The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-08-12

that In the excitement consequent upon
the 'squire's death the closet had not
been opened. Extending his arm, the
spectre noiselessly opened the door, and
motioned Adam to enter.
The sexton obeyed trembllngly, and
when he arrived in the door he raised
his lantern and looked about the closet
Articles of wearing apparel were hang
ing about the room, which Adam passed
over with q cursory glance but on the
floor We're two articles which eliclted q
cry of surprise and anger from him.
One was peculiar handkerchief of dark
material flecked with sickly yellow
squares; the other was VIAL whose
label bore death's-head and cross
bones, and the startling warning, "Prus-
sic Acid: Deadly Poison |"
Foul play knew itl'' screamed
Adam, almost dropping his lantern In
his excitement. And, 0 Heaven /
know the murderer
The spectre spoke.
p" Your coming in this house of dread
2 and ill-omen, at dead of night, and In
, the face of hereditary superstition and
: simple apprehension, is laudable, and
shall be rewarded. 1t Is not strange
that you quail. But listen, and know
ALI"
The village clock had struck the hour
of twelve before Adam returned to his
Nannette, who, terrified by his pro-
longed stay, was almost frantic. Sob
blng for joy, she flung herself into his
arms with the ardor of bride. AL
Though Adam returned her caresses, he
did SO, mechanically, for his manner
was pre-occupied.
The worthy old soul, not lacking in
. the voluble inquisitiveness of feminine
old age, harrassed Adam with q legion of
questions, which he evaded as we'll as
he could without giving ofiense; but
the good dame, piqued at her masters
seeming curlishness in refusing to sat
y isfy her curiosity, finally went to bed in
pet, while Adam absently followed her
example.
Nannette fidgeted all night, unable to
sleep moment until Adam should re-
veal the secrets of his expedition. That
something strange had happened she
well knew by the unusual thoughtful
ness of his face, but to her persistent
questions he merely returned shrug
of his shoulders.
They were sitting at breakfast, when
Adam suddenly struck the table
mighty blow with his fist.
G. never would have dreamed 1t -
said he, with another blow.
Dreamed what, Adam ?" eagerly in
quired Dame Nannette.
"That the moon was made of green
cheese -
Nannette grew red and her eyes
sparkled; but, restraining her anger, she
essayed one more question.
Adam, tell me; What did you see
last night P"
"The Evil One" replied Adam.
Thereupon, Nannette burst into tears
and 6ounced away from the table in
high dudgeon.
Adam apparently did not notice his
wife's indignation, but ate his breakfast
absent-mindedly, rose from the table,
got his oak stick, and left the house,
leaving poor Nannette bathed in tears,
and seething with curiosity.
Adam Hill walked briskly across the
village toward Gilbert Rays residence,
with eyes downcast in meditation, and
bringing his oak stick down with a
thump. The landlord, pursuant to his
close disposition, lived hermit-like in a
desolate cottage on the opposite side of
the village from the manson-house-
Adam soon arrived at the cottage, walk
ed up to the door, and knocked sharply.
Well - come inp' was growled,
rather than spoken, by a voice which
the sexton recognized as that of Dark
Gil. lie entered small, meanly fur
nlshed room, cold and cheerless, and
saw Dark Gil seated at his desk porlng
over his rent-roll
swell, what do you want, sexton ?n
demanded Dark Gil sharply, ewing
Adam savagely. "Want your cottage
repaired, I suppose 1 generally receive
a similar petition every day. Pest as
If they couldn't live in house as good
as their landlords They are better
than mine," he continued, casting a
glance round on the bare floor.
Which is not saying much" Adam
thought.