Daily camera., 1897-08-28

he should have assumed another name.
Then my eye caught the glimpse of
horsewoman coming down the road
from the direction of the Morley resi-
dence 1t needed but that glimpse to
tell me that it was Florence. She was
coming toward the house, perhaps to
see me.
When she reached the cross-road lead
ing to Sidington and Twineburgh, up
which the man Hunter was approach
ing, she reined up her horse.
When the fellow came up to Florence,
I was surprised to see him stop and en-
gage her in a conversation which last
ed some minutes and appeared to be
rather earnest Judging by the way
Florence leaned down toward him.
Finally the young woman turned her
horses head and galloped back in the
direction she had come.
The station agent watched her re-
treating form, then slowly began to re-
trace his steps. He had gone but
short distance when he stopped and
looked toward my house, then again
turned and came back.
l watched him from behind the cur
tains. AS he approached near l saw
his clothing was wet and bedraggled,
which plainly showed that he had been
out in the recent shower.
He came up to the house in hesitat-
ing way, glancing all around furtively,
and was about to pass up into the yard,
when I leaned from the window and
hailed him.
"Halloo, there! what's up? What do
you want ?" 1 demanded.
Glancing up at me with his stupid
stare, he spoke. "When you want to
send anything away by freight, have it
at the station before nine o'clock in the
morning." he said, in the deliberating
way of one who is compelled to manu-
facture speech on the spur of the
moment.
"Is that all you wish to say to me?
You did not come all the way from Sid
ington to tell me that?" l inquired,
caustically.
"Why, no." he began, glancing all
around, as though seeking for his
words in the surrounding objects. 81
I thought perhaps you didn't know
that-that-a-are you having a good
time?"
"a most enjoyable time indeed" ex-
claimed, enthusiastically, if somewhat
sarcastically. Just such time as
I needed-restful, quiet, and perfect
peace"
Just trace of smile seemed to fit
across his face at my words.
"Oh! then there is nothing the mat
ter with the placer he asked, Gu
riously.
was considerably surprised at this
question. 81 should say not. What
should be the matter with ?" asked.
"Some folks say it's kind O. queer
like. Some say dead people use the
house at nights for meetings." he re-
piled, sinking his voice down low, and
glancing around nervously.
"Is that so? Well. let them. AS
long as the dead ones don't disturb me.
1 am sure / have no objection. What
part Of the house are the spirits sup
posed to frequent?' l asked. thought
of the walled cellar coming to me.
The fellow seemed triile fustered,
I thought by my sudden question He
gave vent to nervous laugh, and at
the same time darted sharp glance
at me, which, momentary as it was,
nevertheless was so different from his
usual half-wondering stare that l was
impressed by it.
"Oh, 1 don't know what part of the
house is used by the spirits. How
should l know?"
There had been something irritating
to me in the fellow, and, as there was
hint of insolence in his last words,
I gave way to my impatience.
"See here; you have given me some
strange hints about my house." | be-
gan sternly; "now, then, you'll please
explain more fully what you mean,
Mr.. Hunter, or perhaps, l should say,
Mr.. Skinner"
| do not know what impelled me to
add the name which Sonntag said was
the correct one, but the effect on the
fellow startled me considerably,
His eyes grew staring, and terrified
hunted expression came over his face.
Glancing furtively around and draw
ing back step or two, his hand went
to his hip-pocket.
AS the CLINT of a shining object
caught my eye, drew suddenly back to
one side of the window, and the next
instant a pistol report sounded out
| stood still moment, dumfounded
by the attack, then dropped on my
hands and knees and crept past the win
dow to the table, in the drawer of which
1 had placed my pistol. Hastily grasp
ing the weapon and noting that it was
ready for use, l arose and approached
the window, holding the pistol before
me in readiness.
"Two can play at your game, Mr.. -
But got no further. The man was no
where to be seen.
1 hastened from the house and ran
around, searching for him, but no trace