The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-12-09
before, it was nearly midnight before he

O~~NDACA thS "a "S~o --~h ~Ns ~N~
there was a slight rustic as of woman's
dress, and presently he heard the same
low, bitter weeping.
Quickly arising, he shot the rays of
the lantern in the direction whence the
sounds proceeded. Not more than three
yards from him. in the broad glare of the
light, he beheld the girl whom he had
met in the churchyard. She was looking
at him with an expression of intense ter
ror In her white face and tear-wet eyes.
AS she stood covering before him she re-
minded him of some innocent animal
crouching ct the hunters feet. With an
accent of deep pity he addressed her:
81 saw you in the churchyard night be-
fore last; spoke to you last night. l
am not an enemy, nor an idle curiosity
seeker. I earnestly want to aid you.
VIII you not trust mel"
Keeping her eyes fixed upon him with
the same distrustfal look, she answered
in a faiat, far-off voice:
"Your friendship or your enmity can
be nothing to me. The world you live
il, by its wickedness and cruelty, drove
me to my death. am doomed to this
place until justice is done upon my des-
troyer.
'sYou are trying to mislead me-" ex-
p,,rngor ssNa,, 1~It
bat a poor, starving, homeless young
girl. You have suffered miserably, and
L have resolved to restore you to your
rights, as well as exact reparation from
the Inan who has wronged you"
He advanced toward her as he spoke
and stretched out his arms to seize her.
In an instant she seemed uncertain how
to act, then even as his hand seemed to
pass bodily through her shape, she melt
ed into the shadows of the place. This
time he did not pursue her. Her myste-
rious escape, which seemed to confirm
her own words, began to impress him
with the belief that he had indeed con-
fronted visitant from the other world.
Next morning, however, cool reflection
taught him that he might easily have de-
ceivel himself in his excitement. He
therefore resolved all the more obstinate
ly to pursue the investigation.
For three nights following he secreted
himself in the church and awaited her
appearance, but his watch was fruitless.
This caution on her part fully convinc-
ed him that he Was dealing with human
being and not with an impalpable phau-
tom.
Meantime, IN pursuance of the suspl-
cion which the landlords story had i'm
parted to him, he found pretense on
which to make the acquaintance of Steph-
en- Eastburn. The man impressed him
unfavorably at the first sight. Tall and
gaunt of figure, with small, restless gray
eyes and false smile, he seemed to Bar
clay to he capable of any villainy. The
young man was careful to avoid mention
ing the supposed ghost, and departed
with an invitation to call again.
On the fourth night Barclay again Sc
creted himself in the church. 1t was
cold for the season, and he shivered in
his hiding-place, despite his warm cloth
ing. Hour after hour passed away, and
he was beginning to fear that his errand
would again rrove fruitless, when faint
light in the body of the church caught
his eye. As it rose higher, he could see
that it proceeded from a small heap Of
sticks collected upon the stone floor.
Crouching over it, and extending her
thin fingers to the flame, he beheld the
figure of the young girl. Evidently over
come with the cold, she had ventured to
indulge in this small comfort in the hope
that 1t might escape notice.
Pulling off his shoes, Barclay crept up
behind her, and before she was aware of
his presence, seized her in his strong
grasp.
Il knew you were no ghost, he said,
smiling; though if you continue this
life much louger you will become one. !"
She uttered faint Cry of terror, and
sunk upon her knees.
''Spsre me" she sobbed. 81 am only
a poor, homeless, friendless girl who
never wronged any one. Why do you
pursue me?"
"For your own good, my poor girl, -
he sai 1, kindly. "Why will you not be-
lieve in my good intentions.
"Why should L 2" she cried passionate
ly. "Did not my fathers trusted friend,
the man who had sworn to be my second
father, seek my life {"
"Ah !" said Barclay, with start. "My
conjecture was true, then. He decoyed
you to the river, and, after believing you
safely out of the way, left your cloak and
hat upon the bank to give the impress
sion that you committed suicide ?"
Yes" she answered; "but the river
was more mercifnl than he, for it cast me
ashore alive. Sickly with horror, and
madly afraid of the whole world. | came
here where my father lay, to die upon his
grave. But it is hard for one young to
die. have lived here these three months,
suffering, freezing, dying. That | was
taken for my own ghost was fortunate for
me, fer ii kept everyone away from me,
and aided me to get what little would
keep me alive. after nightfall. And I
have encouraged the superstition. Now
you know all. II you are that mans en-
issary, may God forgive you and help
me-"
II ana an enlissary OF m'aoy, returned
Barclay, 81 am here to do Justice on
villain and TO restore you to your rights.
Wall you trust and help ne ?"
She looked up at him.
ssYnf, have n Good t,nl Co. H. .,,I