The Delta independent., 1897-11-26

noyances which promised to make my
stay in Nelsonville anything but peace
full. True, was my own master. ]
could leave the old house on the NOR
row. But to be utterly routed and
driven from the field by few harmless
though inexplicable happenings was
contrary TO my nature. Then, too.
Florence; how could I leave the place.
now that I had found my love abiding
here?
When the first rosy tints Of dawn
showed in the east. slumber closed my
weary eyes.
As on the previous morning. Mrs.
Snyder was compelled TO arouse me for
breakfast. On the present occasion she
announced rather testify that the MORN
ing meal had been waiting for over an
hour.
could not resist the desire to begin
Investigations Immediately, and there
fore after hastily dressing walked all
around the house, keeping at such dis
tnnce from II that every part Of the
roof could be seen.
along the side of the road, which, rs I
afterward nscertained, belonged to
telephone circuit embracing half a
dozen towns and villages in the vicin-
ity. This wire crossed the roof of the
honse, but was not fastened to II in any
way. swinging at least three feet clear
of the ridge-pole. Within few inches
OF the wire was a section Of lightning
rod. The air was still, and the wire
hung motionless. On the previous
night . strong breeze had been blovt-
ing. as remembered from the mourn
full cadences 1t produced up in the
attic.
Here was one mystery which could be
very reasonably explained. The wind
had swung the wire. cauSing II 20 strike
against the perpendicular portion of
the lightning rod. thereby causing the
series Of gentle vibratory rsps had
heard.
Satisfied that the other mysterious
events -sould alse give up thsir seessts
upon invsstigssjea, Z went 70 hseab-
fast Mrs.. Snyder was not nearly %
talkative A. during former meals. In
deed. she appeared rather glum. The
reason Of the old widows taciturn man
ncr wns soon explained.
After pouring my coffee, she watched
me in silence for some time. But 81
lence was not the widows forte, and, a.
I was busy with my own speculations.
she was compelled to begin.
II guess you ton't like my cookin'."
she said.
Indeed 1 do; the proof lies in the
quantity find room for. You arc AN
excellent coVk."
The old woman's face relaxed some
what under my praise.
"vell, bud you ton't come rite svay
when i'd is retty." she continued, "und
I fought maybe you not like de cook
in'."
II beg your pardon, NrA. Snyder. I
did oversleep. I'll be more punctual
in future"
$50 you schleep ofer yourself7 What
for?" she inquired.
"Oh, was up rather late the even
ing before" remarked. indinerently,
for knew questions relating TO the
strange things which had come under
her observation were trembling on her
lips.
"You remember our discovery Of the
walled-up cellar?" continued, Mr..
Sonntag's suggestion regarding the
wisdom Of secrecy coming to mind.
She nodded, and her old eyes bright
ened expectantly.
ut !. advisable to keep the matter .
secret" I continued. "You have not
mentioned it to anyone, have your
Zach, no."
''Then please do not, for the present"
She promised compliance with my re-
quest.
As the cellar was the next mystery I
determined to turn my attention to.
went home Immediately after finishing
my breakfast, hsFnessed the horse in
the buggy, and drove on toward Sarah's
house.
If I had the necessary tools II would
not be difficult matter to cut the floor
Of my bedroom.
Sarah greeted me efPusively. The
good soul seemed TO have . constant
fear that each time she saw me would
lie the last.
'Can you let me have . saw, . chissl
and hammer p asked.
ZACH, yes. Bud What for. NelT"
Il am going to find out what is In that
cellar" l answered
How you gsd in7"
by cutting through the floor
dat will be hard work, Mel. D. lin
Der under Dc Aoof - eWful tA5ek."
Il know that Bat have p1snty of
time. and 20 wfll b able evsaAnajly -
get through
The took were peoAsesd. 81 I s1axs-
ed homeward, Sasah ssa11Ag sfoss -
an earnest appeal Tor eassf1lsssD esA
the svofdsuce Of danges.
intended to co00oooo H. enGk q
getting into IL sselsd sPaFsDsst in-
mediatsly upoa ~ ssFival Aeos. The
thought list dnAges q soos kin1
might lnrk in The CELLAR we.id - dssss