The Princeton union., 1900-07-05

to find in Nelsonville
1t was exasperating that, besides be-
ing burdened with load of guilt which
rightfully belonged on other shoulders,
I should also be subjected to petty an
noyances which promised to make my
stay in Nelsonville anything but peace
full. True, I was my own master. I
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 meal had been waiting for over an
hour.
I 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 I
afterward ascertained, belonged to a
telephone circuit embracing half a
dozen towns and villages in the vicin-
ity. This wire crossed the roof of the
house, but was not fastened to it in any
way, swinging at least three feet clear
of the ridge-pole. Within few inches
of the wire was a section of lightning
rod. The air was still, and the wire
hung motionless. On the previous
night a strong breeze had been blow
ing, as I 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 I 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 81
lence was not the widows forte, and, as
I was busy with my own speculations,
she was compelled to begin.
II guess you ton't like my cookin',"
she said.
Indeed 1 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.
''Vell, bud you ton't come rite away
when id is retty," she continued, "und
I fought maybe you not like de cook
in'.''
II beg your pardon, Mrs. Snyder. I
did oversleep. I'll be more punctual
in future"
$50 you schleep ofer yourself? What
for?' she inquired.
"Oh, I was up rather late the even
ing BEFORE" I remarked, indifferently,
for 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?'' I continued, Mr..
sonntag's suggestion regarding the
wisdom of secrecy coming to mind.
She nodded, and her old eyes bright
ened expectantly.
1T is advisable to keep the matter a
secret I 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-
quest.
AS the cellar was the next mystery
determined to turn my attention to,
went home Immediately after finishing
my breakfast, harnessed the horse in
the buggy, and drove off toward Sarah's
house.
If had the necessary tools it would
not be difficult matter to cut the floor
of my bedroom.
Sarah greeted me effusively. The
good soul seemed to have a constant
fear that each time she saw me would
be the last.
Can you let me have saw, a chisel
and hammer?" asked.
Zach, yes. Bud What for, Nel?"
Il am going to find out what is in that
cellar" answered.
"How you ged imp"
"By cutting through the floor"
"Dat will be hard work, Mel. De tim
ber under de floor is awful Thick
II know that. But have plenty of
time, and so will be able eventually to
get through"
The tools were produced, and start
ed homeward, Sarah sending after me
an earnest appeal for carefulness and
the avoidance of danger.
I intended to commence the task of
getting into the sealed apartment i'm
ALL l., Tho