The Holly chieftain., 1898-07-22


in the attic. or were there VARIOUS voices
all over the place. each independent Of
the otherf
I hastened downstairs. but when
reached my room no sounds were heard
there.
While in my bedroom. had nc way
of knowing II the voice in the attic was
still sounding.
The remainder Of the evening spent
in rushing from my room to the attic
and back again. and quietly stealing
through the vacant rooms. In the hope
of laying hold Of some explanation of
the strange voice. 1 did hear it again
in the attic, but there was no sound in
my room. though 1 had Immediately
hnstened there.
Finally I gave up the quest for the
time. and, thoroughly fatigued. un-
dressed and went to bed.
My head had hardly touched the pill
low when the report Of a pistol reached
my ear. The sound was muffled. as
though coming from a distant apart
ment. Indeed, it seemed to come from
underneath. as had the sound OF the
slamming door: but yet not directly be-
meath: it would undoubtedly have
sounded much palmer had the shoot
ing taken place in the walled-up cellar
below my room.
There was no answering shot, and no
more unaccountable noises, though ]
hearkened intently.
All through the night lay vninly
trying to find repose, but sleep would
not come. l wns resolved to leave no
stone unturned to unravel these mys-
teries. For the events, trivial MS they
seemed and as they probably would
prove when explained. were certainly
irritating, and threatened wholly to de-
stroy the rest and peace had expected
to find in Nelsonville.
1t was exasperating that, besides be-
ing burdened with load of guilt which
rightfully belonged on other shoulders.
should also be subjected to petty an
noyances which promised to make my
stay in Jacksonville anything but peace
full. True, was my own master. ]
could leave the old house on the NOR
row. But to be utterly routed and
driven from the field by few harmless
though inexplicable happenings was
contrary TO my nature. Then, too.
Florence; how could / leave the place.
now that had found my love abiding
here?
When the first rosy tints OF dawn
showed in the east, slumber closed my
weary eyes.
| AS on the previous morning, Mrs.
Snyder was compelled to arouse me for
breakfast. On the present occasion she
announced rather testify that the morn
ing heal had been waiting for over an
hor
/ could not resist the desire to begin
investigations Immediately, and there
fore after hastily dressing walked all
around the house, keeping at such dis
tance from it that every part of the
roof could be seen.
| There was line Of wire running
along the side of the road, which. as
afterward ascertained, belonged to q
telephone circuit embracing half q
dozen towns and villages in the vicin-
ity. This wire crossed the roct Of the
house, but was not fastened to it Ia any
way. swinging at least three feet clear
Of the ridge-pole. Within few inches
OF the wire was section Of lightning
rod. The air was still, and the wire
hung motionless. On the previous
night strong breeze had beer blow
ing, as remembered from the mourn
full cadences it produced up in the
attic.
Here was one mystery which could be
very reasonably explained. The wind
had swung the wire. causing it to strike
against the perpendicular portion OF
the lightning rod, thereby causing the
series of gentle vibratory raps had
heard.
Satisfied that the other mysterious
events would also give up their secrets
upon investigation, went to break
fast. Mrs. Snyder was not nearly SO
talkative as during former meals. In
deed, she appeared rather glum. The
reason of the old widows taciturn man
ner was soon explained.
| After pouring my coffee, she watched
me in silence for some time. But si-
lence was not the widows forte, and, as
l was busy with my own speculations,
she was compelled to begin.
II guess you ton't like my cookin'," :"
she said.
Indeed do; the proof lies in the
quantity find room for. You are an
excellent cook"
The old woman's face relaxed some
what under my praise.
well, bud you ton't come rite away
when id is retty," she continued. "und
fought maybe you not like de cook
in'."
II beg your pardon, Mrs. Snyder. 1
did oversleep. I'll be more punctual
in future"
$50 you schleep ofer yourself? What
for?" she inquired.
"Oh, was up rather late the even
ing before" remarked, indifferently,
for l knew questions relating to the
strange things which had come under
her observation were trembling on her
lips.
"You remember our discovery of the
walled-up cellar?" continued, Mr..
Sonntag's suggestion regarding the
wisdom of secrecy coming to mind.
She nodded, and her old eyes bright
encd expectantly.
ut is advisable to keep the matter
secret" continued. "You have not
mentioned it to anyone, have you?"
Zach. no."
''Then please do not, for the present"
She promised compliance with my re-