The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-09-19
lie house with smoke II he should ma.

the house with smoke IL he should ma
ter1alize."
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 a queer
choking sensation. Smoke enveloped
him and he found himself mechan-
ically CROPPING his way along the hall
10 the door which led into the cellar
A rush Of condensed smoke greeted
him, but he kept on. When half way
down the stairs an uncanny, creepy
sensation came over him, as Of some
unseen presence. He paused; q 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 oozing from his
forehead and his blood congealing in
his veins, Wells was drawn to a re-
mote part of the stone wall. The
spectre stopped, and gesticulating
wildly, pointed 70 q rock OF peculiar
shape. Wells bent to obey the spirits
nnspoken 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. HI
leaped from the bed as a 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 tc
gather q few valuables and effect theil
escape when the seething timbers fell
with q sickening crash, and once more
Netherby Terrace lay in ruins. Mex
| l. 49,
speeding the blackened debris. Well!
looked moody and wretched, for hi
train was due In 30 minutes, and HI
felt that he could not endure the part
ing with Norma.
81 tell you, Netherby," declared Mr.
Maynard, IN never rebuild on THU
spot. l believe there is q curse on tn
place. For heavens sake, Wells, bur!
your abominable pride, ask Norma t.
marry you, and I'll settle this estat
on her at once, thus, your own vii
be restored to you and Netherby's spin
it rest in peace.
Wells fine face flushed painfully
but he answered firmly: You meal
, we'll, sir, and love your daughter BET
, ter than life, but, 1 repeat, 1 canno
, become a fortune hunter"
| Suddenly Wells, who had been gaa
I ing miserably at the dingy Foundation
stones, gave a start, and leaned eager
> " forward, his gaze directed at
r singuarly shaped stone which SCENE
strangely familiar. 1mpelled by som
q uncomfortable impulse he started fol
ward; his dream Of the previous nlgh
r flashed upon him, and STOPPING D
o pressed upon the triangle of rock. L
, his utter amazement it slid inward e1
posing a tiny aperture, within whic
Wells beheld a small, furnished oo1
by the powers, Netherby, what haV
? you discovered2" and Mr.. Magyar
o stood beside him. Wells picked up IN
i box as though it were something 81
e cred, and, trembling with excitemen
a cautiously raised the lid. A legal lool
t ing document, yellow with age cam
r to view. The next instant Wells nan
was grasped enthusiastically as M
/. Maynard read, Last will and test
ment of Noel Netherby." Then II
). my beloved son, by adoption Wiliial
d Netherby, I will and begueath, etc
"Heaven be praised, Wells! sure
J. fate, Netherby's spirit burned II
Il house, and you have found the mis-
n ing wfll"-Indianapolis Sun.