The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1894-01-06

dow outside. The candle burned lower
and lower; we bagan to feel comfort
ably warm and less frightened; PER
haps we even dozed. Twas startled by
Maud, who suddenly sprang up.
40 you hear that, Chrisg" she asked,
clutching my arm.
sound of moaning mingled with the
wind, and after a pause a song was
sung softly.
"l'd rather have drowned in the Ford
than be here" my sister almost sobbed.
Again came the moaning, louder, but
dying away in sigh; then the song,
and sound of footsteps so soft none
but strained senses. could detect them.
1t was vain to call Jerry. We knew
that if he were asleep little less than
an earthquake would awake him.
Maud crept to the floor and seized the
fiickeling candle; but as she raised it
the wick sank in the hollow rim of
tallow, burned up brightly and went
out. Her exclamation of dismay was
cut short by the uncanny sounds above
our heads.
81 don't think can bear this she
said in an exciting whisper. ~ fee
like throwing myself out of the win
dow"
was up now, and as frightened as
Maud.
1--WE must find out what it is" she
said, shaking with cold and fright. ~
can't endure suspense shall so mad
before morning"
We dragged the bed away and opened
the door softly from a window in the
upper hall the moon struggled to break
through pillows of Clouds the wind
still ragged furiously. Presently the
mysterious sound was repeated; this
time it seemed nearer and more
distinct; we crept up the stairs, and at
the top listened.
"Therer' whispered Maud, pointing
straight before her.
Under door dim light shone, and
from that room came the sound OF
laughter, low, yet indescribabIy nor.
rIble. I held Maud's hand tightly in
mine; fear had made me motionless.
She trembled with fright, but did not
waver from her purpose.
"Let me go, Chris, for the love Of
Heaven, or think shall die"
But held her tightly. She dragged
me with her to the door; there she
hesitated until a voice-a woman's-
murmured song, then with a sudden
resolve born of intense nervous excite
ment, she pushed it open.
In the dimly lighted room with hei
back toward US stood a woman, very
slightly and delicately formed; she
turned spinning wheel quickly with
one slim white hand, and as the hum
ming of the wheel died away in a moar
she sang few snatches of song. Hel
blonde hair was tied loosely with blue
ribbon and hung in ringlets over hei
shoulder; white ruffled- kerchief wa:
gracefully knotted over the waist o.
her light dress.
The distaff fell to the floor, and al
she stopped to pick it up she saw us
For an instant the smile died cut of hel
eyes, then she slowly approached. Hel
face grew less and less fair as she cam,
nearer, until I saw with horror al
elderly woman's visage, framed in gra!
hair, still family yellow.
"Come income APP she cried in ;
voice still soft and sweet, her vacan
smile returning. II am making M
wedding clothes, for I am to be mar
ried when Willie comes home. He'
coming soon, so l must make haste
Do you know Willis Noblel He's tai
and straight and handsome; his hair il
black, like yours"
she raised hor withered hand Il
touch Maud's blue-black curls; bu
Maud, her nerves overweight, uttere'
a piercing scream.
The poor creature shrank back
frightened.
II wouldn't hurt you, she said. "Wh
are you two?n her manner suddenl
changing. "You have a beautifn
face" turning to Maud. "Do you thinl
you can take Willie from me? No
no, that is impossible"
She tossed her poor faded head an
laughed had an impulse to run, an
nv strength would perhaps have he'll