The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-01-15

pistol was in my pocket, and taking the
candle and some matches, again made
for the cook house. Having resolved to
descend again into the mysterious
gloom, did not allow myself to pause
and think; that would mean perhaps
return of my fright. Unjust plunge into
the mystery suddenly. or not at all.
It was like taking cold-water bath;
the longer one waits the harder to make
the plunge.
Inside the cook house Lit the candle
and, taking the pistol from my pocket,
approached the stairway.
About again to descend, the recollec-
ton of my first experience came to me
in all the force of its unearthly quail
tiles, and was seized with trembling
fit. My knees smote together, and my
hand shook so that the fame of the
candle was nearly extinguished.
The return of my fear, however, made
me all the more resolved to go on. 1
eritted my teeth, and, advancing my
pistol in readiness, slowly began the
descent. Not a sound greeted my ears
save that made by my own footsteps.
After reaching the bottom step held
the candle aloof and gazed expectantly
around.
The room was about 20 feet square;
the fiat stones with which it was paved
and the surrounding walls were Shiny
with moisture, and here and there re-
flected back the light of the candle.
That was all. No human being was in
sight, not a sign of one having been
here.
At my feet part of the stone pave
ment had been removed and plank in
serted. Lying near the edge of the
plank was paper with some printing
on the outside, like that on a bond or
deed. 1 stepped down upon the plank,
and again noticed that one end
sank under my weight. Stoop-
ing down to pick up the paper,
my ears were again assailed by the sol
emn admonition seeming to come from
the opposite side of the cellar: "An-
other step means death. Pause before
you take i'll"
Grabbing the paper, 1 quickly re-
sumed an upright position, and, hold
ing the candle above me, gazed intent
ly in the direction of the voice. There
was nothing but the walls around me.
With cautious tread l took the forbid
den step.
Back. for your life! Back, for your
life!" The words were hurled at me
in fiercer tones than before.
I advanced another step, and still
lived. Waiting few moments, with at
tention strained to fix the spot whence
the voice sounded, and being given no
further warning, began by the light
of the candle to search the place close
ly with my eyes. Where could the voice
have come from? No possible hiding
place appeared; nothing but the bare
walls.
Moving the candle about, it struck me
that there was space in the wall OPP
posite which did not reflect back the
| light, which did not have over 1t the
dank green ooze When l approached
nearer. two cracks running parallel
perpendicularly, and about two feet
apart. became apparent. Iran my hand
over the intervening space, and found
it smooth. A close examination re-
vealed to me what seemed to be some
kind of wooden door, rudely painted
to represent the surrounding stone
walls. But there was no sign of bolt
latch or hinge. If this was a door il
must close with spring lock which
was on the other side. But then how
was it opened? Rapping upon the wood
produced hollow sound. Undoubted
ly there was some kind Of apartment
behind it.
What was it used for, and where die
it lead to? Was there passage way
behind the door leading to the walled
up cellar under my bedroom? This
was probable, as the door was in the
wall nearest the main building.
Some one had gone through the door
on the night of my arrival, and, startled
by the pistol shot at my reflection. had
allowed ito slam.
Standing before the place and reason.
ing thus to myself, 1 noticed small
hole between two stones at about the
height of my chest Resting one hand
on the edge Of the door frame, / stopped
down to examine it more closely.
Immediately there was binding
flash right in my eyes, hot flame al.
most burning my cheek, loud report
then total darkness. The candle was
shattered in my hand. There was the
smell of burnt powder, and my lungs
told me of the smoke which filed the
cellar. Half stunned, 1 CROPPED about
for the stairway, but it was some time
before I located it and assembled
The soft, pure air outside partly re
vived me, and managed to drag myself
across the yard to the main building and
so to my room. On the first occasion
terror had lent feetness to my feet; now
they seemed weighted with lead. A
numbed Indifference to my surround
ings was over me. l was heavy-head
ed and drowsy, so much so that l fel
asleep.
I awoke suddenly, with start thai
brought me to standing position.
glance at my watch told me it was
past nine o'clock, and that had slep
two hours. When l put back my Goa
for the purpose Of replacing the watcl
in my vest pocket, rustling of papel
attracted my attention.