The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1895-03-15

that ALTERATION was the soul of COM
position, at least he was not exactly
an author, but he had often had
thoughts Of sending articles to the
magazines, and once he wrote letter
to the Daily Semaphore about a sub
scription for supplying postmen with
pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, though 1
believe it did not appear"
II should think then, that your
friends favorite literature must have
been the pages of a dictionary" re-
piled Manvers, with faint smile but
tell me. how long have you been down
here?"
"A week." answered Sir John, with
half-suppressed yawn, land precious
dull work I have found it I can tel
you"
well, we must take pity uron ean'
other" replied Manvers. with bright
smile. II only came down here yest.r-
day. and, as I have been away from
here for five years. I am almost an
outer-barbarian; however. I am sure
that you will be kind enough to en-
tighten my ignorance?"
II don't know a soul here" rerl'ad
Sir John, ruefully. you must e. to
Lady Copston If you want society gos-
sip, by Jove, she can reel it off to YOU
for hours, and compress a dozen cases
OF libel into a ten minutes conversa-
ton"
Lady Copston. as usual, had not been
paying any attention to what her hus-
band was saying, and now broke
suddenly into the conversation.
oh" exclaimed she, laying her hand
upOn ManVer's arm "T OI1ita foroOt
you have come from India. ma ior. and,
of course, you know everything about
every body there?'
my dear Lady Copston," said Man.
vers, agast at the statement, II as
sure you that you give me credit for
much more information than really
possess. We only know the people in
our own district, 1t may have been
different in former times. but now our
acquaintances are much limited"
well, never mind" said the little
lady. "But tell me all about the Ghoul
for, Of course, you know him."
1.-THE Ghoul!' repeated Manvers. 81
-really-are you sure about the name,
which seems to me to smack strongly
Of the Arabian Nights?"
How can you be so absured," ans
little sobriquet which we apply 20
the creature in question. Did you ever
come across a certain Doctor Hessel.
ton during your stay in the eas?
A slight flush rose to Manver's bronz-
ed cheek at the mention OF the name,
but he answered calmly enough
"Hesselton! do you mean Langton
Hesselton?"
yes I believe that is the creatures
name" answered Lady Copston, "I told
you that you knew every one-come,
let us sit down. and you shall tell me
all about him. How lucky it was that
I met you. Quick. or I shall die Of
suspense"
She led the way to a seat, and the
two men followed her. Manvers with
smile upon his face at her eagerness,
and her husband with the expression
% man who was we'll accustomed to
sve in to a woman's vagaries.
Come" continued she, as soon as
they had ensconed themselves COM
ror;ably. "and let me know who and
what he is
"T e9a't know very much about him."
began Nanvers, when Lady Copston
pressed his arm, whispering at the
sam time
Hush. here he is." as tall figure
walked slowly up the pier with a girl
hanging upon his arm. The pale beams
of the moon impaired a CHASTITY look
to the features of the man. which were
evidently always OF very pallid hue.
There was not an atom of superfious
flesh upon the face. and the skin seemed
to be drawn over the bone without
anything between; the eyes which
were dark and piercing. seemed, at
times, to send out sclntillations of fire.
and the mustache and beard which
flowed down over the chest, were of
snowy whiteness. The frame, though
perfectly erect, was so spare as to sug-
gest the idea Of a skeleton, and the
hand, which grasped a heavy bamboo
walking cane, more resembled the claw
of a bird than anything appertaining
to the human body. He neither looked
to the right nor to the left, but walk
ed steadily on, not even exchanging a
word with his companion.
The companion of this rather strange
figure was a very beautiful girl, rather
darker than the usual run of brunettes,
and with that luxurious wealth Of black
hair, which showed that she was a
native of some warmer climate than
chilly England. Her hands, feet, and
whole figure were small and equally
proportioned, but there was a look of
sadness about her face, as II, even at
her age life had lost some Of Its charms.
This strange pair passed the Copstons'
and Manvers, and took seat near ta
the band in a sheltered corner.
THAT Is the man we call the Ghoul,"
continued Lady Copston. as soon as
she felt that she could spiax with
safety. NOW. tell me all about him.
II do not know much" answsrel
Manvers, slowly. "Dr. Langton Hes-
selton did not belong to the service.
He was attached to the court OF une
Rajah Of Oranipore. man OF srea.
wealth. but strongly suspected OF being