The Holly chieftain., 1901-06-14

Dont you $50! Whilo the men ars
at work. I'll make them take up the
floor Of that pantry. Depend on it,
there is nothing there but rats"
Can rats rock q cradle. Mr. Cow
ley?" asked his better half, severely.
Il dare say they could II they tried"
And sing?"
There are plenty Of singing mice
In the world: perhaps ours belongs to
that breed. my dear. However. what
mean to say 10 this: That the house
being old. 10 in all probability swarm
Ing with the brutes: and that. In some
OF their antics in the pantry, they corr
trive to initiate the rocking Of era
die and to make . sound which will
pass muster as q human voice. 90
III have the floor up, and wen put
stop to their fun At once."
1T was human voice!" said Mrs.
Cowley. Indignantly. "The idea Of
trying to explain 1t in that way! /
never heard of anything 30 absurd in
all my life! Did the agent offer you
any refreshment, my dear?"
Mr.. Cowley wagged his head good
humoredly.
Il see what you are driving at; but
was never more sober In my life,
Mrs. G. And we'll have the floor, up
tomorrow. and you shall see II. during
the rest of the year. we hear anything
more Of the cradle"
Mrs. Cowley held her peace. Expe-
rience had taught her that argument
In case like this would be of no use.
But II in her heart she had harbored
any little sweet scruple as to the pro-
priety of the plan by which the young
people intended to dislodge her lord
and master from the strange home he
had chosen, it vanished from that hour
and she stood as deeply committed 10
the ghost scheme as any one among
them all.
Where is Rose?" asked Mr.. Cow
ley. looking up suddenly.
Mrs. Cowley blushed up to the eyes.
"She-she Is upstairs, think. Do
you want herr"
Yes; l have brought her book.
As she is SO very fond of ghost stories
bought her the most horrible thing
could find in that way. 1t will serve
to pass away her evenings very pleas
antly this winter"
At that moment Rose entered, look
Ing peculiarly we'll satisfied with her
self, and everything in general.
IA book for me. papa? Now that IL
kind"
Mr.. Cowley grinned to himself over
his toddy.
you'll be charmed with it. There
is picture on the first page. enough
to turn any ones hair white"
I'm look at 1t directly" said Rose.
laying 1t down upon the table. But
papa, how could you leave us 30 long
alone this evening? That cradle has
been rocking SO dreadfully all the
time!".
Rats. my dear. Nothing in tn.
world but rats"
Il wonder what you would do II
you saw a ghost, papa real ghost!"
What | told you once before-I
would pinch his nose with the tongs."
Il should like to ses you tried!''
"Pah! 1t Is all nonsense my dear.
Ghosts are an exploded theory. For
my part, have SO little faith in them
that would not in the least mind
staying here In the old house by my
self all night long"
As he spoke the hall clock struck
twelve. and Rose gave her mother "a
peculiar glance.
"Oh, how dreadful! This is Just tho
time when ghosts 20 their rounds.
Do let US all go to bed or we shall be
sure to see one."
"Yes. let us go to bed at once" said
Mrs. Cowley, rising from her chair.
As matter Of course. their end was
gained. for Mr.. Cowley was seized with
. At of obstinacy upon the spot. They
knew well that nothing would induce
him to stir from the spot till he had
finished his gin and water and smoked
his cigar.
go to bed, all Of you." he said be-
nignantly. I'm not afraid to stop
here by myself. and shall come up
before you are fairly asleep"
Mrs. Cowley and her two daughters
left the room. The bright face of
Rose was sparkling with mischief ana
laughter: and the instant the door
shut behind her she caught her moth
er's hand and whispered joyously,
Mamma. you need be under no con-
cern. He will not want to stop here
long after tonight. You never saw
two such horrible objects as Charles
and Marjorie have made Of themselves
with my helm and Mrs Macarfhv's