St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-07-12
hOughtfully, as he shook hands and went

as might be.
Until another tenant could be found, how
ever, L continued to occupy it, going to and
from town as before.
One evening l was sitting on the lawn,
smoking an after-dinner cigar and re-read-
ing EthePs letter, which quite treasured
me as to her health and spirits. when our
sedate old housekeeper presented herself
with the information that party" had
called to see the house.
"A gentleman or a lady?" inquired.
"A gentleman, sir, but he didn't give his
name"
found the visitor standing near the open
window Of the dTawing-rOom; tall, gaunt
man of 35 or Whereabouts, with handsome
but haggard features. and restless dark eyes
His lips were covered by thick mustache,
which he was nervouSly twisting as he stood
looking out at the lawn.
This house is to be let, l believe; will
you allow me to look over it?" he asked,
turning toward me as l entered.
His voice seemed familiar; looked at
him more closely, and then, in spite of the
change in his appearance, l recognized
Capt. Vandeleur.
What could have brought him here, l
wondered. Surely he would not care to re-
turn TO the house, even if he were in n
| position TO do sO-which, judging from the
shabbinesS of his appearance, seemed very
doubtful.
Half dozen vague conjectures flashed
! though my mind as l glanced at his face. and
noticed the restless. hunted look which
told of some wearing dread or anxiety.
After moments hesitation l asSented to
his request and resolved TO conduct him
myself on his tour of inspection.
Il think have met you before" / said,
! 70 fl,ar hn
lected me.
He glanced at me absently.
''POSSibly-but not of late years. for
have been living abroad, F" was the reply.
Having shown him the apartments on the
ground floor L led the way up stairs. He
followed me from room 10 room in an ab
sent. listless fashion till we came TO the
chamber which Ethel had occupied. Then
his interest seemed TO revive all at once.
He glanced quickly round the walls. his
eyes resting on the door of the box closet.
That is bath or dressing-room, 1 sup
pose" he said, nOdding toward it.
mo, only place for lumber. Perhaps
l ought TO tell You that it is said TO be
haunted" l added, affecting u speak care
leSsly, while L kept my eyes on his face.
He started and turned toward me.
''Haunted-by what?' he inquired, with
mice, L expect"
There is a tragical story connected with
that place" L answered, deliberately. lit
Is said that an unfortunate child was shut
up there TO die of fear, in the dark"
The color rushed TO his face, then re-
treated. leaving it deadly white.
Indeed" he faltered; land do YOU
mean TO say that he-the child-haS been
SEEM"
mo, but he has been heard knocking
within and crying TO be let out The fact is
confirmed by every tenant who has occupied
the house since
stopped short, startled by the effect of
my revelation.
Ny companion was gazing at me with
blank stare Of horror, which banished all
other expression from his face.
Good heavensr' l heard him mutter;
''Can it be true? Can tins be the reason
why was drawn back TO the place in spite
of myself?'
RecOllecting himself, however. he turned
to me, and forced his white lips into a
smile.
"A mysterious storyI" he commenced
dryly. Il don't believe word of it, my
self. but should hardly care to take house
with such an mcanny reputation. think
need not trouble you any further"
As he turned toward the door. 1 saw his
/ figure sway as if he were falling. He put
his hand to his side, with a gasp of pain, a
BLUSH shade gathering over his face.
Are you ill?" l exclaimed in alarm.
lit is nothing. 1 have a weakness of
the heart, and l am subject to these attacks.
May ask you for glass Of water?"
left the room to procure it. WhenI re-
| turned l found that he had fallen upon the
bed in dead swoon.
hastily dispatched a servant for DR..
Cameron, who happened to be at home, and
came Immediately.
He recognized my visitor at once, and
glanced at me significantly. 1 rapidly ex-
planned what had happened, while he bent
| over the unconscious man, and barred his
chest to listen to the heart-beats.
When he raised himself his face was
ominously grave.
lis he in danger?" 1 asked quickly.
mot in danger, but the next attack will
probably be his last. His heart is mortally
diseased"
1t was nearly an hour before Vandeleur
awoke, and then only to partial conscious
ness. lie lay in sort of stupOr, his limbs
neryeleSS, his hands damp and cold
1T is impossible to remove him in this
condition." the doctor remarked; Il fear
he must stay here for the night. 1 will send
you some one to watchhim."
Don't tronble-I intend to sit up with him
myself" replied, speaking on an impulse
L could hardly explain.
He looked at me keenly over his spec
tacles.
''ShOuld you like me to share your
watch?" he inquired after a moment.
Il should be only too glad of your com
pany, If you can come without mconyen-
! fence"
lie nodded.
Il must leave you now. but will return
in an hour, =" he responded.
Three hours had passed away; it was
nearly midnight. The night was oppres-
slvely close and profoundly still. The bed
room window stood wide open, but not a
breath OF air stirred the curtains. Outside
all was vague and dark, for neither moon
nor stars were visible.
Nandeleur still lay, half-dreSsed, on the
bed, but not asleep. His deep. regular
breathing sounded distinctly i'm the silence
DIR. Cameron sat near the dressing-table
reading by the light of a shaded lamn. I
too, had book. but found il impossible TO
keep my attention fixed upon il. Nv mind
was possessed by an uneasy feeling. half
dread. half expectation. found myself lis
tening nervOusly to fancied sounds. and
starting when the doctor turned a leaf.
At length, overcome by the heat and still
ness, l closed my eyes, and uneonSciously
sank into dOZe. How long il lasted can
not tell. but L woke up abruptly and looked
round with a sense of vague alarm. /
glanced at the doctor. He had laid down
his book. and was leaning forward with one
arm on the dreSSing-table. looking intently
toward the door of the bedroom. Instinct
/ lively held my breath and liStanad