and intriguing against courts it had come to philosophizing over life between four walls. And then, falling ‘ silent for a time, he inspected his fin- ger nails and suddenly and after a space rose and pushed back his chair. i “I have never come upon a man who fell into my ways better and knew his work more efficiently,” he said. “An admirable servant-altogether admira- ble.” He laughed as if at his own small Jest, in which the innkeeper joined, and, pressing my arm, walked on. He seemed a very kindly master, I thought. and I had no doubt but that Hood had been an excellent servant. I remarked as much, to w’hlch he as- sented cordially. “A nasty fall, a nasty fall,” said Mr. Kesteven, shaking his head. "It is lucky it was no worse.” He moved away with a courteous nod of his head, to which the innkeeper responded with a salute. As he did so he turned and, taking my arm. smiled back at Hood. “You see the Gwent has its visitors sometimes, Hood. Mr. Greatorex is staying with me. So perhaps we may turn the Woodman in time into a fash- ionable resort of society." “Yes, sir,” was the answer; “a slight accident, sirâ€"nothing of consequence. I tell against the bar yesterday,” and he put a finger apologetically to his clean shaved lip, which I now per- ceived to be somewhat swollen. is it not, Mr. Greatorex?" And then with a glance of scrutiny at the land- lord, “You have had an accident, Hood?” 7 “Well, well, let us hope so,” was Mr. Kesteven’s answer as his eyes wander- ed toward the inn. “A pretty place, “Ah, I should haw thought it a wiser policy to have gone nearer civilization, Hood. Why not have taken a place at Llanellan?” A taint but respectful smile hovered on the man’s nervous face. “I don’t hold so much with Llanellan, sir. This is a tidy house, and business will im- prove, I hope.” “I can't complain, sir,” he 89.311. “There’s not much trafic in the Gwent. sir, but I do a certain business”. “thnt It is a trying position to be in a subordinate state. Every one fixes his Independence.” I assented conventionally, and Hood waited very courteously until I had made my answer before he took up his to reply to his former master’s ques- “Ah, indeed; it"s wonderful how long time tax-ties,” said my host cheerfully. “Mess good, Hood? I hope you are not losing by the experiment. I sup- PAGE FOUR (Concluded from last. week.) 9’ COPYRIGHT. 1393. 45w, “I owe you many thanks." he said. and, slipping eway with that noieeieu tottering gait of his, he disappeared into the courtyard. It wee not fifteen minutes ere we were upon the road. I drove the more et a rapid pace. being conocioue ot my cempenion'e rentleuneee. and tor n time he epoke no word save to direct meatthecroesroads. bntinyinckon hismtwithhienrme folded. huh“ lowering upon his eyes and hie eyes fixed upon the immediate purview. But ntteruihiieheutteredeiittieeifiu or one whose deliberations had relieved mmme-imeyepmme- “Most certainly." I answered. staring and at a Jan for more worth. “Mr. Grentorox," said be, "you cu do me o. pnrticulnr favor it you will.” I listened. niutmuring my willingness. “Can you drive me to Raymond at once? I will have the horses put in tho dozen-t." When he entered. some few minutes later, I was astounded by the change in his face. Naturally pale, it was now of a peculiar and ghastly paiior. which gave his head almost the appearance of a akuii. Laying a finger on my arm. he spoke quite ahnrpiy. He walked backward a few yards toward the room which I had learned was his bedroom, and as he did so the lean figure of the deferential innkeeper rose out of the gloom as it to meet him. I myself went down into the courtyard, and then found my way into the large oaken dining room. “It you will excuse me for a few minutes, Mr. Greatorex,” he said, “I will join you In the dining room.” but made no reference whatever to the matter upon which he had been en- gaged when we were interrupted. At the top of the stairway he took his arm from mine. “Oh, the key will do where it is,” re- plied Mr. Kesteven, without looking round. “Leave it in the lock, Hood.” As we retraced our steps along the corridor, which echoed dull to the tread, he conversed about other things, "The key, sir,” he said respectfully, holding it out. Hood closed and locked the door after him. “No, sir." said Hood promptly, with the promptness of a machine and with no more inflection than a good servant should have. “Ah, I feel it myself, Mr. Greatorex,” said the old man, leaning somewhat heavily upon my arm as we issued from the chamber. “And now, my friend,” said Mr. Kes- teven genially, putting his hand through mine when the panel had been closed, “we will get into the open air. We can- not avail ourselves too much or too of- ten of these summer days; eh, Hood?” There was a perceptible pause for so ready a servant, I thought, as Hood moved from his place by the door to obey the order. I thought, too, that I noticed a sudden flash of amazement pass in his eyes, but when he went by me they were merely deterential, and I Imagined that I had been mistaken. “As you are here, Hood,” he said, breathing hard, as from his exertions, “I should be obliged if you would kindly close that panel for me. I am not so young as I was, naturally, Mr. Greatorex,” he explained, turning to me with a faint smile. The two men eyed each other for an instant, and then the servant’s eyes fell with civil politeness. “Thank you, sir. Sorry to trouble you, sir,” he said and turned about on the threshold. But Mr. Kesteven stop- ped him. “No, thank you, Hood,” he said suavely. “I have changed my mind. It was good of you, but I shall not need it", sun struck full upon his race, which I could not but observe was more color- less than usual. meat, and ma the odd prepimflons for that mission, that-I was, so to speak, upon the very edge of a mysterious dis- covery. Mr. Kesteven placed a chair against the wall and, stepping upon it with difficulty, raised his hand till it touched the topmost panel near. the window. There followed a slight creak, and the panel slid back, disclosing :a dark and vacant space in which I could dimly discern the separation of shelves. My host had but dropped his fingers into the recesses of this cupboard when a faint noise caught his ears, and he turned abruptly. I had followed him into the room, and the door stood open. But I turned now with him and followed the direction of his gaze. The man Hood stood forward in the door- way with an apologetic air. Mr. Kes- teven’s hand dropped sharply, and with a certain brusqueness he demanded, “What do you want ?” The ex-valet touched an imaginary hat. “I beg your pardon, sir, I am sure, but I called to know it you would be wanting that gun you spoke of the other day. Mrs. Main didn't know, and I thought that maybe it would save time if I was to ask you myself." He was a perfect model of servile - pdepartment, displayed no sign of nerv- ousness, but only the rigid good man- ners of the trained servant. Mr. Kesâ€" teven stepped down from the chair and leisurely dusted his- coat sleeves. Then he looked up, and the westering HARPIR Zr BROTHE‘S The panel slid back. WATSON Suddenly a sound rose on the ei- lence, indefinite, but perturbing. For a second I kept my poet, with my head hanging from the window. uncer- tain as to the direction of the cry. Then I grew aware that it came from within the home, and, hurriedly withdrawing myself. I stood up etlll within the room and iietened. Again it me. eome what shrill and ghastly. echoing iron: the iioor above. Now, the dining room. no I have explained. mu upon the ground floor, and Mr. Keateven‘a room. as well as my room and meat of the living chambers, was above it on the northern wing or the caetle. I ran quickly therefore through the doorway and bounded up the atone etaircaee three steps at a time. When I reached the corridor I made straight for my hoet'e room without any mean. but under the guidance. of m llanulee. Thedeoratood an: and I hung ft open. A single lamp atreelned lain!!! open the room and its content. mountains. with a alive: radiance the old nan’a. body where it lay W upon the earpet. I knelt twittly and tuned his II“... lenient" hie coat and menu. 'aa I all! eo the Meat with When he had gone I obeyed him me- chanically, taking down several of the musty volumes, though my mind at that moment was very far from their contents. Indeed, I could make no long pretense of luterest in them and shortly afterward pushed open the casement end looked out on the park. The dusk had settled on the forest at last. All lay very still. "I have had important news today, Mr. Greatorex, or, rather, I have gath- ered from several signs that there is important news for myself. I had thought that it would be unnecessary to trouble you in regard to my afiairs until tomorrow, but it will be best to night. It is more wise to be prepared. If you will pardon me for a short time I will return directly, and in the mean. time I dare say you can amuse your- self with one of those venerable books,” concluding with a glance to ward the shelves which occupied the alcoves of the dining room. We reached the castle in the twilight, but it was not until after dinner that Mr. Kesteven reverted to the subject of our conversation. He was very bright during the meal and talked with more wit and philosophy than I had yet seen in him. But when he had finished he drew away from the table and said more soberly: “You are very good," he returned gently. “You can be silent, and you can profier a question at the right time. I think all the better of you. And for what you say of friendship, why, I am sincerely obliged to you, and I think you can render me an invaluable aid.” “I have no warmer wish,” I answer- ed, and I turned the horse's head form. with upon the road to the Gwent. “My dear sir,” said I hastily, “I would not press you for the world, and I am no more inquisitive than any hon- est man who hopes that he might be of some service to a friend in trouble.” “Come, come, I think I understand, Mr. Greatorex,” said he, “and the un- derstanding notches another score to you in my stick. I admit that you have a right to something further. I freely confess it, only I am an old man and must take my time. Are we agreed?” We looked at each other for a mo- ment, in which time I noted a twinkle gleaming in his eyes, and then simul- taneously, I think, we burst forth into laughter. His face suffused with amusement. “I don‘t think we are strangers to each other, Mr. Greatorex,” he observed quietly. “I dare say we understand one another better than appears. If. however, it be any relief to your con- science, I assure you that I am much better for your company. But,” he- added dryly, "I should be the last to hold you it your duty claims you else- Where.” He was visibly disconcerted, as I had hoped he would be. “My dear sir,” I replied, “I have been thrust upon you, a complete stranger, for a day and a nEght.” ~you this comfortable reflection. But now, if you will excuse me, Mr. Kes~ teven, I will put. my thanks in your hands for a very agreeable hospitality â€"and”â€" “You are not thinking of your inn?" he demanded after a pause in which he recovered; - “'mat’s very true," I said, “and I am delighted if my small services this afternoon have, as it would seem, been the happy occasion of suggesting to “It is well to be armed at all points, my friend,” he had remarked compla- cently. “I find a complete equipment is a solace against possible evils.” We'drew up in the main street, 01 a- large and formless building, upon the door of which was emblazoned the name of a solicitor and public notary. And here, begging me to await him, the old gentleman alighted and entered 't'he house. It was not very long after- ward that he reappeared with a pleas- ant little lawyer behind him, and I no- ticed that he himself seemed very wet) pleased. He talked as if a load was off his mind; but, to tell the truth, I felt that it was time I had some ex-‘ planation. It was not that I grudged the old gentleman my fellowship, such as it was, and it certainly was not that I was tired of the experience. Quite the contrary. I was tantalized by these strange tastes of adventure. My nose took up the scent of mystery as a hound snifls the air, and when I spoke so abruptly it was only in the wish to. let him understand that I thought my fidelity had earned its wages. “You think so? Then It seems that you are‘not only a silent but an ob- serving person,” he said, smiling. “But you are wrongâ€"you are wrong. Never. theless, I am glad to find you so ob- servant. My dear sir. there is nothing so important as observation. Educa- tion and breeding and birth, these you may buy or feign, but observation is the measure of a man‘s character.” With that he sank into silence once more, nor, so far as I can recall, did we exchange one sentence till we ar- rived Lin Raymond. “From all appearances 1300 mm hard nerve. It is wnlL It is well‘ is the one thing I haven-med at, ‘ I might have'succeeded-had not my ascendants weakened the blood.” Itoldhimthatsotaras Iconldg’ee he had no reason to complain of m, "You drive well, my friend,” ye aid. I now stood honorably conned with tho Inst onlooo to my and Mood. An Inquest woo luovttoblo In tho circum- otoncoo. but It WII' no more that; o tor. malty, and my ov'tdonco. with me at tho houookoopor. Mn. Main. and tho doctor tron: Llooouon. woo Mount to close tho Invootlnuon. It woo not un- til thou ooromonloo woro ovor that I it won plain that this oboe: had come connection with the diecloenre Mr. Koo- tovon had intended to make to me. but beyond thin conclusion 1 could not so. And no ami- a deenliory etndy of the ancient characters I put it aelde. loci:- lng it more by hablt than of Intentional prudence in I]! private letter caa_e. Here the parchment had suffered I0 grossly at the hands of time or from the noun“: of Its natural enemies thnt the churn-tern Mean). unreadable and null]: mud. And here it was that I had my first surprise. Under the stress of lll(‘ min- ful emotions of that time I had Liz'- gotten the leaf of paper \z'lzzcl: 1 has} taken from the dead hum-w. But while I was revolving :lm ('il‘t'ilfi- stances of the mystery the rm-uiim-mxi of it flashed suddenly upm‘. l'JP. ;::,«. feeling in my pockets 1 «Huron-trod - where it had remained Sim-c the 1'3.’ trance of the housekccm‘r. It broad daylight. and the (If-(fin? rz- . Llanellan had just gone frn'ti if: ‘ house. I laid the paper upon in}: lw... ‘room table and studied it t'ztz't-l'n It was of still parchment and Main. yellow with the dust and dirt of 3mm:- much worn in parts and its l!l:‘.l'_; gnawed as if by mice or mus. 'l';. characters were faded and well 1:12;. illegible, but I made out. with son:- difliculty, the taiat'and ancient lottczw This was how the document ran: “Turning this corner, it is necessary to proceed upon the passage for tlu space of some thirty footsteps and z' i the close thereof to pause and survey the walls. If ye will then duly deter mine a height oi! five feet from fbt' footway thereupon will be disclosed a small knobbe, the which revolving will give access to a large cupboard within ye wall. Observe carefully upon the back of the cupboard and where the oaken pannella adjoin the atone. Here ye will perceive a spring, the which pushing a doorway shall open behind. giving entry to an interior chamber. A night or atairwa: leadeth thence?â€" A shock! The word lingered some-_ how in my thoughts without particular reason. The cries I had heard might well enough have been drawn from the old man in his last pains. and yet 1 had the impression that such deaths were usually instant, it not painless. Those shrieks had been prolonged and reiterated. “He might have gone on any mo- ment, Mr. Greatorex,” he explained. “A shock, a violent exertion, even a strong emotionâ€"this would suffice to determine the climax of the disease." CHAPTER IV. HE events of that day. together with the two surprising se- quels, to which I shall come presently. set me for the whole of a week upon the horns of doubt and perplexity. I was embarrassed by so strange a sequence of accidents. Some- where behind and still aloof, but self confessed, as it were, by the conduct and deportment of my unfortunate host, hung the shadows of a mystery to which I had no clew. It was plain that he had a secret which he kept very private and to which I should have been admitted on the very eve of his unhappy death. That death, so to say. had robbed me of my opportunity. and I could see no means to regain it. My dim suspicion that he had come by his end through violence was dissipat- ed soon enough.. The doctor certified to heart disease, from which he told me that Mr. Kesteven had long suf- feted. “Is he"â€" she asked, and stared at me tear-fully. “Yes, I fear so," I answered. “Send the man posthaste." I ordered. “Let him gallop all the way." “Come in,” I said in low tones. “Your master is very 111. Where is the near- est doctor?” “At Llanellan, sir.” said she trema- lously. , The old man’s body lay stretched upon the cam face into the glow of the lamp. and I saw it was struck with a deadly pal- lor. I lifted him upon the bed and r3118 :1 peal of bells for the housekeep- er. While she was coming, which was not a matter of more than a minute, my glance ran around the bedroom. Could it be possible that there was 1'01" may? I could see no signs of vio- lence upon the bodyâ€"for that it was but a poor corpse I had no doubt, since the horrible color or the face had been revealed to me. The window stood open, but there was nothing significant in that. I glanced out, but it any one had escaped that way the railing night had long since swallowed him up. When I turned again to the body I no- ticed that one or the hands was clutch- ing a paper. This I gently withdrew. and as I did so the housekeeper knock~ ed at the door and called upon her mas- ter in an agitated voice. HEYEE 0d a comparatively impecunioun and briefings barrister into the proprietor of an ancient estate. Tho-e thought: and feelings moved me an I rode back to tho cutie. quite oblivious or my oariior molution to in [one from Raymond and the ocean or that diaum. It turned now that I was donnmiy bound up with the tortunao at tho place un- lau 1 accepted WI odor to Mauamummm-mo. I had an» Mo a undoâ€"nor an I ammod to“ male- that it was a very plague Mario-whoa I mound the up‘ormhm ”communal. mod. That hurl-lad arm which If. Kama and 1 had W m strange that a purchaser should have 'been so instant; I had understood that the experience was uncommon in the property market. As I sat contemplat- Ing the letter Mr. Greenstreet inter- “Yes," I replied, adding. “for the present.” But. in truth. I was in no note of mind to determine upon any particular course with definition, so invoked won my emotions in the {ace of the extraor- dinary news 1 had heard. it sun on tuning atroke of good luck which by n oimturo or n doxen letter-r convert; “Well, sir,” said he. smiling, “am I to entertain the offer?" “No." I answered. though I could hardly have said why. “You will live on the property?” in- qulred the lawyer. I curious coincidence"-and here he rummaged among his papersâ€"‘it you are anxious to get rid of the castle, I ' dare say it can be managed. Oddly enough, only this morning I had a let- ter from a firm of solicitors in London, . assuming it was for sale and inquiring the terms. Let me see. Ah, here it is!” He handed me the letter, which was directed from the ofl‘ices ot a firm in Pardoe street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. “Quick work," I commented. The little solicitor assented. “It is a beautiful neighborhood." rather proudly. “and the castle is a tine building. Very antique,- remark- . ably antique." - _.' u-v- he replied, ‘ ' ing. but, on the whole. he struck me as a very amiable fellow. honest accord- ing tn his lights- and ham-Inc :- mmtn ‘-r'â€" â€"â€" up- â€"' â€"__ 'lr'“"â€" evening at the Swan. for he “as huge- -ly embarrassed during the interview and more than once offered to reflect upon himself in somewhat deprecating terms. “I’m not a bad fellow." he was good enough to explain. “but‘I'm a devilish fool. All the Montgomerys are. We've had a lot to put up with. Our estate‘s no better than a barnyard. We're :1 . pack of idiots, that's what we are, Mr. Greatorex. And when there's liquor I aboutâ€" Well. you know what it is." I didn’t quite follow out his mean- The adjectives were hardly chosen to my taste. but I could and no fault with the sentiment: Yet It seemed U #0!!! Hr. Grmtrccz received me with core- “It is scarcely a question that no- qulm an answer," he replied dryly, “so long as Mr. Kesteven had the rlght. But, by the way, I may sayâ€"and it is “But the natural heirs”â€" I began. stammerinx. "There are none." said he promptly. “The late Mr. Kesteven had no near relatives." “The will"â€"- I protested feebly. “Was made three days ago. I. of course, assumed that you were well acquainted with its contentsâ€"a few legacies to his housekeeper and the servants, and yourself the reelduary iegatee. In order, however. not to raise your expectations too high. Mr. Greaterex," he proceeded, now more coolly and quite ofllclally, “I may say that there is little beyond the castle itselfâ€"a bare competence and no more." I waved my hand. “Good heavens!" said I. “But what right have I"â€" It was now my turn for amazement. ‘ Elbe nnexpectedness or the news left! me agape, and then. after the first moment of silence, I felt my ears slow- ly growing warm, and I knew that I . was blushing red as a peony in my: confuslon and astonishment. : The greedy little lawyer enjoyed the ‘ en‘ects of his surprise. .._--_ . than ever. “Then is it possible that you are ignorant, Mr. Greatorex?" said be. And looking at my interrogating face he positiveLy beamed. “Why. yes. it must be so," he said excitedly. “Mr. Kesteven. sir, by n will under date of Aug. 16, has made you his sole heir." The little man started to his feet, and his mouth widened in a broader smile “Why, my not!” add 1. “Why in the name of fortune should I? My only idea was, for Mr. Kesteven‘s sake, to smooth his aflairs for his succes- There was a certain tone of condem- nation in his voice which, though I was at a loss to account for, I could not but recognize. know in what way I might aid him. seeing that it was improbable that I should revisit the neighborhood. “Then you do not intend to reside at the castle?" he asked. “Any assistance, Mr. Gmtorex ?" he echoed, surveying me, with his mouth open. “Any assistance? Well, I sup- pose you can be of some assistance." And he chuckled heartily, as it lnvit~ in: me to join in his joke. I told him that I was leaving the dis- trict that same any and would like to I put the question for which I had come 1nd in response was saluted with n stare of astonishment. Wives treeoncemoretore- smethetonrwhichhndbeenso strangely interrupted. 3g. Greenstreef the little tat, bowing solicitor whom? had already seen. received me with po- lite 'ceremony. His nee wore a min. gied expression of solicitude and satis-. faction as he fussed in a nervous man- ner with his papers. “A most melulchoiy end. Mr. Greato- rex." said he, shaking his head; “so sudden, and a sterling. honorable man. sir. Well, we must all to some day.” “Woll. you «on: to be MUM on." out! I. with I slum toward tho "I‘ll". who. not»; my on- on him. man his hot lid "and. "You. on." room Rood In :1 Iowa: voloo. “no mama's couw to my I u¢.- It. Nun. Captain Bor- ooubo. air. You don't up”: to know Ma! No, air. I thought I'd Mao. It. in on. you‘d“. ”notional: un- a very uniable fellow, honest accord- ing to his lights. and bearing a certain distinction of person which, derived from a long and gentle race, could not wholly be concealed in the dull and uneducated individuality of its last representative. He certainly knew a great deal about horses, and as a re- sult we grew very friendly ere he left. When he did so. it was with a trunk hope. boyishly expressed. that I intend- ed to live at the cutie. elm. At an. moment Hood emerged from tho “moon. And I nodded to mumummmm nth-om the scum. “Yon. m; that you. Ilr.” ho mud. “m 3 var: welcomo pmnt. ur: may think. to my poor mum.” I had said no less than the truth when I had answered Hood’s ques- tions. but circumstances soon made my resolution for me. The rumor of my inheritance was spread about the coun- try, and I found myself suddenly ele- vated to new dignity in the eyes or the neighborhood. And the first fruits or this celebrity appeared in an unexpect- ed visit from my young acquaintance, Montgomery. His farm, it seemed, was a mile or two from the castle. lying in the next valley. and he rode over to otter me his congratulations. It was plain that he had not been so deep in liquor as he had appeared upon that evening at the Swan. for he was huge- 'ly embarrassed during the interview ' and more than once offered to reflect upon himself in somewhat deprecatinz But it was not due to the arguments of Montgomery that I finally decided to atay at the castle, but to an incident very diflerent, which fell out in the tollowing way on the next evening: I had dined early. and as the light was atill very full across the valley I enun- tered out through the park and wan- dered down the road toward the Woodman. When I reached the inn 1 noticcd in the twilaht the figure of a amuse: leaning again“ the stone min before the doorway amoking a 1 “Bunk you, air. It is very kind of himâ€"Mr. Kesteven. I mean. I served him three years, and a. better muster no mm need want." ; “He pnid you a similar compliment." , said I, smiling. “I’m not a bad fellow." he was good enough to explain. “but‘I'm a devilish fool. All the Montgomery: are. We've had a lot to put up with. Our estate‘s no better than a barnyard. We're :1 I told him I did not yet know and rode up the park, leaving him to fix the locks. “I’m sure I congratulate you. 81:, If you'll pardon the liberty. The castle wants an owner, and I hope you‘ll be living here. sir." It Hood were as much astonished at this statement as at his own good for- tune, he certainly did not show it. I caught one glance of his extraordinary eyes, end then he had turned and was closing the gate. “Well," said I. with a little laugh. which I really could not restrain in my excited condition. “not just yet, Hood. I think. I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with my company for a little longer. You see. Mr. Greenstreet informs me that I am. quite unexpectedly, left heir to the castle." “I suppose we shall be losing you, sir? It‘s a great thing for Mr. Kes- teven to have had you with him In his trouble.” He stood silent, as though for me to enter, but as I did so he said respect- tuny: “Mr. Greensu-eet tells me," I went on. “and I suppose I am free to repeat It, that four old master has left you a small legacy." The man started vlslbly, and for a second his dark eyes shone on mine. He seemed almost ss surprlsed as I had been, but he recovered his aston- ishment next minute and dropped his Hood's glance met mine, as though he would lnqulre of me; but feeling, no doubt, that thls would be too great a liberty, 11!: eyes reverted to the gate. whlch he still held open respectfully. JYés." said I. though the remark was perhnps Irrelevant “So Mr. Green- Itreet, his lawyer, tells me." “Especially. air, for poor Mr. Kes~ teven. who wu, 1n n manner of speak- ing. quite alone in the world." mummwlthoutemult sMMtothattsctlhemerend~ dition of a passing whim. mud posihly under s streu or unknown emotion. must ounce to explain his he- hsvior. At that phrase of my own. “unknown emotion." I was pulled up sharply once more. What was there at the back or I.“ these incongruous and incomprehensible incidents? In the current or files. reflections I simost rode over the Innkeeper Hood by the entrance of the park. He saluted me deterentisiiy. stepping aside to let me pass end gliding noiselessly to open the iron gates. At the sight of him the lawyer’s statement as to the contents of the will recurred to me. and I reined in, giving him good day. “This has been a sad business. sir," he ventured in his even tones. I nodded. replying with some com- monpiace. - _~.â€"-â€".â€"â€"~ m’fivfifi’m chum been for 553-7th 7115 the general eccentricity 9‘ M9 comet. He Ind died Without u uni-Hen awn wifhnnf I friend. as it ‘ofi-u-ked myselt the motive which Mdlndncethmlommva-amml acquaintance, but I conic! find 90 an- "He was always very good to me, boon um; THE wxrcnmm-WARDER, MARCH 29th, 1906. ' It m m Gmnsmot Ind mum I: consideration at the occl- made by mundanlollclwu. my wet-9pm»- lu to [new In! pm. for the cumin. 1 land a about 0! up: and scribbled I I hum Ind mama: the amel- mlmttohd. ltwummly «u 0mm an: an Drown-z so: In to m ; a 1‘3; When I reached the castle the night had fallen, unrelieved by stars. I rang {or a lamp and retired to my bedroom for a pocketbook which I had left in one of the drawers in an old bureau. I remembered to have placed it in the left hand drawer in the secretary. I took the key from my pocket and twisted it in the lock. but as it would not turn I became impatient and shook ,the handles. The lid tell open of it- self. Clearly it had not been locked. And yet I could hare testified in a court of law that I had locked it in the afternoon. Furthermore, my pocket- book was not where I had left it, but in a lower drawer. The oddness roused my curiosity. and I went carefully through the drawers only to find that without a doubt they had been con- scientiously and scrupulously rum- maged by some one.. The thought was not inviting. I sat down in a chair to consider. Later I went down to the dining hall and made out my notes for the day. A letter by the second post. which arrived late in the evening, lay, to my hand on the table. The situa- tion demanded a patient temper and some Mum. it threatened to discov- er a grave climax. So far my rodeo .tions led me. Why had my bureau ban riled? What did this robber want? And yet again the problem fell upon me. eon-thins Gamma. but ur- gent. importance-had any one visited m. Ream W that open win- dow ll Ihtlrflclaolhiadeaih? The “lanes 0! than question- embar- I'usad no. and I opened my letter ab- and). room, and being, apparently a talkative I fellow he was very soon in the full swing of soliloquy. I must conte- . that he was an entertaining talker: in: an eye at the cloud's. asked me my. opinion of the weather. I gatheaed ' that he was a fisherman and that the ' stream in the vaiie d excited his hopes. He was tall man or ' forty or more. somewhat stoutly built and with a military gait. His Iace, I which was bare save '10: a long red- dish mustache, was putty and swollen, ’ but he had a pleasant gray-green eye 1 and a genial and engaging manner. . His thin red hair was carefully brush- Â¥ ed over a rather bald head. all events I required no excuses for myself. It has ever been my habit to give myself full license in my commune with my fellows. and in the result I have usually found the custom produc- tive of amusement and interest. We parted on friendly terms, and 1 con- gratulated myself as I walked home upon a very agreeable neighbor. ibroad. I always told poor Mr. Kean 'teven that I’d make it pay. sir." And; I tut-the smile crept into Hood‘ 8 som- ' her race and broadened it into a grin. The stranger advanced in a leisurely tuhlon and said goodday; _then, cock- He had seen a vast deal of life and in many countries. He had apparent]; been a soldier of fortune since he left the English army, for he spoke of serv- lce with the Peruvians, of brushes and escapades in sundry parts of South America and ot multifarious adven- tures in several continents. It might have seemed odd that the lord of Iron castle should be seated there in the parlor of a shabby inn, hobnobbing over whisky and cigars with an utter stranger about whom he knew nothing and cared less, but I myself was little better than a fellow stranger, and at £50m Per._393t_!§ laugh. In the Issue I accepted his in- vitation to drink a little whisky in his “Come. come,” said he, with a laugh. “My dear sir, we are all gossips, and, after all. I was bound to talk or some- thing besldes the weather." and his way was so good humored and withal so trunk that I could not but Join in his "My landlord tells me there has been a death up yonder? said he. nodding toward the castle. “A regular romance, it I'm rlght in supposing you are Mr. Greatorex?" I told him that I was. “Ah. well, you're very lucky." I replied somewhat coldly that he seemed to know more than I did my- W the. Cl and 32â€"." draw“. II. T. A. stocuu, Limited, Toronto. thu Psychinc l(Euros: Consumption. But don't wait {or Consumption. Cure your- LaGrippe, your Cough, your Bronchitis, your @atarrh, or your Pneumonit with the A.- “at is just one of the many familicS. inlo which Psychine has brought hope, bald: and happiness. A It is a flying proof i'emedy that. ncve} failsâ€" rV-"wvâ€""v ~v , . - e. life, onw married a short time. Bu! befch she had finished the first bottle of Psychine- the pain in her lungs quickly went away, and after taking six bottles Mrs. Walter- was a. new creature and perfectly well. my wife as both her lungs were aficcted,” says Mr. L. H. Wdtcr, of Pearl Street, Brockviflc. Ont. "It was a sad disap- pointment“? gs both. just sin-ting out in: , ,4 ‘2“ A D"- LA--. PSYCHINE ButtlIeGratConmpfivercn-V fig} utivebroughtllealmandflappi- g a ms wms's LUNGS 1 30m AFFECTED "Our doctor said there was no sure (0: (Continued on Pam: 2.)' ness to his Home (Pronoumd Si-kecn) Priestly‘s 1 and Mohair regular 85c, ' Priestley’s va Maret‘ Pricstly’s Cloth,brigh‘ fish, regular and over Chi Regular $21 Check Lu: $1.60, Salem Priest!) '84 in grey, grm brown, Kt; Sale ............ French Cn Regular 65c white,b1u'e Regular 432, Black and herds Plaid: Waist Suits, did ts ha'ab." Ei' Comnu‘on mm It I Council to h water I“. 0'1 o! the u“! T o! Ink: 810 the: way In the I m Nth.“ cm W I: condo“ o! ! lino Mm {armooa‘ or I tMOouucH a hy-I" Club. tonal!!! m WWW"! said '1‘ p.11. of m BUGS. fi‘é‘ 94> fqg- Rd Conn and LI] 5 Tapest: 34- inc‘ Ticking,r Heavy 5 white Chet 14c, Sale. Pub Volu‘ TAB} AND vnot Sma.‘