Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-07-31


boding seized me- This gloomy house,
these horrible people who were scarcely
human in appearance, Lionels horse in
their tumble-down stable-what did it all
meant l slyly thrust my hand into my
hip pocket Yes, it was there. l felt the
cold steel of my revolver.
81 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.
~ mechanically stepped forward to
take it, when suddenly Issw dim, shad-
owy figure already seated there. / recog-
nized it instantly-the form and face of
Lionel Ashtonl The face was white and
sad. 1t looked at me with solemn eyes
eyes filled with mournful pathos.
THE phantom regarded me thus stead
lily 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, I said,
coolly:
" Il think I'll sit here, where / can look
out of the window and watch the storm
come up.
II was watching my entertainers mar
rowly as / spoke, and did not fail to see
the look of bafiled rage that flashed from
one ugly face to the other. There was no
mistake; they were disappointed because
had chosen different seat.
81 fully realized must be wary; that
was dealing with most vicious and
wicked people. Why had my poor boys
spectre plainly appeared to me if not to
solemnly warn mel
This question darted 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,
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 bleary eyes stared
greedily at ME.
"'Great heavensp | thought, into
what vile company have | falleng Why
was that creature hidden behind the cur
taing
g TO kill you, was sighed in my ear.
Lionels voice l could not mistake it.
"You may be sure did not eat much
supper. Under my eyelids | 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 il flashed through
the room it brought into bold relief the
malevolent faces of my companions, and
only intensified the horror Of my stu
alton.
II realized that something must be
done and quickly. i must get out of that |
house at all hazards. / could not risk
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.
II pushed my chair back from the |
table. i think I'll not further trespass
on your hospitality, said; III push on
tonight, as my business is pressing
II saw their suspicious were aroused, |
and they eyed me With distrust / had |
refused the place at the table they had /
proffered me, and now / was about to
continue my journey in this frightful
storm rather than remain with them
81 feared an attack, put putting bold
front on the matter, offered the old man
pay for my supper. He took it, and l
crossed the room to the door, opened it,
and then they were on me-the father
holding me IN an iron grip from behind,
The dwarf trying to trip me, and the
young woman hurrying forward with an
Ike.
81 saw the old woman snatch the axe
md raise it. shouted wildly for help,
when suddenly, above the roar of the wind
md the crashing of the thunder, heard
he deep, hoarse baying of hounds, there
vas mad rush up the garden path, and
with open jaws and fiery tongues, their
ierce eyes starting from their heads,
anne Taurus and Beelzebub The no
lie brutes did not hesitate. Taurus
capped full at the throat of the old bag,
While Beelzebub flung his powerful frame
gainst the dwarf, knocking him upon
he floor and then with unbridled ferocity
nangling and tearing the PROSTATE
wretch.
" At the same instant | wrenched my
lands free from the old man, drew my
'istol and fired. He staggered back
in the shoulder. saw he was
isabled, and that the dwarf was dying. ,
With difficulty called off the dogs,
THO leaped and fawned upon me with
eight.
"The old woman was badly hurt, and !
er daughter attended to her, while with
rope found in one corner securely
ound the old man.
"The dwarf was past speech, and now
had nothing to fear from the Amazons.
was wondering what upon earth was
D do with my prisoners, when suddenly
wo powerful cowboys, belated by the !
.orm, came dashing to the door. /,
Hurried explanations were made,
nd one volunteered to ride on to the !.
ext ranch, which, by good luck, hap Z