Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1898-12-29

scared look, and Twas beginning to tuck
mp my skirts preparatory to walking
when little old man Of very meek ap-
pearance drove up ina very old FASH
Toned coach, and with hesitating air.
springing entirely from bashfulness,
managed to ask if was Miss Butter
worth. fastened to assure him that !
was, whereupon he stammered out some
words about Miss Knollys and how sor.
ry she was that she could not come for
me herself Then he pointed to his
coach and made me understand that /
was to step into it and 60 with him
1t was not an altogether encouraging
outlook, especially as I saw the heads
of the various onlookers draw together
and many curious looks directed at us
both and tho conveyance that was to,
carry US. But was in no mood to be
daunted now, and accepting the old cod
gers apologies with what grace could
stepped into the wagon and prepared
myself for a ride into town
But it seems was not to be allowed
TO enter upon this adventure without
another warning. While the old man
was engaged i'll bringing my trunk, the
station master approached me with
great civility, and with touch of his
hat asked if it was my intention to
spend few days with the Misses Knoll
lys. told him that it was, and, thinking
it best to establish my position at once in
the eyes of the whole town, added with
a politeness equal to his own that was
an old friend of the family and had been
coming to- visit them FOR years, but had
never found it convenient till now and
that l hoped they We're all well and
would be glad to see me-
He made some sort Of reply, showing
considerable embarrassment, then pluck
ing up his courage said with marked
constraint:
Perhaps you have not heard that
this village just now is under cloud.
II have heard" I said innocently,
"that one or two men have disappeared
from here somewhat mysteriously. Is
that what you mean?"
YES" he answered. Zone person, q.
boy, disappeared only two days ago..
"That's bad, said, "but what has
that to do with me?" asked smilingly.
for saw he was not at the end of his
talk
"Oh, nothing" he cried eagerly,
"only didn't know but you might be-
timid'--
"Oh, I'm not at all timidl" I has
tened to say. IF I We're, should not
have come here ut all. Such matters
don't affect me-" And / spread out my
skirts and arranged myself for my ride
as II the horrors he had mentioned had
made no more impression upon me than
II his chat had been of the weather.
Perhaps overdid it. for he looked at
me for another moment in curious,
lingering way; then he walked off, and
I saw him enter the circle Of gossips on
the platform, where he stood shaking
his head as long as we were within
sight
Before taking his seat my driver es-
cort gave me furtive glance as he
stopped to tear from one of the spokes q
bit Of rag that seemed to have been
caught there. He was evidently prepar-
ing to make good impression and to
do me suitable honor.
My companion, who was tho shiest
man l ever saw, did not speak word
while descending the hill talked and
endeavored to make him, too, but his re-
plies were mere grunts or half syllables
which conveyed no information what
ever. AS we cleared the thicket, how
ever, he allowed himself an ejaculation
or two as he pointed out the beauties Of
the landscape. And indeed it was we'll
| l. l. -, 10
mind been free to enjoy 1t. But the
houses which now began to appear on
either side Of the way drew my atten-
ton from the mountains. We were still
somewhat remote from the town, were
rapidly approaching the head of that
lane of evil fame with whose terrible
history my thoughts were at this time
full. l was so anxious not to pass ID
without one look into its grewsome re-
cesses that kept my head persistently
turned that way till felt Twas attract
ing the attention Of my companion As
this was not desirable put on a non
chalant look and began chatting about
what saw. But he had lapsed into his
early silence, and only answered by
snap Of his whip at the horse whose jog
trot needed little urging.
Suddenly myself grew still. The
houses were growing fewer on the left
hand side Of the way, and saw beyond
the dark boughs Of pine thicket We
were nearing Lost Mans lane, we were
abreast Of it, we were-turning into it.
could not repress the exclamation
that escaped me.
"Where are we going?" asked.
ITO Miss Knollys' house" he found
words to say, shifting his horse again,
but with sidelong glance at me this
time full Of uneasy inquiry.
"Do they live ON this road?' said I,
remembering with certain shock Mr..
Gryce's suspicious description of the
two young ladies who with their broth
er inhabited the dilapidated mansion
marked in the map he had shown me.
Certain, was the laconic answer,
and. obliged to be satisfied with this,
drew myself up with Just one longing