Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-07-30

Jerry Bundler; or, The Nocturnal
Stranger"
You won't Brighten u.s." said the
commercial, with II husky laugh.
II don't know that said Hirst
sharply; its question of acting
that's all. I'm pretty good, amt l,
Somers:"
ooh. you're all right-for an ANA.
'teur," said his friend with laugh.
a bet you level soy you don't
frighten me-" said the stout traveller.
"Done," said Hirst; ~ take the bet
to frighten you first and the old gen.
tleman afterward. These gentlemen
shall be the Judges"
"You won't frighten us, sir" said an
other man, because we're prepared
for you, but you'd better leave the old
man alone. It's dangerous play"
We'll, III try you first" said Hirst,
springing up. mo gas, mind"
He ran lightly up stairs to his room,
leaving the others, most of whom had
been drinking somewhat freely, to
wrangle about his proceedings. 1t end
ed in two of them going to bed.
Hes crazy on acting" said Somers,
lighting his pipe; thinks he's the
equal of anybody almost. 1t doesn't
matter with US, but won't let him so
to the old man, and he won't mind so
long as he gets an opportunity of act
ing to US"
well, hope he'll hurry up" said
Malcolm, yawning; tits after ~
now"
Nearly half an hour passed. NAL
colin drew his watch from his pocket
and was winding 1t for the night when
George, the waiter, who had been sent
on an errand to the bar, burst sudden.
ly into the room and rushed toward
them.
"'E's coming, gentlemen he said
breathlessly.
why, you're frightened, George"
said the stout commercial with
chuckle.
ut was the suddenness of it." said
George sheepishly, 'and, besides, /
didn't look for seeing i'm in the bar.
There's only glimmer of light there,
and e was sitting on the floor behind
the bar nearly trod on i'm"
"Oh, you'll never make man.
George" said Malcolm.
well, it took me unawares," said
the waiter; mot that I'd have gone to
the bar by myself if I'd known it was
there, and l don't believe you would
either, Sir"
oil c,pt1 lTa1a
and fetch him in
You don't know what it's like SIR"
said George, catching him by the
sleeve. ut amt fit to look at by your
self; it amt. indeed. It's got the
what's that?"
They all started at the sound of
smothered cry from the staircase and
the sound of somebody running hur-
riedly along the passage. Before any
body could speak the door flew open,
and figure, bursting into She room,
flung itself, gaspiHg and shivering, up
on them.
What is it? WHAT'S the matter?"
demanded Malcolm. "Why, it's Mr..
Hirst!" He shook him roughly and
then held some spirit 10 his lips. Hirst
drank it greedlly and with n sharp
intake of his breath grlpped him by
the arm.
Light the gas, George" said NAL
colin.
The waiter obeyed hastily. Hirst,
ludierous but ptiable figure in knee
brooches and coat. Il large wig all awry
and his face mess of grease paint,
chung to him, trembling.
Nov, what's the matter?p asked
Malcolm.
rive seen it," said Hirst. with
hysterical sob. 80 Lord, I'll never
play the fool again-neverw
Seen WHAT" asked the others.
Him it the ghost anythingy'
said Hirst wildly.
"Rot!' said Malcolm uneasily.
81 was coming down the stairs" said
IIirst "just capering down as l
thought it ought to do. felt tap
He broke off suddenly and peered
neryously through the open door into
the passage.
Il thought | saw 1t again." he whis-
pered. "Lonk-at the foot of the stairs.
Can you see anytllingy"
NO; there's nothing there" said Nal
colin, whose own voice shook little.
Go on. You felt tap on your shout
der
81 turned round and saw tia little
wicked head and white dead face
pah!'
That's what saw in the bar" said
George. "Hcrrid it was-devilish."
Hirst shuddered and, still retaining
his nervous grip of Malcolm's sleeve,
dropped into II chair.
"Well. it's n most unaccountable
thing" said the dumfounded Malcolm,
turning round TO the others. Its the
last time | come TO this house"
II leave tomorrow" said George. 81
wouldn't 70 down to that bar again by
myself-no, not for $50"
ITS talking about the thing that's
caused it, expect" said one of the
men. We've all been talking about
this and having it in our minds. Prac-
tlcally we've been forming spiritual
istic circle without knowing it,
Dash the old gentlemanw said NAL
colin heartily. Upon my soul, I'm
half afraid TO go to bed It's odd they
should both think they saw some
thing"
u saw 1t as plain as 1 see you, SIR"
said Gei sc solemnly. "P'raps if you
Keep your eyes turned up the passage
you'll see it for yourself"
They followed the direction of his
finger, but saw nothing, although one
Of them fancied that head peeped |
round the corner of the wall.
Who'll come down to the bar?" said :