The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-12-25
A CLEW BY WIRE
'ontlnued J

You did not come all the way from olu-
ington to tell me that?" / inquired,
caustically.
"Why, no." he began, glancing all
around, as though seeking for his
words in the surrounding objects. Il
Il thought perhaps you didn't know
that-that--a-are you having a good
timer?
"A most enjoyable time indeed" lex
claimed. enthusiastically, if somewhat
sarcastically. Just such time as
( 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. II should say not. What
should be the matter with it?'' 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
CHANGING around nervously.
SIS that so? Well. let them. AS
long as the dead ones don't disturb me,
/ am sure I have no objection. What
part of the house are the spirits sup
posed to frequent?" asked, a thought
of the walled cellar coming to me.
The fellow seemed trife fustered,
/ thought, by my sudden question. He
gave vent to a 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 was
impressed by it.
ooh, l don't know what part of the
house is used by the spirits. How
should / know"
There had been something irritating
to me in the fellow, and, as there was
a hint of insolence in his last words,
I gave way to my impotence.
"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, 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.
CHANGING furtively around and draw
ing back step or two, his hand went
to his hip-pocket. ....
AS the CLINT of shining object
caught my eye, drew suddenly back to
one side of the window, and the next
Instant 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
I had placed my pistol. Hastily grasp
ing the weapon and noting that it was
ready for use, arose and approached
the window, holding the pistol before
me in readiness.
1.-TWO can play at your game, Mr.. -
But got no further. The man was no
lwhere to be seen.
1 FASTENED from the house and ran
Iaround, searching for him, but no trace
lcould discover. He had vanished com
1pietely. His sudden disappearance
PUZZLED me.
soon gave up the search, put the pis
Itol in my pocket, and started briskly uE
THE road toward the Morley place.
If the station agent was such des
operate fellow as to draw and shoot at 6
iword, what could Florence have to dc
with him?
1t was strange that Sonntag should
know the fellows right name and mo-
know the danger attendant on calling
him by it. My lawyer had seemed sur
lprised when stated that the fellow
had told me his name was Hunter. ,Ir
all probability Sonntag had addressed
him by the name Of Skinner many
times, and the fellow had not resented
it, or the lawyer would have mentioned
the fact. Why, then, should he resen
in so fierce and deadly manner my u.s.
of his right name?
Perhaps Florence could tell me some
thing about Mr.. Hunter. or Skinner. A
least it was right I should warn he,
against him.
With these thoughts fitting across
my mind, soon arrived at the Morley
home, and, entering the gate, went VI
the long graveled walk. Before an op
portunity was allowed me to ascend
the steps leading to the piazza, my nam,
was called.
"Why, Mr.. Conway"
1t was Florence who called, and VIII,
on my turning toward her got out o
a hammock. She was still dressed in he
riding-habit, and as approached no
ticed her horse tied to a post near by.
"Are you going riding again."
asked. "In that case, pardon my in
trusion."
Papa and usually ride at thi
time. I am waiting for him." she said
with a touch of surprise; for hat
spoken in rather formal tones.
''Then I will defer my errand. Som
other time will answer just as well, per
haps Will you kindly tell me when
may have the pleasure Of seeing you?
"What is it, Nelson? What can b
the matter?" she asked. her brow
eyes staring in establishment. xvi
you not speak now?"
T -