Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-02-05
CHAPTER XIV.

What he suspected Mason scarcely
knew. But it was not only the shock
Of having found himself in position
of unexpected danger which caused
him to be seized with sensation OF
sickness and giddiness as he staggered
to one Of the kitchen armchairs and
sat down in II, trembling all over.
What was the nature Of the work on
which Tom had been engaged? Why
had he been so much disturbed by Mas
sons appearance? Was there some
ghastly connection between the hidden
pit or we'll In the clubhouse, the dig
ging of the lime and the doctor him
self?
The suspicion, although 1t seemed
to him absurd even while 1t crossed
his mind, took hold Of him In spite OF
himself. and at the same time he be-
gan to entertain for the first time an
idea which appeared to offer a solu-
ton to some Of the perplexing prob
lens presented by the singular house
hold at the farmhouse.
Was there some sort Of secret and
evil league between the old woman and
her grandson Tom7
They were the only two persons
about the place who were entirely un-
sympathetic to Mason, and he &C.
knowledged to himself that this fact
probably prejudiced him. But, all the
same, the suspicion, once formed IN
his mind, grew stronger every mo-
ment.
1t was from the outhouse into which
Tom had disappeared on the first even
ing of the doctors arrival that the foot
steps had come Of the person or per-
sons who had searched his pockets.
And 1t was the old woman who had
tried to drag some one into Gwyn's
room when the doctor was supposed to
be fast asleep In the corner. Was that
unseen person the lad Tom? And had
their object been robbery-and some
thing worse2
The more he thought about this the
more likely did his hypothesis seem to
grow. Coch Tai was at least, though
professedly antagonistic to Mason. an
open and even a manly foe. The farm
er himself had behaved straightfor-
wardly throughout. He had treated
his guest with consideration and graft
tude. and on the night they had pass
ed in the same room. during which
Mason had watched him with steady.
sleep!ess eyes. he had slept a sound
and peaceful slumber until morning,
evidently undisturbed by plots, secret
plans or towards fears.
Besides, Mason, who, like most 9TH
er people, believed himself to be some
thing Of q physiognOmist, had from
the first been predisposed against the
lad Tom on account Of his hangdog
looks, his sullen manner and the re-
pellent, lowering shyness which caus-
ed him to avert his eyes the moment
the stranger looked in his direction.
While Tregaron himself showed his
heart on his sleeve. was angry at one
moment, impulsively grateful the next,
his son, on the other hand, had never
changed his sulky look except when
he had been discovered at his digging
In the darkness Of the outhouse.
As these thoughts passed quickly
through his mind Mason saw the old
woman after little delay come In
from the outhouse, closing the door be.
hind her.
She cast at him one glance, In which
malevolence and suspicion were easy
to read, and went through the kitchen
as silently as ever. Mason heard her
20 up stairs, and few minutes later
Tom came down with rapid, heavy
footsteps and burst into the kitchen
with scared face.
doctor, you're wanted! Gwyn
wants your stammered he. "She's took
Ill agaIn-very i'll! Be quick, be quick,
or I'm afeared something will happen
90 herr'
Mason hurried up stairs. The door
of the slckroom was wide open, and
the old woman. with her arms folded,
was standing. passive, enigmatical as
ever In the middle Of the floor.
The sick girl was lying on her side,
painting and gasping for breath. At
the sight Of the doctor she uttered q
cry and beckoned him toward her.
"Doctor," she said, not in the feeble
voice he might have expected, but
clearly and firmly, "Tm Ill again, l
think. Tell me, If you can. what's the
matter with me-"
But this was not easy. he felt her
pulse: he looked at her; he asked her
some questions. How did she feel!
In pain1 In discomfort?