The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1894-10-04
A DROP OF BLOOD.

railroad at Brownstown and taking di-
rections and horse from my landlord
at that point, set out through the
mountains early in the afternoon. ex-
pecting to reach Racine in time for sup
por.
As the afternoon wanod, however,
noticed that the road became constant
I ly rougher and apparently more unfre-
/ quontcd until it was little more than n
| deserted pathway that crossed and re-
/ crossed the gravclly bed of a dry creek
| in mad effort to remain in the narrow
/ valley that wound circuitously among
| the mountains, whose black timbered
SUBMITS seemed to stretch higher and
higher above me in the gathering twi-
/ light. IL being cloudy day, ! was
| completely mystiflcd as to the points OF
/ the compass, and IL now became evident
10 me that had in SOHO manner missed
my way. had already gone too far to
| rctrace my steps before nightfall, so
| that unless / speedily found shelter l
/ would be Obliged to pass the night in
the open air.
Being in nowiee pleased with this
| prospect, | concluded to press on lit
tie farther before abandoning the quest
and had barely formed this resolution
when a bend in tho pathway brought
me into full view Of what appeared to
! bc "a large, square, southern mansion,
surrounded by trees and situated lit
/ tic way up the slope Of remarkably
lofty mountain that rose procipitously
behind ii.
A nearer epproach revealed TN out
ward appearance of ovcrRrowth ard di-
lapidation. The fcnco had fallen down
in several places. The open gate was
barely supported by its rusty hinges.
The yard was mass of weeds The
condition Of the house could not do
tcrmine in the dim light made DINNER
by the heavy shadows OF the trees Be
tween the tall weeds and briers there
was wide stone walk leading from
tie gate to tho front door.
Tho prosDcct was not mn inviting ore,
lut as my situation had become some
what desperate determined if possible
to obtain accommodations for the night
My repeated knocks elected no re-
sronse beyond q hollow echo, ard con-
/ Cluding the place to be deserted | tried
the door. Somewhat to my surprise, il
| yielded, the rusty hings croaking ter
ribly as ! pushed wide open. As en-
tered was greeted by that musty, life
less odor common to places long closed
aud uninhabited. | had matches with
me, and striking one looked about me.
WAS in wide hall. Before me a
dark staircase partially whitcned with
/ dust, led to rooms above To the left
and right were closed doors, and attach
ed To the white easement OF the latter
was little bracket candelabra contain
ing n cluster of six half consumed wax
candles. Lighting two Of these, took
one of them from the holder, and open
ing t. 6 door at my right entered.
The room in which | found myself
was apparently tho parlor of the desert
ed mansion. Tho dust covered haircloth
furniture, which had-evidently been for
many years undisturhcd, was of style
massive and once much in vogue. A
number Of paintings ard onFravings
We're upon the walls in tarnished gilt
frames A large chandelier suspended
in tho center Of tho room was of elabo-
rate Workmanship. Tho lOor was Gov
cred with heavy mating, the exact
nature of which | could hardly deter
mine, owing TO the thick covering Of
dust. Passing ON 10 tho adjoining room,
| was not disappointed in finding it TO
be large bedroom with all the appoint
ments peculiar TO m old time southern
home of wealth. 1 approached the tall
canopied bed in the opposite corner and
drew back the curtains II was ready
for the guests for which ii had 80 long
waited The bedding was yellow with
age, but tho canopy had protected it
from tho dust. IL had not been occupied
for years
confess was possessed with sense
Of awe amid these surroundings, but
not being Of timid nature | deter
mined to pass the night beneath this
roof in preference 10 enduring the heavy
fog that always gathers at night in these
mountains Leaving my candle lighted,
| returned to my horse and arranged his
bride rein so that he could eat the grass
for considerable space about him.
Then, removing the saddle, returned
wuh IL to my strange quarters.
Prying open one Of tho creaking win
dows and its heavy shutters TO let fresh
air into the musty apartment fasten-
ed back the draporics of the tall bed aid
threw back the long unused bedding,
the odor Of which reminded me of cero-
ments To relieve this somewhat COW
cred the pillow with my coat, and re-
moving only my outer garments l lay
down, for l was greatly fatigued with
riding, an exercise to which was total
ly unaccustomed.
Ny candle l had, with few drops Of
melted wax, affixed to small table
near the center Of the room, and having
no desire TO remain in darkness In this
lonely place left it burning.
As ! lay there, wondering at INV