The Argosy, Vol. 82 No. 2 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

280 silence, while Mr. Farnham studied, presum- ably, and Jane, crouching in the blackness of her cell, declined to think at all. For now there was nothing ahead but to-mor- row—to-morrow and Uncle Horace on the edge of apoplexy and Aunt Martha weep- ing soundlessly, endlessly, into a little lace handkerchief, and lawyers ‘and _ gaping yokels and the ridiculous constable and his complainants and— “There are so many blamed queer things connected with this affair!” the large young man reflected aloud. “All that news of Thompson’s racing to New York, when he wasn’t going there at all; and the news that he was still here when apparently he’s never been here. And then that marriage cer- tificate, Jane! Upon my word, I think that’s the queerest one of all!” Save for a faint and shaky sigh, there was no response from the cell next door. Mr. Farnham, edging back on his cot, dis- posed himself with what comfort might be and settled down for a long, grim spell of analysis. “Miss Fayre!” through the gloom! “Did you speak, Will?” Jane asked. “Ehe No, dear!” the large young man said, rousing slowly. “Miss Fayre! Are you there?” asked the elusive spirit voice. “Yes, I—I’m here!” quickly. ‘Who is that?” “Miss Fayre, stretch out your hand!” the sibilant tone hissed. “Stretch it out from your cell. There! Got it?” “YT haven’t—anything!” Jane quaked. “Who is that? Wilbur! Wilbur!” “Don’t be frightened, Jane. I’m right here!” Mr. Farnham said_ breathlessly. “Where in blazes did I put that infernal light? Where—ah, here it is!” With a click, the brilliant beam flashed out, sweeping the corridor, sweeping toward Jane’s cell. There was never a sign of hu- man form! But as the light moved to the floor it stopped suddenly upon a square bit of paper. Mr. Farnham, bending forward, babbled incoherent amazement just as Jane, also bending forward, screamed: “Tt’s the certificate, Wilbur! It’s the certificate! It has come back again and— Take it away, Wilbur! I’m afraid of it!” Be it not denied that Wilbur Farnham’s scalp prickled oddly and that a queer, chilly little sensation ran down his spinal column. whispered _ strangely answered Jane, THE ARGOSY. ‘“‘Don’t—don’t be frightened, Jane!” he stammered. ‘“That—that can’t harm you, dear.” For the time he was capable of no fur- ther comfort. His light flashed at the barred window in the opposite wall, a pene- trating light that showed clearly fully fifty feet beyond their prison. Only black, empty night lay on the other side of those bars! CHAPTER XXII. THE PLAIN TRUTH. ANE’S courage snapped! Full enough, two minutes ago, of a sort of forlorn bravery that was mainly resigna- tion, a low, terrified cry left her lips as the light shone out into the unanswering night. Nor did any light laugh issue from Mr. Farnham’s compartment. Eyes popping from his head, he turned the light downward again, more than half expecting to find the floor bare of paper. It was not so; the marriage certificate, caught in a light puff-of wind, danced uncannily toward him as if daring him to touch it— and by no will of his own Mr. Farnham backed deeper into his cell! “Wilbur!” quavered Jane’s thin tone. “Do you think—do you think—” “Tt don’t know what to think, Jane,” young Mr. Farnham said hoarsely. ‘“I—” ‘“‘Lady!”’ whispered the outer night. ‘‘Did you getpit?” With a strange little shout, Mr. Farn- ham whisked his light at the window once more—and his astounded heart beat again! There, on the other side of the bars, no less a person than Cragg stared in at them! But, even at the first sight, he was a dif- ferent Cragg. All the furtiveness had dropped from the little driver; his eyes sparkled straight at them, squinting in the strong light. He shaded them quickly and peered to- ward Jane’s cell. “Is that you, lady?” he asked. “Mr. Farnham there, too, the way they said?” “Yes!” that person answered for himself. ‘Ts there any one else in there?” Cragg asked quickly. “No! ? “Fine!” said the mysterious chauffeur. “Don’t make a sound! Wait a second!” GomiGcbdooks (C@