The Forrest City times., 1892-05-13
CHAPTER VIII.
THE APPOINTMENT KEPT.


 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 as there was any light in the sky he hurried to the church. yard and after careful look round, opened the door, and ascended the dark winding flight of stairs.
 Reaching the chamber, he found there was light enough coming through the narrow sllts in the wall to dispel superstitious fears. He was tired and almost worn out. Sleep was an absolute necessity for him, and ly- ing down in the warmest corner, he curled himself up 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 ig Bon" of the chamber working to and fro on its wheel What are they ringing fory' he asked, ''it isn't Sunday"
 And 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 bellringer was tolling for the dead
 This is some prank of hers" he mutter. ed; "she thinks to drive me away, but I'll stop till she comes"
 He fiercely thrust his fingers into his ears, and then only partially smothered the solemn sound
 Boom booml It was horrible.
 Then suddenly it stopped, and another bell in quicker time tolled out the age of the dead person, whoever 1t may have been Bardolph knew what it meant, and count. ed the notes.
 Twenty-six in all.
 That's my age" he gssped: ''the fiends seize her know it is some trick. I'll not go'
 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 pinch of snuff as he went. The sight of the old man was reassuring
 I've 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 filled his pipe, lit it, and began to smoke. In little while the church clock struck ten. In two hours more Vida ought to be there.
 
 leant back contentedly 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 She's not deceived me-" he said, and his eyes lighted up with the fierce fire of pas sion.
 She entered the belfry with slow timid step, and he saw by her face that she had passed the vigiIs of the night sleeplessly and weariiy. But she was calm and quiet. You are here early" she said.
 'I came as soon as the sun rose" he an. swered.
 That was wise" she said. But did not hear bell tollngT'
 "Yes, confound p he growled, "and if YOU had heard the boom of it in this place it would have made you shiver as it did me-" .'very likely. Now you see that 1 am true to my tryst," Vida said, but l have yet another proposal to make. We cannot leave here together"
 We must do so, he said, 'I will have no more partings."
 Do you court discovery? she asked. "l 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; ''and if l were seen with you, what would be sadg'
 Who can say anythingg' he asked. 'Mr. Moore, for instance. See therey' She pointed through the narrow slit, and Bardolph turned round expecting to see her uncle without. The moment his back was to her she swiftly drew her hand from under her cloak.
 The white tapered fingers clasped the jeweled hilt of 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 fel! against the stone wall.
 "A blow for every kiss you gave me-, she hissed, and again the weapon was driven home.
 Blind with pain and terror he fell, his hands frutlessly seeking something to grasp on the wall. When on the floor he rolled over, and lay upon his back helpless ana dying.
 You hagw he hissed.
 You hound" she answered, ito think that ever should be & ,cife to you! A blow for every kiss, say!'
 He raised his arms feebly to ward oil the blow, but with unerring aim she thrust the dagger into his breast.
 '.rhe curse of a dying man cling to you, he said in a tone that was like the hiss or Q serpent.
 These were his last words. A dreadful pallor oyerspread his face: he made an ef- fort to raise himself, fell back heavily, and lay still.
 Vida stood beside him for minute or so, waiting for some sign of life, and seeing none knelt down and scanned his face close iy. Then she put her hand upon his heart, and found no beating there.
 Dead" she said softly.
 Rising. she glanced round the chamber, and, as If appealing to an invisible specta- tor, said:
 .He sought death, and he has found It. Am to blame%
 Calm and resolute, she wiped the dagger on the lappel of the dead mans coat, and backed slowly to the door. She could not turn her back upon him. A fear that she knew was foolish, but not to be put aslce' led her to keep her face to him to the last. In the doorway she paused again, and waited to see if there was the least hutter- ing of life. -.. If was needless precaution. The spirit of Bardolph Dimsey had been rudely sever ed from its tenement of clay, and he would sin on earth no more. With marvellous composure she descend ed the dark staircase and entered the chureh. ward. where she paused for fime 70 reao taa tombstones that told so much or the VT - z z - .., ,,,,raeocnised while they lived.