The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1890-11-01

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and had | minded certain inward mont
tor should at once have urged my horse
| from the door.
However, I decided to remain at this
lonely house over night. and leading my
horse, followed my host to the dilapi-
dated stable
Il noticed two or three horses stand
ing in their stalls, and having fastened
Sancho, turned to look at them. l gave
one or two a hasty glance. then. with a
queer Tightening about my heart. looked
straight at Marta, Lionel Ashton's bay
mare.
ITO this day cannot understand how
kept from crying out at my discovery,
but managed some way to repress the ex-
clamation that rose to my lips. followed
the uncouth figure of my guide out of the
gloomy recesses of the harm and up into
the cabin with feelings better imagined
| than described
''The room into which we came was
| long and narrow, and across one end was
hung dirty calico curtain. Against
this curtain was set the supper table, and
the uninviting meal was waiting. The
hideous old woman was just putin"
down the teapot, and standing by the
table was a younger woman, almost as
ugly and repulsive as the other. She
stared sharply at me as entered.
81 wished myself far away. A fore
boding seized me- This gloomy house,
these horrible people who were scarcely
human in appearance, Lioners horse in
hi f,, In 10 t.Il hot oil
mean? l slyly thrust my hand into my
hip pocket. Yes, it was there. felt the
cold steel of my revolver.
Il glanced at the table. 1t was set for
four people-the back of one chair was
close against the filthy curtain of which l
have spoken.
"'Stranger, thar's your seat said my
host, clumsily indicating this chair.
II mechanically stepped forward to
take it, when suddenly Isaw dim shad-
owy figure already seated there. l recog-
nized it instantly-the form and face of
Lionel Ashton! The face was white and
sad. 1t looked at me with solemn eyes
eyes filled with mournful pathos.
The phantom regarded me thus stead
llv for moment, then slowly shook its
head and laid its spectral finger on its
lip as if in warning, then gradually faded
from my sight.
Thoroughly aroused now, 1 said,
coolly:
80 think I'll sit here. where can look
out of the window and watch the storm
come up
Il was watching my entertainers mar
II -, 4 f,,l .
the look of baffied rage that flashed from
one ugly face to the other There was no
mistake; they were disappointed because
l had chosen different seat.
Il fully realized must he wary; that
1 was dealing with most vicious and
wicked people. Why had my poor boys
spectre plainly appeared to me if not to
solemnly warn me!
This question dartcd through my
mind like lightning, and again Lionel's
appealing cry rang in my ears.
MY nerves were already quite shaken,
and was not at all treasured when, a
few moments later, the dirty curtain was
lifted and misshapen figure-the figure
of a dwarf-who possessed at once the
meanest and craftiest face had ever seen,
appeared. 1t was distorted by most
evil expression, and his blcary eyes stared
greedily at me.
"'Great heavens" I thought, into
what vile company have | fallen? Why
was tina. creature hidden behind the cur
tain?'
To kill you was sighed in my car.
LiOncl's voice, could not mistake it.
"You may be sure did not eat much
supper. Under my eyelids l watched
every motion and expression. believed
these wretches intended to make way
with me, but | resolved they should not
take me unawares.
There was but little conversation.
The miserable meal progressed in silence.
The muttering of the thunder grew
heavier and the lightning began to play
fierce and fast AS it flashed through
the room it brought into bold relief the
maleyolcnt faces of my companions, and
only intensified the horror of my stu
alton.
II realized that something must be
done and quickly. must get out of that
house at all hazards. could not risk a
night under that roof. Crash. boom.
rolled the thunder. No matter; better.
far better, to face the storm than to trust
myself to these wretches
Il pushed my chair back from the
table. Il think I'll not further trespass
on your hospitality, | said; I'll push on
tonight, as my business is pressing
81 saw their suspicious were aroused,
and they eyed me with distrust. l had
refused the place at the table they had
proffered me, and now l was about to
continue my journey in this frightful
storm rather than remain with them.
81 feared an attack, put putting bold