The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-01-08

Il nor been bewitched
by an evil spell-the figure passed not
ten minutes ago. 1t always returns this
way-so you can see it for yourself.
So said the worthy servitor of the
Languedoc family, Jeannot Lain, in
solemn and suppressed voice, as he mo-
toned for his young mistress to follow
him into the low shrubbery winch
skirted the meadow, ere the dense
woods took possession of the ground.
The youthful Lady Felicie, with
smile of arch merriment on her bright
young face, followed him fearlessly-
pausing a moment, however, to cast an
admiring glance at the scene she was
leaving behind her.
Well worthy, indeed, this parting at
tention. was the charming bit OF land
scape, just now coqueting with the pur-
pie mistiness of approaching evening.
A prolonged, undulating slope OF
smoothly turfed terraces edged WIN
straight lines Of poplars, ike deep
green fringes, and crowned at the sum
nit with the cluster of turreted roofs
forming Languedoc chateau, whose tall'
quantity shaped chimneys rose lar up
against the gold flushed blue OF the
clouds. seeming to reach the slenuer
thread of light which the young new
moon hung out. as sign Of her advent.
At the right was the thickly woven
undulating canopy of grand old trees
forming the Little Forest of which the
Languedocs were so proud and cnary
and far on to the left you caught
the glitter Of waves, Where tne
Mediterranean reveled in the
last golden beams OF sun
shine. and the bright reflection showed
the spires and roofs of FreJus ike
some cloud city, ready to vanish at
moments warning.
Lady Felicie gave glance-smlied IN
Joyous, triumphant consciousness that
the beautiful spot was her own proud
heritage, and then stepped lightly anu
daintily along over the rough pathway
by which Jeannot led her.
The old man looked profoundly SOL
emn-very much awed, and a httle
frightened, as he plunged into the deep
ening shade, every now and theh
pausing to allow the fairy footsteps Oh
his companion to recover the adVant-
age gained by his huge strides. :,
He found q dry, messy spot, nan
covered with dropping vines, and mo
toned for Lady Felicle to occupy 1t.
"It is here l have always stood,
Lady Felicie; you see that 1t commands
a view of the opening path; he mas
always gone out past me-" whispered
.Jeannot, with a stealthy glance at the
designated pathway.
The smile faded off from the girls
face. Somehow the weird somberness
of the wood, with old Jeannots awe
struck face beside her-she could not
retain her playfulness. She drew her
mantle of violet silk closer over her
head, and waited in silence.
"Harkw whispered Jeannot, uncon-
sciously grasping her arm.
dull heavy sound, of regular blows,
whether from mortal ak, shovel or PICK,
could hardly be determined, broke the
stiffness reigning around.
The old man crossed himself reVer-
emily.
az always hear it just So" whispered
he "and in little while he is sure TO
appear"
"But ghosts don't work, Jeannot,"
said Lady Felicie. why don't you
get some of the men with you, and fol-
low I'D the sounds till you find what
makes them?'
Haven't l tried it alone? Holy Mary!
I've searched and searched the woods
over. and never trace can find of the
ground broken, or of tree disturbed.
/ had wild ideas at first-I thought
somebody was burying some guilty Sc
cret-a murdered body, or a stolen
treasure. and meant old Jeannot
should have the glory of finding it all
out. l might as well have tried to
raise a sunken ship from the sea. oh,
now. my lady, it's all beyond mortal
finding out-that's my belief, and sure
I won't be so bold as to bring upon
myself the evil ones vengeance by pry-
ing into his doings. 1t was only be-
cause you reproved me, as an idle story
teller. that l brought you here to see
for yourself"
He paused abruptly, shrank back I'M
der the bushes, and frantically seized
her hand, while he pointed to the open
pathway beyond them.
Lady Felicie bent forward, not with
cut a violent beating heart, it must be
admitted.
A tall, darkly draperied figure, with
a shovel over his shoulder, was stalk
ing slowly along before her eyes.
So much was undeniable. Moreover,
although one hand held the shovel, and
the other swung idly by his side, though
no lantern or torch was anywhere Wis
ible, little circle of bright light went
wavering along with him, seeming to
iadiate from his very feet.
Despite her best efforts, cold chill
crept over the girl, and she stood shiv-
ertng until the mysterious figure van
ished from sight.
Jeannot was muttering prayers. with
vehement eagerness.