The Eddy current., 1897-01-09

ny an evil spell-thc figure passed not
ten minutes ago. II always returns this
way 70 you can see Il for yourself
SO said the worthy seryltOr OF the
languedoc family Jeannot Lazln. IN
solemn and suppressed voice. as he mo-
toned for his young mistress to follow
him into tht low shrubbery which
akirtod the meadow ere the dense
woods took possession OF the ground.
The youthful Lady felicic. with a
emile OF arch merriment on her bright
young face. followed him fearlessly
/ pausng a moment, however. to east an
b admlrlng glance al the scene she was
leaving behind her
Well worthy. indeed this parting at
teniion, was the charming biz OF land
srape. Just now coquoting with the pur-
ple mistlnesa Of approaching evening
4 prolonged, undulating slope OF
smoothly turfod terraces edged with
straight lines Of poplars. like deep
green frlnges. and crowned nj the sum-
nit with the cluster Of turreted roofs
forming Languedoc chateau. whose tall,
quantity shaped chlmncys rose far mp
against the gold flushed blue OF the
clouds. seeming 10 reach the slender
thread OF light which the youhg new
moon hung out, as aign OF her advent.
a. the right was the thickly woven,
undulatIng canopy Of grand old trees.
forming the Little Forest Of which the
Ianguedocs were 80 proud and chary
and far on to the left you caught
the glitter OF waves, where lae
Mediterranean reveled In the
last golden beams Of sun
shine. and the bright reflection showed
the spires and roofs OF Frejus like
some cloud city, ready to vanish az a
moments warning.
Lady Felicle gave a glance smiled In
Joyous. triumphant consciousness that
the beautiful spot was her own proud
heritage. and then stepped lightly and
daintily along over the rough pathway
by which Jeannot led her.
The old man looked profoundly sol
emn-very much awed, and a little
frightened. as he plunged into the deep
ening shade. every now and then
pauslng TO allow the fairy footsteps OF
his companion to recover the adyant-
age gained by his huge strides.
lie found dry. mossy spot. half
toyered with dropping vines, and mo-
toned for Lady Fellcie TO occupy So
III ls here have always stood
Lady Feilclo you see that II commands
view OF the opening path; he has
always gone out past me-" whispered
Iennnot, with a stealthy glance az the
designated pathway.
The smile faded Of from the girls
face. Somehow the weird somberneas
Of the wood with old Jeannots awe
struck face beside hor-she could not
retain her playiulness. She drew her
mantle OF violet silk closer over her
head. and waited in Hilonce.
"Hn.kr whispered Jeannot, uncon-
sc.ously grasping her arm
4 dull heavy sound, OF regular blows
whether from mortal AK shovel or pick,
could hardly bo determined, broke the
stiffness rclgnlng around.
Tho old man crossed himself rover
entity,
II always hear II Just So >" whispered
he. "nnd In a little while he is sure 10
appear"
'But ghosts don't work, Ieannot."
aaid Lady Felicle. why don't you
get some OF the men with you. and fol-
low up the sounds TIL you find what
makes thomT
Haven't tried Il alone? Holy Mary
I've searched and searched the woods
over. and never n trace can find of the
gtound broken, or OF tree disturbed.
1 had wild ideas az hrst-i thought
somebody was burylng some guilty se-
oret n murdered body. or a stolen
treasure. and / meant old Joannot
should have the glory OF finding Il all
out ! might as well have tried to
raise a gunken ship from the sea. Oh,
now. my lady. IT'S all beyond mortal
finding out-thats my belief and sure
won't be 30 bold as TO bring upon
myself the eyll ones vengeance by pry-
ing into his dolngs. II was only be.
cause you rcproyed me. as an idle story
teller that / brought you here to see
for yourself
lie paused abruptly, shrank hack un-
der the bushes. and frantically seized
her hand, while he pointed To the open
pathway beyond them,
Lady Folicle bent forward. not with
out violent beating heart, Il must be
4 admitted.
) A tall. darkiy draporled figure. with
= q shovel over his shoulder. was stalk
Ing slowly along before her eyes.
So much was undeniable Moreover.
aslihough one hand held the shovel and
the other swung idly by his side though
A no lantern or torch was anywhere Wis
!. lible. q little circle OF bright light went
} wayering along with him. seeming 10
radlate from his very feet.
Despite her best efforts. a cold chill
cropl over the girl and she stood ahiy-