The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1902-01-10
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! The # Oll0wer
J II -
A weird story q One Wrapped Z
In a Black Cloak. 6

In the valley to their homes in the
hamlet hanging high above them
against the mountain
AS they walked they chatted of the
sights in the town, of the good wives
and little ones to whom they were
coming after three days absence, jok-
ing, joyous. happy in remembrance Of
their town jollity and in the anticipa
ton of their welcome home. Occasion
ally they stopped under the oyerhang7
ing branches Of an orchard and ate APP
pies, or they kneeled by a spring, max
ing cup of their hands to drink from
then passed on again.
The sun struck down fiercely upon
their backs and shimmered on the dust
of the road.
"Ah, the heat Let us 60 more slow
", john"
mo" replied the other; at will be
cooler higher up. Let us make haste
and reach the shade OF the woods, and
beyond there win be breeze blow
ing"
Suddenly as they walked David felt
ttlul LilCy MCAG HUI dlOiC anu iul
his head saw third person following
few PAGES behind them, an extremely
tall man, wrapped in black cloak AS
David turned the mans eyes looked
into his with steady, unfiinching
gaze. The black robed figure was only
short distance behind him, walking
with a long, even stride, without
sound, his cloak drawn up to his ears.
covering his mouth and chin
AS David looked he shivered; then,
turning his head quickly, he walked
rapidly on urging his companion to
hasten.
But just now you were calling to me
to go slower. and now you want to
hurry"
Yes; let us hurry-the heatw And
they passed on, the ardent sun beating
on their backs.
AS they went forward David turned
over in his thoughts the strange sight
he had seen behind him. that was be-
hind them now, he felt certain, though
ing the length OF his spine at the
thought OF the mufied figure In that
fierce heat. And John-had ne also
seen it? Did he know what came
swiftly, without sound. at their heels?
He looked cautiously from the corner
of his eye at his friend without turn
ing his head even slightly. John plod-
ded on, his eyes on the ground and his
big shoes white with the dust, grum-
bling at the heat, his face dun and ex-
pressionless.
At length they reached the cooler air
where the road climbed between the
| arching trees Of the forest. and John
halted to rest in the shadow. He was
older than his friend and tired more
easily.
"Now.1 thought David, "he viii look
back and see" And he watched the
others face narrowly
They sat on the edge of the road.
their legs hanging down the bank.
Johns gaze wandered back down the
long stretch over which they had come.
and David waited.
But the old man only looked out from
the shadow with half smile OF salts
faction that so much OF the long jour
ney was over. his simple countenance
placid with the thought How white
the road Isl" he said.
"And not many travellers on 1t" said
David In half question, still looking
earnestly at his comrades face.
mot creature in sight" answered
John quietly. I'VE have the road to
ourselves. Others are not such fools to
come out in this sunt'
David. treasured by this. turned
slowly and looked back Just below,
by the first tree, in fun view, silent.
motionless, stood the tall figure, lit
tie nearer than before.
David leaped to his feet and ran
along the steep road, stumbling, terri
fled. John saw nothing, and this crea-
ture so close. In plain view. Hurry,
hurryw he called back and ran on,
what has come to you? Are you
crazy? cried the old man. zone can't
pause to rest but you jump and run"
I'll am not-well. | want to get
home" painted David. eve have yet
far to go. We must not waste time
| resting"
"You are sick Yes, you are pale.
Your teeth chatter. We viii stop at
old Andrews and get you something
1t is this scorching day"
Eyes, yes, we viii stop at old An
drew's He win cure me- 1t is not
far; only beyond the next turn where
the trees end"
"And we can take the short way
home from there, the path from the
back Of his house up The Rocks"
Again they walked rapidly onward,
the old man full OF concern for his
friend, the young man looking straight
ahead.
AT the border OF the forest the small
brown house stood on the edge of old
Andrews scanty farmland, the poor,
half barren land OF these mountain
farms. Beyond the few fields that
stretched up gradually from the back
of the house rose abruptly THE
Rocks" a high cliff. reaching far along
the side OF the mountain. sheer for
bidding, its bald face crossed by a
rough, narrow pathway. BY using this
steep way the journey to the cluster
of houses above the cliff was made
much shorter than by following the
| gradual. winding ascent Of the road
| The two friends turned In at old An
drew's little gate. At the door they
were met BIZ the farmers wife. her
sleeves rolled up to the elbows.
"Ah. John Martin and Davel Back