Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1903-08-24

the house with smoke If he should ma
telialze."
Wells soon after retired to his room
on the first floor. Sleep did not visit
him at once, and he lay tossing rest
lessly, thinking Of the strange fate that
had made him an outcast and caused
him to fall hopelessly In love with the
daughter Of his fathers successor
The weary eyelids closed at last. The
next thing Wells realized was queer
choking sensation. Smoke enveloped
him and he found himself mechan-
ically cropping his way along the hall
to the door which led into the cellar
A rush Of condensed smoke greeted
him, but he kept OH. When half way
down the stairs an uncanny, creepy
sensation came over him, as of some
unseen presence. He paused; chill
crept down his spinal column: then in
the pitchy darkness the fitting figure
Of an aged man was plainly discern
ible. Wells stood spellbound, but the
phantom drew nearer.
The supernaturally bright eyes peer
ed into his and an Icy hand touched
him. while the other beckoned him
forward.
With cold drops oozng from his
forehead and his blood congealing in
his veins, Wells was drawn to q re-
mote part Of the stone wall. The
spectre stopped, and gesticulating
wildly, pointed to rock of peculiar
shape. Wells bent to obey the spirits
unspoken command, and the phantom
with weird laugh. vanished, and
Wells-awoke to find 1t all dream.
But a strange sound he certainly did
hear, and smoke surrounded him. He
leaped from the bed as portion OF
the wall beside him gave way, and
the cracking flames burst through.
At the same moment the cry Of fire"
rang through the house. The terror
| stricken inmates had barely time to
gather few valuables and effect their
escape when the seething timbers fell
with sickening crash, and once more
Netherby Terrace lay in ruins. Next
day Mr.. Maynard and Wells stood in
speeding the blackened debris. Wells
looked moody and wretched, for his
train was due in 30 minutes, and he
felt that he could not endure the part
ing with Norma.
II tell you, Netherby," declared Mr..
Maynard, "I1l never rebuild on this
spot. l believe there is a curse on the
place. For heavens sake, Wells, bury
your abominable pride, ask Norma to
marry you. and I'll settle this estate
on her at once, thus, your own will
be restored to you and Netherby's spir.
it rest In peace.
Wells fine face flushed painfully,
but he answered firmly: You mean
well, sir, and love your daughter bet
ter than life, but, l repeat, L cannot
become fortune hunter"
Suddenly Wells, who had been gaz-
ing mlserably at the dingy foundation
stones, gave start, and leaned eager
ly forward, his gaze directed at a
singuarly shaped stone which seemed
strangely familiar. Impelled by some
uncomfortable impulse he started for
ward; his dream of the previous night
flashed upon him, and STOPPING he
pressed upon the triangle of rock. To
his utter amazement 1t slid inward, ex-
posing tiny aperture, within which
Wells beheld small, furnished box
by the powers, Neherby. what have
you discovered?' and Mr. Maynard
stood beside him. Wells picked up the
box as though 1t We're something sa-
cred, and, trembling with excitement,
cautiously raised the lid. A legal look
ing document, yellow with age, came
to view. The next instant Wells hand
was grasped enthusiastically as Mr.
Maynard read, Last will and tesla
ment of Noel Netherby." Then ITO
my beloved son. by adoption, William
Netherby. | will and bequeath. etc"
Heaven be praised, Wells. Sure as
fate, Netherbys spirit burned the
house, and you have found the miss
ing will. "-Indianapolis Sun