Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-04-10
CHAPTER VIII.
THE APPOINTMENT KEPT.

But for a superstitious dread, Bardolph
Dimsey would have gone straight 10 the bel
fry and lay down there TO wait, but he knew
of the ghost-story attached TO that sombre
chamber, and dared not go.
During the darkness he wandered about
the woods, and as soon rs there was any
light in the sky he hurried to the church.
yard, and after a careful look round, opened
the door and assembled the dark winding
1ght of stairs.
Reaching the chamber, he found there was
light enough coming through the narrow
Sits in the wall to dispel superstitious fears.
He was tired and almost worn ont. Sleep
was an absolute necessity for him, and ~
ing down in the warmest corner, he curled
himselfup like dog and slept.
But ere an hour elapsed he was awakened
by the boom of the deepest sounding bell,
and sitting up he saw the "B z Ben" OF the
chamber working to and fro on its wheel.
What are they ringing for?' he asked
ait isn't Sunday"
Ard then it occurred to him that only one
bell was going, and that there were gaps be
tween each solemn note.
The dread truth flashed upon him-the
belringer was tolling for the dead.
This is some prank Of hers" he muttef.
ed; "she thinks to drive me away, but I'll
stop till she comes"
lie tiercely thrust his fingers into his ears,
and then only partially smothered the
solemn sound.
Boom boom! 1t was horrible.
Then suddenly it stopped, and another
bell in quicker time tolled out the age OF
the dead person. whoever it may have been.
Bardolph knew what it meant, and count
ed the notes.
Twenty-six in all.
That's my age" he gasped; tho fends
seize her! i know it is some trick. III no.
60"
And though quaking in every limb he
kept there until the sounds ceased
Then he heard the church-door close and
peering cautiously through one of the open.
ings saw the old bellringer walk slowly
down the path, refreshing himself with q
pinch of snuff as he went. The sight of the
old man was reassuring.
ave been a fool" muttered Bardolph:
"it was mere chance that led him TO toll for
another to-day But anyway, don't want
TO hear that bell again"
He filed his pipe, lit 1t, and began to
smoke. In little while the church clock
struck ten. In two hours more Vida ought to
be there
leant back contentedy against the wall.
Vida was more than punctual. Barely
had the clock struck the succeeding hour
when the rustic of her dress was heard on
the stairs. Bardolph got hurriedly upon his
feet, and thrust his pipe into his pocket
shes not deceived me, he said, and his
eyes lighted up with the fierce fire of pas
sion.
She entered the belfry with a slow timid
step, and he saw by her face that she had
passed the vigils Of the night sleeplessly
and YEARLY. But sire was cain and quiet.
"You are here early" she said.
IL came rs soon as the sun rose" he al.
.swered.
THAT was wise" she said. But did ]
not hear a bell toling%'
Eyes, confound itp' he growled. Mad IL
you had heard the boom of ii in this place
It would have made you shiyer as it did me-
Very likely. Now you see that am
true 20 my tryst," Vida said, but ! have
yet another proposal to make. We cannot
leave here together"
I'VE must do So he said; IL will have
no more partings."
do you court discovery she asked. al
have been obliged to plead visit To friends
in town and what not to get away"-this
was falsehood, she had pleaded nothing,
nor named her journey; land if | were seen
with you, what,would be saidT'
WHO can say anything?' he asked.
Mr.. Moore, for instance. See there?'
She pointed through the narrow slit and
Bardolph turnedTound expecting 10 see her
uncle without. Yhe moment his back
was to her she swiftly drew her hand from
under her cloak.
The white tlpered fnge:e clasped the
jeweled hiltof the dagger, and with fierce
nervous force she drove home the glittering
blade.
A sharp cry rang from his lips, and stag
gering forward, he ftl! against the stone
wall.
"a blow for every kiss you gave me, =" she
Kissed. and again the weapon was driven
home.
Blind with pain and terror he fell, his
hands fruitlessly seeking something 10 grasp
on the wall. When on the floor he rolled
over, and lay upon his back helpless and
dying.
You hagr' he Missed.
you hound" she answered, ito think
that ever should be icife to you! A blow
for every kiss, sayv'
He raised his arms feebly 10 ward off the
blow, but with unerring aim she thrust the
dagger into his breast.
THE curse of dying man cling To YOU"
he said In tone that was like the hiss Of
q serpent.
These were his last words. A dreadful
pallor overspread his face: he made an cf-