Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-10-31

"But-won't won't you be afraid"
asked Nell Wayland.
Bess and Grace said nothing, but their
locks manifested doubt Kate Bruce was
mistress Of the moment
II won't" she said there's nothing to
friEhten me. Besides"-here she went
mysteriously on tiptoe to a drawer in the
dark old bureau, opened it, and drew out
shining weapon here Now who's
afraids"
"a pistol" said the other three. in a
stare whisper.
NO, a revolver" answered Kate. with
technical correctness. She dropped it into
her pocket with q smile, and seizing wall
mirror. started to the wide staircase that
led out Of the adjoining room into the upper
chambers.
You mustn't come" she hurTiedly said,
as the girls made a motion to follow her, lit
spoils the charm"
Kate Bruce passed rapidly to the foot of
the staircase, and lighting a small candle,
started to ascend the stairs backward. It
was not easy work, and now that she was
alone she felt degree timid. Her heart
beat little faster than usual, and she told
herself she wished she had not come. Up
-up-she held the mirror before her, and
gszed at the image of her face with its hon
est gray eyes and its cheeks that excitement
had tinged into blush. Pshaw, What
nonsense, There was no face to be seen
hut hers and
What was that? The girl strained her
eyes into the glass moment, and they di-
lated with horror. Then she gasped and
made a piteous motion as though TO clasp
her throat. But the candle in her hand
prevented her. She had not been mistaken.
The pale face OF man looked over her
shoulder, as she reached the top of the
stairs.
She turned with sigh OF actual weari-
ness, made no Outcry, no motion. She
turned and looked into Will DenIey', eyes
:, -squarely, unquaveringly. The man:
gaze dropped before hers. She gazed sadly
at him. In his hand was bulrs-eys Ian,
tern. He wore list slippers. A bunch Of
wire keys hung over his wrist. The cast
needed no explanation.
You are wrong. WILL" she said weakly
as II heavily exhausted. I'VE are poor
We have nothing. The JerrOd Bruce t.
whom the estate was left was cousin o.
my fathers. He lives eighty miles north
How long long have you been a-burglar?'
The man made no answer. His ches
heays1 He raisad naIa faaa ON
brought his eyes to level with hers. Sh,
saw the look of appeal and pleading. anC
shuddered.
A cold draught of air swept through tn
hall. The window is still open" sh,
said, go"
He looked at her in surprise. Then h
dropped his lantern, gently withdrew tn
candle from her hand, and held the coli
fingers in his own. A moment more an,
he had stopped and pressed his lips t
:, them.
She did not resist. There was only
universe of world-weariness in her face
He turned and passed rapidly down tn
y hall and out the window.
Kate Bruce descended to the room below
, an ashen-faced woman.
Il What did you see?" chorused the girls
Nothing" she answered in a voice tha
:, was strained and harsh and dry. DO yO
. hear me?-nothing" she added fiercely.
At that moment, a low, agOnizsd groal
: OF human suffering as a human can
broke the stiffness. Kate Bruc
darted to the door, flung
wide open and threw herself upon the still
form that lay in the glare of light tina
. !, swept out. The rain beat in his face Th
dark, curly hair was wet with blood.
81 fell" he said, family. He looked q
her and stroye to say more. She gathere
his head in her arms and pressed him to he
IL breast. He died so.
''lt is Halloween. WILL" she said, -
u will 90 with YOU
The cold CLEAN Of a polished revolver,
c flash, and then-twO souls went hand
} hand to explore the dark continent of eteI
nifty.
: They tell the story Of Kate Bruce an
Will Denley on every Halloween through
out all Maine. CABRIoLET.