Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1897-10-13

Il nor been bewitched
by an evil spell-the figure passed not
ten minutes ago. 1t always returns this
way-so you can see 1t for yourself.
So said the worthy servitor of the
Languedoc family, Jeannot Lain, in
solemn and suppressed voice. as he mo-
toned for his young mistress to follow
him into the low shrubberyn which
skirted the meadow, ere the dense
woods took possession of the ground.
The youthful Lady Felicie, with a
smile of arch merriment on her bright
young face, followed him fearlessly-
pausing a moment, however to cast an
admiring glance at the scene she was
leaving behind her.
Well worthy, indeed, this parting at
tention, was the charming bit OF land
scape, just now coqueting with the pur-
pie mistness of approaching evening.
A prolonged, undulating slope OF
smoothly turfed terraces edged with
straight lines of poplars, like deep
green fringes, and crowned at the sum-
nit with the cluster of turreted roofs
forming Languedoc chateau, whose tall,
quantity shaped chimneys rose far up
against the gold flushed blue of the
clouds, seeming to reach the slender
thread of light which the young new
moon hung out, as sign of her advent.
At the right was the thickly woven,
undulating canopy of grand old trees,
forming the Little Forest of which the
Languedocs were so proud and chary
and far on to the left you caught
the glitter of waves, where the
Mediterranean reyeled 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 at
moments warning.
Lady Felicie gave glance smiled IN
joyous, triumphant consciousness that
the beautiful spot was her own prSud
heritage, and then stepped lightly ana
daintily along over the rough pathway
by which Jeannot led her.
The old man looked profoundly sol
emn-very much awed, and little
frightened. as he plunged into the deep
ening shade, every now and then
pausing to allow the fairy footsteps oil
his companion to recover the advant-
age gained by his huge strides.
He found a dry, messy spot, hall
covered with dropping vines, and mo-
toned for Lady Felicle to occupy it.
ut is here | have always stood,
Lady Felicie; you see that it commands
a view of the opening path; he has
always gone out past me-" whispered
Jeannot. with stealthy glance at the
designated pathway.
The smile faded off from the girls |
face. Somehow the weird somberness |
of the wood. with old Jeannot's awe
struck face beside her-she could not
retain her playfulness. She drew her
mantle of violet silk closer over her
head. and waited in silence
"Harkr' whispered Jeannot, uncon-
grasping her arm.
A dull heavy sound, of regular blows, |
whether from mortal ak, shovel or pick, /
could hardly be determined, broke the |
reigning around.
The old man crossed himself reNer-
emily.
Il always hear it just So whispered
he. land in little While he is sure to
But ghosts don't work, Jeannot."
said Lady Felicie why don't YOU
get some of the men with you. and fol-
low up the sounds till you find what
makes them?'
Haven't tried il alone? Holy Mary
I've searched and searched the woods
over. and never trace can find of the
ground broken, or of tree disturbed,
| had wild ideas at first-I thought
was burying some guilty Sc
cret-a murdered body, or stolen
treasure and | meant old Jeannot
should have the glory of finding ii all
out. ! might as well have tried to
raise a sunken ship from the sea. Oh,
now, my lady, it's all beyond mortal
finding out--that's my belief, and sure
| won't be so bold as to bring upon
myself the evil ones vengeance by pry-
ing into his doings. II was only be-
cause you reproved me, as an idle story
teller. that | brought you here to see
for yourself"
He paused abruptly. shrank back I'M
der the bushes, and frantically seized
her hand. while he pointed to the open
beyond them
Lady Felicie bent forward not with
CUT violent beating heart, it must be
A tall, darkly draperied figure, with
! shovel over his shoulder was stalk
ng slowly along before her eyes
So much was undeniable. Moreover,
although one hand held the shovel. and
he other swung idly by his side though
no lantern or torch was anywhere Wis
Ible, little circle of bright light went
along with him, seeming to
Iadiate from his very feet.
Despite her best efforts, a cold chill
crept over the girl, and she stood SHY
ering until the mysterious figure van
ished from sight
Jeannot was muttering prayers, with
vehement eagerness E III
Lady Felieie made desperate exer-
ton, seeing the old mans terror, and
exclaimed resolntey;
Nonsense! 1t was man, who is
around here for some evil
purpose. acknowledge you have con
vinc7d me- Jeannot-my good old
Jeahhot-that ! was hasty in accusing
you Of trusting too much to your inn
agination. You have certainly seen
the figure. but | opne it will prove to
be decidedly more tangible and natural
than ghost Won npiIst hiring others