The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-04-04

queer old man was entirely forgotten.
He thought no more about the affair
till he set out on his return that night
or rather the next morning. Tor 1t was
considerably past midnight
At about the Same spot Zeigler
was thunderstruck by suddenly dis
covering that the mysterious old man
was again walking at his side. How
and whence he came. Joseph could not
explain; the first he knew the old man
was there, As before. all efforts to
attract his attention were useless.
At the same rift through the bushes
the old man suddenly stopped. and for
the first time looked at his some what
alarmed companion. 1t was piercing
glance II only momentary one. and
Joseph noticed that his eyes had dim
phosphorescent light as OF smoulderlng
fire lurking in their depths. Then he
turned on his heel. walked rapidly of
through the bushes and disappeared
as before.
For reasons that Zelgler could not
have explained even 10 himself he
said nothing TO anyone OF this second
encounter with the gray beard ed
stranger. But when next he returned
from Vandantz's he kept close watch
in order TO see where the old man
came from should he again intrude
upon him II was all in vain.
Before he knew it his silent COM
panion was once more at his side and
he was none the wiser as 10 whence he
came. In spite OF his watchfulncss
the first thing he knew the old man
was there.
Thoroughly terrified Zeigler broke
into sharp run In order TO leave him
In the rear The old man never turned
his head and apparently was perfectly
ignorant OF bis unwilling companions
existence, yet he still kept his place
beside him. Joseph stopped short in
the road; the old man did tho same.
Finding he could not get rid OF his
remarkable companion Joseph made
the best OF him. but his steps
were rapid for he was much alarmed.
He did not like the singular manner
OF the stranger and ut once decided
that he must be insane.
As on the former occasion, the old
man stopped and gave Joseph pierre
Ing look from his glowing eyes ere he
turned of into the woods; but this
time he did more than that He mo-
toned with great earnestness for his
companion to follow him. Finding he
would not do so. he then turned slow
ly away and vanished among tho
bushes.
IL was more than two weeks b efore
Joseph called upon Minna again. The
risk OF encountering that silent. I'M
canny old man again was too much for
his rather limited amount OF courage.
But when tho moon was nearing its
full once more he summoned up all
his determination and went He felt
that he must see Fraulein Vanzandt
again in spite OF all the crazy people
in New Jersey.
He dreaded his lonely walk a good
deal. however, and IL was not much TO
be wondered at that he fortified him
self with more than tho usual amount
OF Herr Vanzandts homemade wine.
He also started for home at much
earlier hour.
1t was the same story over again.
The old man was apparently on the
lookout for him. as he suddenly APP
peared at his side. lie still carried
the singular staf in his hand, and still
refused To DO dsianced or 10 reply TO
any remark addressed 10 him. As he
turned of from the road he beckoncd
even more urgently than before for
his young companion TO follow him.
Herr Vanzandts wine was wing
considerable effect on Joseph's cour-
age. and he felt as bold rs lion. 80
he unhesitatingly stepped out OF the
highway 10 obedience 10 the invita-
ton. and followed the singular mad
man along through the bushes; but the
hand in his coat pocket gripped firmly
the butt OF "A revolver with which no
had taken the prccautiou TO arm him
self
The path conducted the strangely
assorted pair some ten or tifteen rods
into the thlcket, and finally ended In
IA little opening among cluster OF
low. dark pines. There the remarka-
hla Vuida cafna IN "A halt
lie turned around and faced his com
panion where the moonlight foil most
strongly upon his form and features.
and removed the broad brmmed hat
L.. - ......-. A.. H.. III IL. .......