Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 123, No. 4 — page 156: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

662 ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “Do you think there is some one in there?”’ “TI don’t know, but I’m going to see, unless, as is most likely, the door is locked.” I rattled the knob angrily, as I spoke, for I had just discovered this last to be true. “* Perhaps it’s bolted from sriside: ” sug- gested Shirley. ~ “In that case, there must be some one inside; perhaps we can induce him to open it himself. 7 ‘I knocked vigorously on the doar several times, but there was no response nor any renewal of the tapping. I opened the large blade of my knife and inserted it in the door jamb. - “What are you going to do—pry the door open?” “No, only see whether it is bolted. Ah, I thought not. Then we must find the key.” : ‘“‘ Perhaps you have another duplicate on your key-ring,” said Shirley hastily. “You're rather good at finding keys - yourself,” I retorted. “‘ You found the key to our guests’ room very quickly, if I re- member.” Shirley disdained reply, ‘and I turned again to the door. An ex-burgiar, who I had chummed with during my cub days, had once showed me a rather neat way of cutting out the lock of a door. a cold chisel and a hammer, however, so I went in search pf Peter. He was peace- fully peeling potatoes, and was considerably surprised to see me. “You must be a quick rower, Mr. Brent, to get back so soon. It took me fully an hour just to row up here; but then you are a deal younger and stronger than me. Did you bring the doctor with you?” ‘‘T haven’t been to the village,”’ I con- fessed. ‘“‘I fell asleep in my uncle’s room, and when I woke, I thought I heard some one tapping in the next room. I tried to get in but the door was locked. Do you happen to know if there is an extra key around?” Peter’s jaw dropped as he stared at me. : My dream had been so vivid, and his share in it so important, that I couldn’t help smil- It required - ing to myself at the contrast between it and his present every-day occupation. ‘““Some one tapping, sir! Why, that’s Mr. Gregory’s dressing-room, and not a soul goes there except himself. There can’t be anybody in there, sir. You must have dreamed you heard a noise.” I was beginning to think I had myself, but something urged me on to investigate. “‘ Tl just take a look to be sure. Have you got a key?” “No, sir. Mr. Deane always kept the key himself.”’ “We'll have to force it, then. Have you got a cold-chisel and a hammer?” “I think so, sir, but had we better do it? Mr. Deane may be back any minute —and he’s sure not to like it.” “Til take the responsibility. and get the tools.” Peter went off, still doubtfully, and soon returned with just what I wanted. We went up-stairs, and I found Shirley with her ear pressed close to the door. She turned an excited face to me. “There’s some one or something in that room! I distinctly heard a moan just now.” I was convinced by her manner that she had nothing to do with this. “We'll soon see,” I replied, and briskly went to work. The job was a harder one than I had thought it would be, and it was some time before the lock fell into my hand. I laid the tool aside and pulled gently on the door. It stuck, and I was afraid there might be a bolt after all, but a couple of good wrenches opened it at last. We all crowded forward, Peter, as excited as any of us, crumpling his apron which he had forgotten to take off, nervously between his hands. For several seconds, I could make out nothing in the half-light that came in through closed shutters and drawn blinds. Then I saw dimly -a small rect- angular room with a built-in bath and lava- tory, at one side, and a table in the center, and long narrow divan that was close to the wall of my uncle’s room. It was to this last our eyes flew, and I confess my heart gave an extra throb when I saw the dim outline of a heap upon it. I could feel Shirley’s arm trembling against Hurry up ‘mine, and Peter was gulping hard. () VWNA rr a Oo TE GORE DOOLKSCO