The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-12-25
CHAPTER III.

after all. albeit to house almost void
of furniture and peopled only with
remembrance of loved forms long since
gone. At any rate, IL was the only home
/ could really call my own.
There were two rooms, the spare
bedroom and the parlor adjoining. on
the first floor. which still retained the
furniture. Everything about these
rooms, though faded and somewhat
worn, was in good order, and l COM
plimentcd Mrs. Snyder on the care she
had taken.
Sarah had thrown up the windows,
and the soft evening air came into the
rooms.
Although the place had not been
allowed TO go TO ruin, there was about
IL that indescribable quality which Is
attached 10 long-deserted houses. We
all felt IL more or less. Sarah and Mrs.
Snyder spoke in whispers; Jake stepped
about on tiptoe, as though fearful that
the heavy tread of his cowhide boots
would bring back the spirits OF the
departed; while TO myself there was
pathos about the old house which had
not known an inhabitant for so long.
Il seemed like some human being de-
serted by it's own flesh and blood.
While I was passing from bureau
to wardrobe, from center-table TO man
tei-piece. taking mental notes OF all the
old-fashioned china and bric-a-brac
which adorned those places still, and
which In my young days had been for
hidden my boyish fingers, Sarah and
Mrs. Snyder made up the bed. taking the
bedding from n huge cedar chest which
stood on one side of the room.
Sprigs of spruce and hemlock had
been placed In the chest from time to
time. and when the cover was lifted
the pungent odor filed the room.
All through the preparations l no
ticed that Sarah and Mrs. Snyder were
engaged in earnest conversation.
The old widow was especially vehe-
ment. and Sarah would frequently
shake her head and give forth exclam.
atoms indicative either of wonder or oil
disapprobation. My old nurse also Ia
vored me with many chances which
seemed 70 have much OF solicitude In
them.
When everything had been done %
make me comfortable for the night
Sarah turned TO me, and spoke low
with a touch of fear In her tones
"Come, Mel, you 60 back home with
us" she said. "Don't stay here all alone
in dis grade big house. am afrai'
to hat YOU. Come back with US, she
reiterated, appealingly. =,
"No. indeed" replied, decidedly =
would not miss sleeping amid the crate
full odor Of spruce for anything. II
h. over TO your house for breakfast
Mrs. Snyder" turning toward the Ole
widow. "You understand / am TO tax
INV meals at your house, do you notY
eyes. Dat ish all fixed. Mr.. Son
tao. your lawyer. told me. Bud yo'
better go back NIT Sarah" the oil
woman replied.
"And why so7 What's 10 hinder m.
staying here In my own houseP"
asked. "Have you cooked up scheme
Sarah. with Mrs. Snyder, TO force me =
go back with you:" asked OF my OF
nurse. "Never fear, you'll see enoug
OF me. TIL come over to your nous
often"
The two women exchanged glance'
and seemed 20 be reluctant TO proceed
Finally Sarah spoke In awe-stricke
tones, FIRST looking around with
frightened expression.
"Dere's something funny aloud q
house, Mel"
"Humphl Idon't see anything funn
ut ALL" replied. There Is more sac
ness 20 me-"
"Der's awful strange things haf bee
seen and heard" Sarah continued Wit
deem seriousness. Old Jake's face re
~ his wife's words, and he moved nea
err 20 her.
.yvho has seen and heard strane
tb,nrs. and what are theyP" l aske'
Bghtly. for am not superstitious' an
not easily frightened by two o.
women's imsginations.
Mrs. Snyder haf seen lights AT nign
and efen In de daytime hat heard noise
stranye noises of talking repheo M
old nurse. ,,v,g,
aweIl. they will have to toe very pri ~
lights and very loud noises 70 aw ,,,''
re Tonight. for intend 70 sleep IKE ias.,
,rone" / said. laughingly'
strangest thing OF all 70 me Is my cor
Ing here for the first time s,nso !. !.
grandfather's body was borne iroi"
..,,,- a. be p,accd In the grave