The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1885-04-01
"CALLED BACK
BY HUGH CONWAY.
CHAPTER II-CoSrINuED.

All the while was speaking [ heard
that distressing sound at the other end
OF the room. 1t drove me nearly mad.
/ believe could have made sure of reach
ing through my darkness and catching
one of those men by the throat, with the
certainty of crushing life out of him. ]
should have done so, even had such an
act sealed my own fate.
When my explanation was over another
whispered consultation took place.
Then the spokesman demanded the key
which had SO nearly cost me my life.
suppose they tried it and found it acted
as said. It was not returned to me, but
/ heard the voice once more.
Fortunately for you we have decided
to believe your tale. Stand up" did
SO and was led to another part of the
room and again placed in chair. AS,
after the manner of the blind, l stretched
out my hands, found l was in a corner
of the room, my face turned to the angle
of the walls
IF you move or look round, said the
voice, 'our belief in your blindness will
vanish"
1t was impossible to misunderstood
the grim threat conveyed by the last
words. / could only sit quiet and listen
with all my ears. Yes, they had much to
do. They moved about busily and rap
idly. I heard cupboards and drawers
opened. detected the sound of papers
being torn and the smell of papers burn
ing. / heard them raise some dead
weight from the hoor-heard sound as
of rent Goth and linen-heard the jing-
ling of money, even the ticking of watch
as it was drawn forth from somewhere
and laid on the table near me. Then /
felt breath of air and knew that the
door had been opened. | heard heavy
footsteps on the stairs the steps of men
bearing weighty burden, and | shud-
dered as | thought what that burden
must be.
Before the last task was completed the
woman's moan had ceased. For some
time it had been growing fainter and only
sounding at recurring intervals. Now l
heard it no longer. This cessation was a
great relief to my overweight nerves,
but my heart grew sick as thought it
may be there were two victims instead of
one.
Although at least two men must have
borne that weight away, knew was
not left alone. Iheard some one throw
himself into chair with half weary
sigh and guessed he had been left to
guard me- was longing to make my
escape longing to wake and find | had
been dreaming. The suspense of the
nightmare was growing unbearable. j
said, without turning my head.
Chow long am to be kept amid these
horr rs %
I heard the man move in his chair, but
he made no answer. May not go p
/ pleaded, II have seen nothing. Put
me out into the street anywhere, shall
go mad if / stay here longer"
Still no answer. / said no more.
By-and-by the absent men returned
to their companion. heard the door
close after Them. Then care more
whispers, and heard the drawing of o
cork and the iingling of glasses. They
were refreshing themselves after the
nights dark work.
Presently curious odor-that of some
drug was perceptible A hand was laid
on my shoulder and glass full Of some
liquid was placed between my fingers
Drink" said the voice-the only
voice / had heard.
81 will not, cried, sit may be poi
son."
1 heard short harsh laugh and fet a
cold metallic ring pressed against my
forhead.
1t is not poison; it is an opiate and
will do you no harm. But this" and as
he spoke felt the pressure of the little
iron circlet, Now, said the spokesman,
taking the empty glass from my hand
eff you are wise man, when you awake
tomorrow you will say, 1 have beer
drunk or dreaming You have heard us
but not seen us, but remember we know
you"
He left me and in a short time, dc
what 1 would to struggle against it
heavy. drowsiness came over me
Thoughts grew incoherent and reason
seemed leaving me. My head fell frs
on one side, then on the other. TIL,
last thing can remember is STRONG arm
encircling me and keeping me from tum
bling out of my chair. Whatever tin