Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-27

and live 1 could only stand aghast, bewil-
dered and utterly dumbfounded.
Hidden from them by low thornbush
i stood there in silent stupefaction as they
passed by. That 1t was no chimera of the
imagination was proved by the fact that
their footsteps sounded upon the path, and
just as they had passed l heard Courtenay
address his wife by name. The transfor-
nation of her countenance from the in
effable picture of grief and sorrow to the
calm, sweet expression Of content had been
marvellous to say the least-an event
stranger indeed than any had ever before
witnessed. In the wild writings Of the old
romancers the dead have sometimes been
resuscitated. but never in this work-a-day
world of ours. There Is a finality in death
that Is decisive.
Yet, as / here write these lines, I stake
my professional reputation that the man
/ saw was the same whom had seen dead
in that upper room in Kew. 1 knew his
gait, his cough and his countenance too
we'll to mistake his identity.
That nights adventure was certainly the
nest startling, and at the same time the
most curious. that ever befell man. Thus
l became seized with curiosity, and at risk
Of detection crept forth from my hiding
place and looked out after them. To be-
tray my presence would be to bar from
myself any chance of learning the secret
OF Ii all: therefore, l was compelled to eX-
ercise the greatest caution. Mary mourned
the loss of her husband toward the world
and yet met him in secret at night-wan-
dering with him by that solitary by-path
along which no villager ever passed after
dark, and lovers avoided because of the
popular tradition that a certain unfor.u-
nate Lady of the Manor of century ago
walked there. In the fact of the mourn-
ing so well feigned l detected the conceal
ment of some remarkable secret.
The situation was without doubt an ex-
traordlnary one. The man upon whose
body 1 had made a post-mortem examina-
ton was alive and well, walking with his
wife alt hOuph for months hef
sination he had been a ed-ridden invalid
Such a thing was startling, incredibe! Lit
tie wonder was II that at first could scarce
believe my own eyes. Only when looked
full into his face and recognized his fea-
lures, with all their senie peculiarites, did
the amazing truth become impressed upon
me-
Around the bend in the river I stole
stealthily after them. in order to watch
their movements trying to catch their
conversation. although, unfortunately, It
was In too low an undertone. He never
released her arm or changed his affection
ate attitude toward her. but appeared to
be relating to her some long and interest
Ing chain Of events. to which she listened
with rapt attention.
Along the rivers edge, out in the open
moonlight. It was difficult to follow them
without risk of observation. Now and then
the elder bushes and dropping willows af-
forded cover beneath their deep shadow,
but in places where the river wound
through the open water meadows my pres
ence might at any moment be detected
Therefore the utmost ingenuity and eau
ton were necessary.
Having made the staggering discovery.
was determined to thoroughly probe the
mystery. The tragedy of Old Mr. Courte-
nays death had resolved itself into a ro-
nance of the most mysterious and startling
character. As / crept forward over the
grass, often on tiptoe, so as to avoid the
sound of my footballs, l tried 20 form some
theory to account for the bewildering cir
cumstances. but could discern absolutely
none.
Mary was still wearing her mourning
but about her head was wrapped a white
silk shawl and on her shoulders a small
fur cape. for the spring night was chilly
Her husband had on a dark overcoat and
soft felt hat of the type he always wore
and carried In his hand a light walking
stick. Once or twice he halted when he
seemed to be impressing his words the more
forcibly upon her, and then / was compelled
TO stop also and TO conceal myself.
would have given much to overhear 1.-THE
trend OF their conversation. but strive how
/ would / was unable. They seemed &c
fear eavesdroppers. and only spoke in low
half whispers.
from time to time glancing around him, as
though in fear Of detection; hence 1 wa.
in constant dread lest he should look be
hind him and discover me sinking alonl
their path. / am by no means an adep
at following persons, but in this case the
stake was so great-the revelation Of som,
startling and unparalleled mystery-that
strained every nerve and every muscle Il
conceal my presence while pushing forward
after them.
Picture to yourself for q moment m!