Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-03-21
CHAPTER Xl.

L stood for some time gazing at the
door through which Mr.. Sonntag had
gone. Amusement held possession of
me. A thousand and one questions
whirled through my head.
But my lawyer had departed. 1 final
ly strobe to the window in the hope of
finding him within hailing distance.
He was far down the Twineburgh
road, too far to call him.
saw him pull up his horse and lean
forward and address a man who had
approached him from the opposite di-
rection.
The conversation lasted but q minute
and then herseman and pedestrian each
went on their several ways.
When the pedestrian drew nearer |
saw ii was Hunter, the station agent dt
Sidington, or. as Sonntag had informed
me, Skinner. 1t seemed very odd that
he should have assumed another mann,
Then my eye caught the glimpse of a
horsewoman coming down the road
from the direction of the Morley resi-
dence. 1t needed but tina. glimpse to
tell me that it was Florence. She was
coming toward the house, perhaps to
see me.
When she reached the cross-road lead
ing to Sidington and Twineburgh. up
which the man Hunter was approach
ing, she refined up her horse.
When the fellow came up to Florence,
was surprised to see him stop and en-
gage her in conversation which last
ed some minutes and appeared to be
rather earnest, Judging by the way
Florence leaned down toward him.
Finally the young woman turned her
horses head and galloped back In the
direction she had come.
The station agent watched her re-
treating form, then slowly began to re-
trace his steps. He had gone but a
short distance when he stopped and
looked toward my house, then again
turned and came back
I watched him from behind the cur
tains. AS he approached near saw
his clothing was wet and bedraggled,
which plainly showed that he had been
out In the recent shower.
He came up to the house in hesitat-
ing way, CHANGING all around furtively,
and was about to pass up into the yard,
when l leaned from the window and
hailed him.
"Halloo, therei what's up? What do
you want?'' l demanded.
CHANGING up at me with his stupid
stare, he spoke when you want to
send anything away by freight, have it
at the station before nine o'clock in the
morning." he said, in the celebrating
way of one who is compelled to manu-
,1acture speech on the spur of the
moment
us that all you wish to say to me ?
. You did not come all the way from Sid
ington to tell me that?' 1 inquired,
caustically.
"Why, no." he began, glancing all
around, as though seeking for hrs
words in the surrounding objects. 81
Il thought perhaps you didn't know
that-that-a-are you having a good
timer
"a most enjoyable time indeed,"I ex-
claimed, enthusiastically, If somewhat
sarcastically. Just such a time as
I needed-restful, quiet, and perfect
peace"
Just trace of smile seemed to fit
dCIOSS his lace at my WOTQS.
"Ohi then there is nothing the mst-
ter with the placer" he asked, GU
riously.
was considerably surprised at this
question. 81 should say not. What
should be the matter with it ?" asked
Some folks say it's kind o. queer
like. Some say dead people use the
house at nights for meetings." be re-
piled, sinking his voice down low, and
CHANGING around nervously.
as that so? Well, let them. AS
long as the dead ones don't disturb me
am sure | have no objection. What
part of the house are the spirits sup
posed to frequently" asked, a thought
of the walled cellar coming to me.
The fellow seemed a trifle fiustered
thought. by my sudden question. He
gave vent to nervous laugh, and al
| the same time darted q sharp glance
!. at me, which. momentary as il was
nevertheless was so different from his
usual half-wondering stare that l was
impressed by it.
"Oh, i don't know what part of the
house Is used by the spirits. How
should I know"
There had been something irritating
to me in the fellow. and, as there was
a hint of insolence in his last words
/ gave way to my impatience.
"See here; you have given me some
strange hints about my house." l be
gan sterniy; NOW, then, you'll please
explain more fully what you mean
Mr.. Hunter, or perhaps. should say
Mr.. Skinner"
do not know what impelled me to
add the name which .Sonntag said was
the correct one, but the effect ON the
fellow startled me considerably.
His eyes grew staring. and terrified
hunted expression came over his face
CHANGING furtively around and draw
ing back a step or two, his hand went
to his hip-pocket.
AS the, CLINT Of a shining object
caught my eye, drew suddenly back to
one side of the window, and the mex
instant pistol report sounded out.
I stood still moment, dumfounded
Nv he ~ droDv1a6