The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1901-04-19
CHAPTER III.

So the thing was accomplished. Inc
haunted house was let.
The next day all Banley knew the
tale by heart. The bankers name was
Cowley, and the young lady VINO
wished to see the ghost was Miss Rose
'Cowley, a pretty, fair, little creature,
who looked as if she would shrek and
run away if mouse crossed her path.
Her elder sister, Catherine Miss cow
levi was a tall dark-haired girl, with
a high color and flashing black eyes
by far the most proper person, one
would say. to encounter a denizen OF
the other world. But she did not ap-
prove of the project, and shuddered at
the very name of the Hall. Mrs. Cow
ley. fat. fair and forty, took the mat
ter easily, though in her heart she con-
sidered it a tempting Of Providence.
But she said nothing. She was de-
votedly attached to her stout, good
tempered husband, and had he chosen
to walk into the crater of Vesuvius, l
think she would have given one sigh
to old England, and followed meekly
in his wake.
Mr.. Cowley, having made himself
master of the Hall, was not long in
paying it visit. He took his family
with him, and though they went in
broad daylight, their carriage was es-
corted to the very lodge gates by
select troop of rosy-cheeked children,
who stared at Rose as if she had been
the Dragon of Wantley in person.
Only to the gates however, did this
youthful bodyguard venture. When
the driver got down and lifted the
rusty bolt from its socket the first
creak dispersed the rabble like magic.
A dire vision of Queen Bess in ruff
and farthingale, coming down the ave-
nue. to meet those who sought to en-
ter, affrighted them; and with one ac-
cord they set off at full speed toward
the village, never daring to look be-
hind them, or to slacken their pace I'M
til they were safe once more at their
own mothers Sides.
Rose Cowley watched this exodus
with laughing eyes; but her mother
and sister looked as if they would
gladly have followed the example of
the children, and taken to their heels
as well.
Mercy preserve us!" said Mrs.
Cowley, looking up at the Hall. who
would have believed it was such dis
NAL place? Why. yesterday from the
road it seemed pleasant"
Dismal. mammal" said Rose, II
think it is anthing but that! Romantic,
solitary, lonely, if you will, but surely
not dismali'
1T is only fit for rats and owls to live
in" said Catharine, with look of in
tense disgust. What could papa be
thinking of when he took 1t without
even paying a visit to the place? How
ever, there is one comfort-he likes
snug, warm rooms as well as any OF
us: and the first glance at the interior
of the old shell will be sure to Olsen
chant him. We shall never live here,
mamma; SO you need not distress
yourself at all about it."
Don't be too certain, remarheu
Rose Il was talking with papa this
morning about it. and 1 asked what
was to be done IL the place should turn
out damp and cold. What do you
think his answer was?"
why, that in such a case We could
MT stop. Of course"
mot a bit Of IT," replied the mis-
chievous girl. Papa said that he
thought We were all apt to pamper
ourselves too much and that 1t would
do us good to miss a few Injuries and
comforts for a time"