Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1897-11-26
AClEW By WIRE
o., An Interrupted Current.
BY HOWARD NJ. YOST.
Copyright. 1895. BY J. B. Lippincott Co.
CHAPTER II.
BY HOWARD NJ. YOSI.

S11tAI LIN IL
1t was something like coming home,
after all. albeit to a house almost void
of furniture and pcopled only with
remembrances of loved forms long since
gone. At any rate, twas the only home
I could really call my own.
There were two rooms, the spare
bedroom and the pa,'lor adjoining, on
the first floor, which still retained the
furniture. Everything about these
rooms, though faded and somewhat
worn. was in good order, and COM
plimented Mrs. Snyder on the care she
had taken. .a<-
Sarah had thrown up the windows.
and the soft evening air came into the
rooms.
Although the place had not been
allowed to 20 to ruin. there was about
it that indescribablc quality which is
attached to long-deserted houses. We
all felt itsmore or less. Sarah and Mrs.
Snyder spoke in whispers; Jake stepped
about on tiptoe, as though fearful that
the heavy tread of his cowhide boots
would bring back the spirits of the
departed: while to myself there was
pathos about the old house which had
not known an inhabitant for so long.
It seemed like some human being de-
serted b. it's own flesh and blood.
While was passing from bureau
to wardrobe, from center-table to man.
tel-piece. taking mental notes of all the
old-fashioned china and bric-a-brac
which adorned those places still. and
which in my young days had been for
hidden my boyish fingers, Sarah and
Mrs. Snyder made up the bed. taking the
bedding from huge cedar chest which
stood on one side of the room.
Sprigs of spruce and hemloc!> had
been placed in the chest from time to
time. and when the cover was lifted
the pungent odor filled the room.
All through the preparations I no.
ticed that Sarah and Mrs. Snyder were
engaged in earnest conversation.
The old widow was especially vehe-
ment. and Sarah would frequently
shake her head and give forth exclan'
ations indicative either of wonder or of
Misrepresentation. My old nurse also ia
vored me with many g1ances which
them.
When everything had been done to
make me comfortable for the night,
Sarah turned to me. and spoke low.
with a touch of fear in her tones
"Come. Mel. you go back home with
us" she said. Don't stay here all alone
in dis grade big house. I am afrait
to hat you. Come back with u.s." she
reiterated, appealingly.
mo. indeed" replied, decidedly. II
would not miss sleeping amid the CRATE
full odor of spruce for anything. I'll
he over to your house for breakfast.
Mrs. Snyder" turning toward the old
widow. You understand I am to take
my meals at your house. do you not?'
"Ycs. Dat ish all fixed. Mr.. Som
tag. your lawyer. told me. Bud you
better go back nit Sarah" the old
woman replied.
Sand why so? What's to hinder my
staying here in my own housc?"
asked. 'Hayc you cooked up a scheme,
Sarah. with Mrs. Snyder, to force me to
go back with you?' asked of my old
nurse. Never fear, you'll sec enough
of me. I'll come over to your house
Often
The two women exchanged glances.
and seemed to be reluctant to proceed.
Finally Sarah spoke in awe-striclSen
tones. first looking around with a
frightened expression.
''Dere's something funny aboud dc
house, Nell"
"Humph! 1don't see anything funny
at all," replied. 'There is more sad
ness to me-"
''Der's awful strange things hat been
seen and heard" Sarah continued. with
deep seriousness. Old Jake's face fell
at his wife's words. and he moved near
or to her.
"Who has seen and heard strange
things. and what are they?" I asked,
Lightly. for am not superstitious, and
not easily frightened by two old
women's imaginations.
'Mrs. Snyder hat seen lights at night,
and cfen in de daytime hat heard noises,
strange noises of talking. replied my
old nurse.
"Well, they will have to loe very bright
lights and very loud noises to awaken
me tonight. for intend to sleep like
stone," l said, laughingly. "The
strangest thing of all to me is my COM
ing here for the first time since my
body was borne from the
parlor 20 be placed in the grave