The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-02-14
''But, Miss Nevergall, surely this
opobt IN bo investigated

"But, Miss Nevergall, surely this
ought to be investigated.
"Oh, no, please do not investigate! l
cannot allow it-cannot endure it,"
AS she spoke, a long, deep shudder
passed over her frame, and the Doctor,
noticing it, knew at once that her
nervous system could stand no more,
and therefore felt it was best to yield.
"Shall not, atleast, light the candle?"
"No, no! cannot bear it," murmured
the poor girl, Mortified at the thought OF
what light might reveal.
"Tell me, then, which way your room
lies, and I shall carry you thither at
once!"
"Straight! Just beyond the door by
which you entered, through passage
way; my room lies opposite7ts d00r. she
returned. "But, indeed, Doctor, I can
walk, If you will only let me hold your
arm. I would rather"
"Well, be it so." returned the man. re-
leasing her, yet still retaining her hand,
which he drew under his arm.
When they neared the door OF the ruin,
however, Ethel felt strong current OF
air upon her cheek, which revealed the
fact that it stood wide open. and Instant
ly deadly fear of the horrible creature
that had escaped, being still near, seized
her, and again she shrank closer to her
friend, while her faltering steps told OF
departing strength.
Without word. Earle Elfenstein once
more lifted her IN his arms, and 50 passed
into the passageway.
Remembering that his presence there
must be kept secret, the young girl
whispered:
"Step softly: let no one hear"
81 WILL" he breathed back, and, guided
by the rim light uuder the door indi-
Gated, he passed through, emerging from
the open wardrobe into the bedroom be-
yond.
Placing her in a large easy chair, he
stepped back, closed and fastened both
doors, then returned to her side.
"Please, Doctor" she murmured, "ex-
anime every part of this room, before
you 60, to be sure the dreadful-the
dreadful" she hesitated.
"Yes. I know" he interrupted, "and
you will soon see that you are perfectly
safe."
Obeying her wish, ne then made a
thorough search of room and closet.
But, as he supposed, nothing was to be
seen.
"Now, how will you you leave the
house?" she murmured, anxiouSly.
A sly look back toward the corridor
caused her to exclaim, in whisper, as
she laid her hand entreatingly on his
arm:
@Not there, Doctor: promise me you
will not return to that place this night,
but will 60 directly home"
Again Earle yielded to the, pleading of
the sweet girl beside him. and again an
swered:
Then I must either drop from your
window or 60 through the hall. Stay!
I see a strong strap around your trunk.
1t is the very thing! l will iasten it to
balcony, and so slip down by its aid to
the ground. Are you willing?"
Perfectly, Doctor" she whispered;
"do you know I should have died from
fright had you not been there?"
Eyes, I know: and now, before say
goodnight, shall mix you composing
draught, and then you must promise me
to 60 instantly to your bed as soon as
you take in the strap and close the win
dow, and the last thing, swallow the
preparation I shall leave. Will you do
this, in return for my not investigating
further what see you do not wish ex-
plailed?"
Ethel hesitated, then, remembering
that she could not see Sir Reginald that
night, she gave the promise.
A moment more passed, and then the
strap had been fastened, the Doctor had
whispered, "Good-night, and God bless
you," and she watched him disappear
amid the darkness and storm.
Darling out, she secured the strap
without trouble, fastened down the win
dow, and soon slept under the effects Of
the anodyne he had so thoughtfully left
for her use.
Well indeed was it for her that she
could sleep, for without some rest she
could never have borne the terrible eX-
citement that awaited her in the nearing
hours of the coming day. But why an
ticipate new troubles? All, why, when
the words of inspiration say, so pointed
ly. Sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof"
TTo BE CONTINUED.