Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-01-07
CHAPTER TX.

~ 'n AHccssaHI cnattef concerning the
mysteries about my house. l did not
hear half her words, but nevertheless
| there was an element so foreign to my
thoughts in the few sentences caught
that was glad to escape her.
The evening shadows were settling
| over the valley. and the moon was ris-
| ing in splendor.
Leisurely l tramped to and fro. Civ
ing UP my thoughts undisturbed to the
pleasant realization of new-found hap
piness and to anticipations Of future
Joy in the constant companionship of
my sweetheart
The CT gar finished, repaired to my
room, with the intention of reading.
But the evening was so fine that soon
blew out the light and sat down by the
| window.
Then [ remembered how, on rising
from the same chair the evening be-
fore, tall, white spectcr had confront
ed me. This recollection coming to
me suddenly in the midst of happy
| thoughts caused me to glance some
what nervously toward the closed win
| dow opposite.
I could see a faint image of myself
! swaying to and fro in unison with the
! motion of the rocking-chair i'm which
I was seated.
Directly underneath was the cellar,
whosesolid walls, defying investigation
! of the interior, had SO impressed the old
nurse Sarah with an unreasonable fear
Even Sonntag, who, from his vocation,
10 h. u L. :
hand against surprise, had 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 cross-purposcs
with the happy state that the meeting
| with Florence had induced.
The mysteries had seemed trivial in
the daytime, had been wholly forgotten
in Florencc's society, but now that I
was again alone and the ght coming
on, the thought of the cellar came back
to me tinged with shadow of fear.
And the voice, the uncarthly voice
what was it?
Atfirst Inad felt a hope that the vague
account given by Mrs. Snyder might
have something of truth in it. The I'M
raveling Of a chain of events which
seemed to border on the supernatural
would be new experience to me, and
therefore furnish diversion in the
quiet, uneventful life I expected to lead
in Nelsonvillc.
But now I needed no such diversion
to lead my thoughts away from the rob-
berry and it's blighting effect upon my
life and honor. l did not regard that
affair any longer as the one great bar
rier which stood between me and happi-
ness. although the desire for eNculpa-
ton was keener than ever.
I was sure of Florence's love and
trust. but l could not wish her sweet
life cloud of suspicion hung. Her love
was an inspiration, an incentive; under
it's influence / hoped to accomplish re-
suits which even the vast resources of
the bank had failed in.
To devote all my thought, all the
energy possessed, to this one end was
now my purpose. That small mystic
rious events were arising with their at
tendant irritations, threatening to di-
vide the resources Of my mind and
body which 1 desired concentrated to
one end, filed Inc with impatiencc.
Then. too, the certainty that Horace
Jackson seemed to feel that Florence
would be compelled to fulfill her prom
Use. weighed heavily upon me. Why
had jackson changed his opinion re-
rarding my innocence? What Gevel-
opments had arisen which would throw
new light on the case, and make an in
nocent man bear the consequences OF
crime he knew nothing OF?
Just before retiring it occurred to me
that the lights of Mr.. Morley's house
might beseen from The attic window.
1t seemed as though sleep would be
swccter after glimpse of those Ii ghts,
some Of which were casting radiance
over Florencc's loved form.
left my room and quietly assembled
the stairs. Arrived at the attic, l
grouped my way to the small WINDOW
through which had gazed that morn
ing. l stood for few minutes con-
templating the lights of the Morley res
idencc on the hill opposite.
\ brisk breeze was piping down the
valley. Through cracks and crevlces
it crept into the old attic with soft wall
ING and moaning. There was homes'ck-
ness in the mournful tones, and sad
ness. as though the spirits OF the dc
parted were signing for return 10 old
familiar scenes.
What was there about my old place
that produced such depressing effect
upon my spirits?
The happicst moments OF life have
slight shadow to them' as thouSn 10
warn us that all JOY is heeting. Per
haps it was only this shadow which
caused the undcfinable feeling of in
security. But there was quality, also,
which breathed of events to come of
dire import. seemed like the mariner
ON a dark sea, conscious of breakers
ahead, and knowing not which way to