Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-04-15
7UEHZElzMRZ...
a Society Novel.
MARIE coRELL.
(Continued.)


He felt dismayed at his unthinking
precipitation,-he had, in his fancy
actually associated her, so full OF ra-
diant health and beauty, with what
was probably moulderng corpse in
tina; Theoretically sealed tenement OF
stone. This idea was unpleasant, and
Jared upon his feelings. Surely she,
that golden-haired nymph of the Fjord,
had nothing to do with death! He
had evidently found his way into some
ancient tomb. "Thelma' might be the
name or title of some long-depaTted
queen or princess of Norway, yet, If
so, how came the cructiX there, the
red lamp, the flowers?
He fingered, looking curiously about
him, as if he fancied the shell-em-
brodered walls might whisper some
answer to his thoughts The silence
offered no suggestions. The plaintlve
figure of the tortured Christ suspended
on the cross maintained an immovable
watch over all things, and there was
a subtle, faint odor floating about as
of crushed spices or herbs. While
he still. stood there absorbed in per-
picked conjectures, he became oppress-
ed by want of air. The red hue OF
the poppy wreath mingled with the
softer glow of the lamp on the altar,
the moist glitter of the shells and
polished pebbles, seemed to dazzle and
confuse his eyes. He felt dizzy and
farmland hastily made his way out OF
that close death-chamber into the pass
age, where he leaned for a moment
against the great central column to re-
cover himself A brisk breath of wind
from the Fjord came careering through
the gallery, and blew coldly upon his
forehead. Refreshed by it, he rapidly
overcame the sensation of giddiness,
and began to retrace his steps through
the winding arches, thinking with some
satisfaction as he went, what ro-
mantle incident he would have to re-
late to Lorimer and his other friends,
when sudden glare of light illumined
the passage, and he was brought to an
abrupt standstill by the sound of a
wild "Halloo! The light vanished; II
reappeared 1t vanished again, ana
again appeared, flinging strong Hare
upnn the she'll worked walls as 1t ap-
preached. Again the fierce "Halloo!
,esounded through the hollow cavities
of the subterranean temple, and he re-
manned motionless, waiting for an eX-
PLANTATION of this unlooked-for turn to
the events of the morning.
He had plenty of physical courage,
and the idea of any addition to his
adventure rather pleased him t@In
otherwise. STILL with all his bravery
he recoiled little when he first caught
sight of the extraordinary being that
emerged from the darkness-a WIG,
distorted figure that ran towards him
with its head downwards bearing aloft
in one skinny hand a smoking pine
torch from which the sparks flew like
so many firefies. This uncanny per-
sonage, wearing the semblance of man,
came within two PAGES of Errington be-
fore perceiving him; then, stopping
short in his headlong career the crea-
ture flourished his torch and uttered a
defiant yell.
Philip surveyed him coolly and with
out alarm, though so weird an object
might have well aroused a pardonabIe
distrust. and even timidity. He saw
a misshapen dwarf, not quite four feet
high, with large. ungainly limbs out
of all proportion to his head which
was small and compact. His features
were of almost feminine fineness, and
from under his shaggy brows cleaned
a restless pair of large, full. wild blue
eyes. His thick rough flaXen hair was
long and curly, and hung in disordered
profusion over his deformed shoulders
His dress was of reindeer skin very
fancifully cut and ornamented with
beads of different colors,-and twisted
about him as though in an effort to
be artistic, was long strip of bright
scarlet woollen material, which showed
up the extreme pallor and ill-health
of the meagre countenance, and the
brilliancv of the eyes that now sparkled
with rage as they met those of ErrinG-
ton He, from his superior height,
glanced DOM with pity on the I'M
fortunate creature, whom he at once
took to be the actual owner of the
cave he had explored. Uncertain what
70 do, whether to speak or remain 81
lent, he moved slightly as though to
pass on; but the shock headed dwarf
leaped lightly in his way, and, planting
himself firmly before him, shrieked
some unintelligble threat, of which
Errington could only make out the last
words, "Nifleheim" and "Nastrond."
II believe he is commencing me to
the old Norwegian inferno" thought
Re young baronet with a smile.
amused at the little mans evident ex
element. Very polite of him, I'm
sure! But, after all, had no business
here I'd better apologize" And
forthwith he began TO speak in the
simplest English words he could choose.
taking care to pronounce them very
slowly and distinctly.
II cannot understand you, my good
ST; but see you are angry. came
here by accident. / am going away
81