Page 111 (1/2)

When I reached the house I found, to my astonishment,

that theI had left open as I scra and

crept to the front door, thinking that if Bates had discovered

my absence it was useless to attereat doors

of the h the hall and back to the library

The nearest door stood open, and, as I peered in, a

curious scene disclosed itself A few of the large cathedral

candles still burned brightly in several places,

their flaht

Books had been taken from the shelves and scattered

everywhere, and sharp i The drawers containing sketches and

photographs had been pulled out and their contents

thrown about and trampled under foot

The house was as silent as a to to realize what had happened, so

stirred by the fireplace and I crept forward, listening,

until I stood by the long table beneath the great

chandelier Again I heard a sound as of so, followed by a moan that was

undoubtedly hue of the table, and slowly and evidently

with infinite difficulty a figure rose and the dark face

of Bates, with eyes blurred and staring strangely, confronted

ht, and leaned heavily