Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-12-07

rang iaintly.
"A carriage!" cried Maggie; "has he
changed his mind and brou ght her home
a, once?" And taking one of the can
dies she trotted 10 the door. but not
before tho bell rang the second time.
who's that? she cried, holding the
door slightly aiar.
"A stranger" said voice, lone who
has something particular to say TO you
'"You will have to wait for to morrow"
said Maggie. you can't come in 10
night"
My good woman" said the stranger.
"you are Margaret Black"
That's my name"
Mr.. Van Motifs servant lor twenlr
years?"
Yes
My good women. if you arc attached
to Your master, have very bad news
for you"
Gracious Lord" cried Maggie, but
did not open the door much wider-only
enorgh 10 thrust her head out. Don't
scare me, mister. What is il?"
The worst you can think Of" said
the man. "Mr. Van Mott travelled on
Ihe-railrosd. There has been an
accident
Preserve Us" cried Maggie. letting
the door fall back. and on his waS 10
his wedding. He's badly hurt then?'
Hes dead" said the man. Dead
and we've brought him home"
Maggie Sat down IN 4 chair and began
10 crv.
I'VE We done what we could," said
the m an. Tho lady he vas to marry
and her friends will be down tomorrow.
Meanwhile my Instructions are that you
shall watch with him, and allow no
strangers 10 enter the house. There are
valuables here, I'm told, and Mr.. Van
Motifs lawyer must take possession of
them and seal them up before strangers
have access TO the rooms"
"Oh! dear" cried Maggie. "lhat it
shou I'd come TO this. Yes. III watch
alone. I'm no, afraid. but-oh, dear!"
Then she shrank back and let two men
carry a horrible coffin into the parlor.
They came out with their hats off, and
the other man held his also in bis hand.
Il regret to leave you all alone in the
house, he said.
Il don't mind that said old Msggy,
"but its terrible. terrible"
III you'd like. I'll stay, said the man.
No. said Maggie. 1--WE no fear of
living or dead folks. You may 60"
Then she locked the door and went
into the parlor, and putting the candle
on the mantle, looked at the coffin
through her tears.
"He was good enough to me-" she
said "poor Mr.. Archibald And this
comes of wanting to marry at this time
of life. snd galivanting on railroads.
wonder whether he is changed much.
I'll take look" and Maggie crossed the
roon and lifted the lid over the inclosed
body.
"I'll take look, she said to herself
again. "l'm not afraid OF dead folks"
In q minute more Maggie dropped the
lid again and retreated. shaking from
head 10 loot, She had seen within the
coffin n face with its eyes shut, and with
bandages about the head. and the ghast.
ly features Of clown. minus the red
mouth
But it was living face, well chalked.
and not her masters. and Maggie knew
at once that she had been humbugged-
that the story of her masters death was
lie. and that burglar lay within the
coffin. ready to spring upon her and bind
her ,or perhaps murder her at any minute.
She could OF course open the door and
try to escape; but the accomplices OF the
man were doubtless outside. 1t was
long distance TO the nearest house and
even il they did not kill her they would
execute their purpose and rob the plate
before she returned.
"Master looks natural" said Maggie
aloud, and tried TO collect her thoughts.
Mr.. Van Motifs revolvers were in the
room, she knew, loaded. six shots in each.
Maggie could use pistols. She had aimed
a, troublesome cats with great success
more than once. II she could secure
these she felt safe.
"Poor, dear master" she sobbed, and
edged toward the back room. Poor,
dear MASTER" she lifted the desk lid. She
had them safe.
She glided back to the front parlor and
sat down on chair. She turned up her
sleeves and grasped pistol in each hand.
and watched the coffin lid quietly. In
hall an hour the lid stirred. A cautious
hand crept up the side. A wary eye
peeped out. II fell upon the armed fig
ure and closed again.
"Yo1'd better" said Maggie to herself
Again the head lifted up. This time
Maggie sprang TO her feet.
"You are fixed quite handy" she said.
cody. mo need of laying you out il
fire, and can aim first rate, especially
u,hon I'm afraid Of ghosts as | am now.n