The Holly chieftain., 1898-07-22


ed me. This recollection coming to
me suddenly in tie midst OF happy
thoughts caused me to glance some
what nervously toward the closed win
dow opposite.
could see faint image Of myself
swaying to and fro in unison with the
motion of the rockinr-chair in which
was seated.
Directly underneath was the cellar,
whose solid walls, defying investigation
of the interior, Ind SO impressed the old
nurse Sarah with an unreasonable fear.
Even Sonntag, who, from his vocation,
was accustomed to hold himself well in
hand against surprise, he'd exhibited
profound amazement when informed
of the circumstance
1t was irritating to have thoughts
concerning the mysteries which seemed
to abound in the old homestead come
crowding up and play at tcross-purposes
with the happy state that the meeting
with Florence had induced.
The mysteries had seemed trivial in
the daytime, had been wholly forgotten
in Florence's society, but now that l
was again alone and the night coming
on, the thought of the cellar came back
to me tinged with shadow Of fear.
And the voice, the unearthly voice
what was it?
Atfirst had felt hope that the vague
account given by Mrs. Snyder might
have something of truth in it. The un-
raveling of chain of events which
seemed to border on the supernatural
would be new experience to me. and
therefore furnish n diversion in the
quiet, uneventful life 1 expected to lead
in Nelsonville.
But now / needed no such diversion
to lead my thoughts away from the rob-
berry and its blighting effect upon my
life and honor. / did not regard that
affair any longer as the one great bar
rier which stood between me and happi-
ness, although the desire for exculpa-
ton was keener than ever.
was sure of Florence's love and
trust, but could not wish her sweet
self linked forever to one over whose
life cloud of suspicion hung. Her love
was nn inspiration, an incentives; under
its influence hoped to accomplish re-
suits which even the vast resources of
the bunk had failed in.
To devote all my thought, all the
energy 1 possessed, to this one end was
now my purpose. That small myste-
rious events were arising with their at
tendant irritations, threatening to di-
vide the resources of my mind and
body which desired concentrated to
one end, filed me with impatience.
Then, too, the certainty that Horace
Jackson seemed to feel that Florence
would be compelled to fulfill her prom
Use, weighed heavily upcp me. Why
garding my innocence? What devel-
opments had arisen which would throw
new light on the case, and make an in
nocent man bear the consequences of q
crime he knew nothing Of?
Just before retiring it occurred to me
that the lights of Mr.. Morley's house
might be seen from the attic window.
1t seemed as though sleep would be
sweeter after a glimpse Of those lights,
some of which were casting radiance
over Florence's loved form.
left my room and quietly ascended
the stairs. Arrived at the attic,
grouped my way to the small window
through which had gazed that morn
ing. stood for q few minutes con-
templating the lights Of the Morley res
idence on the hill opposite.
A brisk breeze was piping down the
valley. Through cracks and crevices
it crept into the old attic with soft wall
ing and moaning. There was homesick-
ness in the mournful tones, and sad-
ness, as though the spirits of the de-
parted were signing for return to old
familiar scenes.
What was there about my old place
that produced such depressing effect
upon my spirits?
The happiest moments Of life have a
slight shadow to them, as though to
warn US that all joy is fleeting. Per-
haps it was only this shadow which
caused the undefnable feeling of in
security. But there was quality, also.
which breathed Of events to come of
dire import. seemed like the mariner
on dark sea, conscious of breakers
ahead, and knowing not which way to
steer. Even my dreams in the restless
slumber of the past night seemed pre-
n,onitions.
That vague forebodings should come
when my mind was flled with thoughts
of the beloved one who had given me
her heart, was most strange. could
not shake OF the depression. The dark
ness of the attic deepened it.
l was about to retrace my steps to
the stairway, when sounds reached my
ear which caused me to pause and listen
"a series Of raps, alternating with a
rasping noise, but SO feeble and indis-
tinct that was unable to form an opin-
ion of the cause. All could determine
was that they seemed to come from
above.
A loose shingle or piece of timber.
rafting in the wind. would have made
q dull, heavy sound, while the gentle
rnps heard had clear, mellow ring,
like that produced by the vibrations of
tuning fork.
After lighting all the matches had
with me and making as thorough an
examination OF the roof as the brief
Pickering lights would allow, CROPPED
toward the stairs.
Probably half the distance to the
landing was passed when upon my eur
fell the voice, the unearthly voice. the
weird tones Of which had first heard
in my room downstairs.
1t could not possibly be heard up in
the aftic when aneakfny In INV cham.