It was twenty minutes before Frank, waitingimpatiently, heard the steps of his late companionascending the stairs.

　　But the door was not unlocked. Instead, a slidewas revealed, about eight inches square, throughwhich his late traveling companion pushed a plateof cold meat and bread.

　　``Here's something to eat,'' he said; ``take it.''

　　``Why do you lock me in?'' demanded our hero.

　　``You can get along without knowing, I suppose,''

　　said the other, with a sneer.

　　``I don't mean to,'' said Frank, firmly. ``I demandan explanation. How long do you intend to keepme here?''

　　``I am sorry I can't gratify your curiosity, but Idon't know myself.''

　　``Perhaps you think that I am rich, but I am not.

　　I have no money. You can't get anything out ofme,'' said Frank.

　　``That may be so, but I shall keep you.''

　　``I suppose that was all a lie about your keepingstore?''

　　``It was a pretty little story, told for your amusement,my dear boy,'' said Graves. ``I was afraidyou wouldn't come without it.''

　　``You are a villain!'' said Frank.

　　``Look here, boy,'' said Graves, in a different tone,his face darkening, ``you had better not talk in thatway. I advise you to eat your dinner and be quiet.

　　Some supper will be brought to you before night.''

　　So saying, he abruptly closed the slide, anddescended the stairs, leaving Frank to his reflections,which it may be supposed, were not of the pleasantestcharacter.

　　Frank did not allow his unpleasant situation totake away his appetite, and thoug............