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wall It was a cartridge ball of large caliber and ht

have been fired from either rifle or pistol

"It's very unusual, sir!" I wheeled upon hi with the bit of metal, a

troubled look in his face He at once continued, as

though anxious to allay my fears "Quite accidental,

at

ducks"

I laughed out so suddenly that Bates started back in

alar hi him fiercely "You fool! Do the

people around here shoot ducks at night? Do they

shoot water-foith elephant guns and fire at people

through s just for fun?"

I threw hiainst the table so that it leaped

away from him, and he fell prone on the floor

"Get up!" I co, but did as I bade hi cheerless hall to the front door, and I sent hiraphy

of the region were the vaguest, but I wished to

exaerous prowler I was very angry and e increased as I followed Bates, who had suddenly

retired within hihts of the refectory

The ground was covered with leaves which broke

crisply under our feet

"What lies beyond here?" I demanded

"About a quarter of mile of woods, sir, and then the

lake"

"Go ahead," I ordered, "straight to the lake"