The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1901-09-12
THE BLACK CATS ;
b 3 WARNING D D !
! by Spencer Boyd.
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BY Spencer Boyd.
Copyright, 1901, by Authors syndicateJ

shoulder and formed a pleasing con-
trast to her white dress, and set off
10 advantage her blond loveliness.
Flora, in defense of her pet, was
wont to declare that it possessed a
soul that had once inhabited the
body of one of the Magi, or even that
OF Zoroaster himself. For, said she,
"he literally worships a fire, adores
all the sunny places, and his powers
OF divination are wonderful"
Mr.. Lyndon did not share her ad-
miration of the animal-it seemed to
regard him with peculiar malevo-
lence.
Just before leaving, she asked his
assistance in closing a number of
windows, which had been left open
on account of the warm evening.
The situation of the house was
somewhat remote, sheltered from the
street by extensive grounds and inter-
cepting shrubbery, and to one un-
familiar with the place, might have
appeared lonely.
This tendency was ordinarily re-
mediate family consisting of some
hve or six persons, but for various
reasons, as Flora explained, almost
every member had been called away
from the city, and now there was
only her brother at home, though her
father was expected on train that
arrived about midnight.
Mr.. Lyndon listened to this expla-
nation with great apparent interest.
1t was surprising, indeed, with what
gravity and attention he hung upon
her words, or, rather, it was natural
and flattering. Not the least pleas
ing element in his consideration was
that his regard seemed more deeply
enlisted as the evening wore to close
"a striking tribute to the girls fasci-
nations.
He performed the task of closing
the windows with great care, which
may have accounted for the time it
occupied, or perhaps he was de-
hberate rather than careful, so as to
extend his visit and engage to the
furthest limit social intercourse so
charming.
Indeed it must have been the latter
reason, for one of the windows was
left unfastened, though the negli-
gence was not apparently detected.
1t was now near II o'clock, and all
having been arranged, Mr.. Lyndon
took his departure.
Flora passed into the house, and as
she did so, a certain uneasiness pos
sessed her-an occult prophecy of evil
which she vainly tried to Danish.
As is usual with these impressions
the cause was direct, and, in this
ease, even immediate; but failing
to appreciate the logic of the situa-
ton the girl -elt tormented and
mystified. Sic proceeded to her
room more agitated than she would
admit, and especially oppressed by
he ghostly silence of the spacious
house.
A bat careered through the hall,
creating intense alarm with it's ST.
lent ghost-like rushes.
The silence and the sound were
equally terrifying and intollerable.
She determined to knock on her
brothers door, that, even though rid
iculed, her fears might be allayed.
There was no light within, but she
persisted in her summons, first with
4 timid appeal, then with peremptory
vehemence.
No answer was ELECTED and finally
she opened the door. The bed was
unoccupied, and the girl realized that
she was alone in the house.
She then very cautiously deposited
upon the bureau n package, the con-
tents of which had quite recently oc-
;upied Mr.. Iyndon's attention as well
rs her own.
She felt now that she had been a |
little indiscreet, for Mr.. Lyndon was |
= comparative stranger, yet the de-
sire for display had overcome her
'cruples and her judgment, and she
felt, with some regret, that she had |
allowed to go unchallenged a laugh |
ng estimate of the casket's value
one very largely in excess of the
truth. The casket contained some |
score of diamonds.
Mr.. Lyndon, in the meantime, pur-
Sued his way towards the center of |
she city. Happening into saloon
which was frequented by college
boys, he saw, with half dozen COM
-ades, the brother whom Flora
thought safe within his own room.
Nhile lounging near the group he in
.dvertently heard that the PARTY
we're about to adjourn to certain pri-
ate rooms where the great Ameri-
AN game would occupy their atter-
ion for some hours.
This, of course, was but slightly in
'eresting to Mr.. Lyndon, so he pro-
eeded on his way, after discovering
hat the train which Flora expected
vt twelve was some hours late.
He stood and studied the time table
With earnest attention, seemingly en-
,rossed to the exclusion of all other
hties and diversions.
NI..a.n 1f.tsa 4