The Lamar register., 1901-10-09
CHAPTER XII, continued

CHAPTER XII, continued
els that all you wish to say to me?
You did not come all the way from Sid
inRton to tell me that?" / inquired,
caustically.
"Why, no." he began, glancing all
around, as though seeking for his
words in the surrounding objects. 81
Il thought perhaps you didn't know
that-that-a-are you having good
timer
"A most enjoyable time indeed" ex-
claimed, enthusiastically, II somewhat
sarcastically. Just such time as
I needed-restful, quiet, and perfect
peace"
Just trace Of smile seemed to fit
across his face at my words.
"Oh! then there is nothing the mat
ter with the placer" he asked, Gu
riously.
Twas considerably surprised at this
question. "I should say not. What
should be the matter with it?" asked.
'-aome folks say it's kind O. queer
IKE. Some ray dead people use the
house at nights for meetings." he re-
piled, sinking his voice down low, and
glancing around nervously.
.Is that so? Well. let them. As
long a. the dead ones don't disturb me.
I am sure ] have no objection. What
part of the house are the spirits sup
posed to frequent?" asked, q thought
Of the walled cellar coming to me.
The fellow seemed a trifle fiustered.
I thought ,'by my sudden question. He
eexe vent to a nervous laugh, and at
the same time darted sharp glance
II me, which, momentary as 1t was,
nevertheless was 30 different from his
usual half-wondering stare that was
Impressed by 1t.
sOh, I don't know what part of the
house is used by the spirits. How
ahouh I know?"
There had been something irritating
70 me In the fellow, and, rs there was
. hint Of insolence in his last words,
I gave way to my impatience.
s-oee here; you have given me some
sAran9e hints about my house." be-
Ran sternly; "now, then, you'll please
explain more fully what you mean.
NJ. Hunter. or perhaps, 1 should say,
NY. Skinner"
I do not know what impelled me to
add the name which Sonntag said was
the correct one, but the effect on the
1sllow startled me considerably.
His eyes grew staring. and terrified'
hunted expression came over his face.
0Ancing furtively around and draw
ing baek a step or two, his hand went
10 his hip-pocket.
Az the CLINT of q shining object
caught my eye, I drew suddenly back to
one side of the window, and the next
instant pistol report sounded out.
I stood still q moment, dumfounded
BY the attack, then dropped on my
hands and knees and crept past the win
dow 70 the table, in the drawer Of which
I bad placed my pistol. Hastily grasp
ing the weapon and noting that it was
ready for use, arose and approached
the window, holding the pistol before
me In readiness.
Two can play at your game. Mr..
But got NO further. The man was no
where TO be seen.
I hastened from the house and ran
around, searching for him. but no trace
could discover. He had vanished COM
pletely. His sudden disappearance
puzzled me.
soon gave up the search, put the pis-
tol In my pocket, and started briskly up
the road toward the Morley place.
II the station agent was such des-
psrate fellow a. to draw and shoot at n
word, what could Florence have to do
with him7
It was strange that sonntag should
know the fellows right name and not
know the danger attendant on, calling
him by It. My lawyer had seemed sur