The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-11-27
CHAPTER TX.

AIter supper III cigdr anu Wdikcu
up and down in front of the house.
During the meal Mrs. Snyder had kept
up an incessant chatter concerning the
mysteries about my house. l did not
hear half her words, but nevertheless
there was an element so foreign to my
thoughts in the few sentences caught
that was glad to escape her.
The evening shadows were settling
over the valley, and the moon was ris-
ing in splendor.
Leisurely 1 tramped to and fro, Civ
ing up my thoughts undisturbed to the
pleasant realization Of new-found hap
piness and to anticipations OF future
Joy in the constant 'companionship Of
my sweetheart.
The cigar finished. I repaired to my
room, with the intention Of reading.
But the evening was SO fine that soon
blew out the light and sat down by the
window.
Then remembered how, on rising
from the same chair the evening be-
fore, tall, white specter had confront
ed ME. This recollection coming to
me suddenly In the midst of happy
thoughts caused me to glance some
what nervously toward the closed win
dow opposite.
I could see faint image OF myself
swaying to and fro in unison with the
motion Of the rocking-chair in which
was seated,
Directly underneath was the cellar,
whose solid walls. dsfying Investigation
Of the interior. afsoimpressed the old
nurse Sarah with an unreasonable fear.
Even Sonntag. who, from his vocation,
was accustomed to hold himself well In
hand against surprise. had exhibited
profound nnazement when Informed
Of the circumstance.
It was irritating to have thoughts
concerning the mysteries which seemed
to abound in the old homestead come
crowding up and play at cross purposes
with the happy state that the meeting
with Florence had induced. l.,
The mysteries had seemed trivial in
the daytime. had been wholly forgotten
| in Florence's society. but now that ]
was again alone and the night coming
on, the thought Of the cellar came back
to me. tinged with a shadow OF fear
! And the voice. the unearthly voice
what was it2 '.8-'.''' '2 w r n
Atfrst l had felt hope that the vague
account given by Mrs. Snyder might
have something Of truth in 1t, The I'M
travelling Of d chain OF events which
seemed to border on. the supernatura
would be a new experience to me. ano
! therefore furnish a diversion in the
quiet. uneventful life expected to leae
in Jacksonville.
But now needed no such diversion
to lead my thoughts away from the rob
berry and its blighting effect upon my
life and honor. | did not regard, thai
affair any longer as the one great bar
rier which stood between me and happi
ness. although the desire for exculpa
ton was keener than ever.
1 was sure OF Florence's love ant
trust, but ! could not wish her swee
self linked forever to one over who's,
life a cloud of suspicion hung. Her Low,
was an inspiration. an incentive; unde
its influence | hoped TO accomplish re
suits which even the vast resources O
the bank had failed in.
To devote all my thought. all I'll,
energy possessed. TO this one end wal
now my purpose. That small mystic.
ricdls events were arising with their at
tendant irritations. threatening to d.
vide the resources Of my mind and
body which l desired concentrated &c
one end, filled me with impotence.
| Then. too. the certainty that Horace
Jackson seemed to feel that Florence
would be compelled to fulfill her prom
Use. weighed heavily upon me. Why
had jackson changed his opinion re
garding my innocence? What devel
opments had arisen which would throw
new light on the case. and make an in
nocent man bear the consequences of q
crime he knew nothing Of?
just before retiring it occurred to m,
that the lights of Mr.. Morley's hous,
might be seen from the attic window
1t seemed rs though sleep would be
sweetsr after glimpse of those lights
some of which were casting radianc,
over Florence's loved form.
left my room and quietly ascendet
the stairs. Arrived at the attic,
grouped my way to the small window
through which had gazed that morn
ing. ] stood for a few minutes con