The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-08-27

cannot allow it. cannot endure it -
As she spoke a long, deep shudder
passed over her frame. and the doctor.
noticing it. knew at once that her nerv-
Ous system could stand no more, there
fore. felt it was best to yield.
Shall | not. at least. light the can
dle?'
NO no. | cannot bear :" murmured
the poor girl. Mortified at the thought of
what light might reveal.
Tell me. then. which way your room
lies. and | shall carry you thther at
oncer'
Straight. Just beyond the door by
which You entered, through passage
way. my room lies opposite its door,
she returned. But, indeed, doctor. |
can walk. if you will only let me hold TO
your arm. | would rather.
We'll. be it so,' returned the man. re-
leasing her. yet still retaining her hand
which he drew under his arm.
When they neared rhe door of the ruin
however, Ethel felt strong current of
air upon her cheek, which revealed the
fact that it stood wide open. and in
stantly deadly fear of the horrible
creature that had escaped, being still
lltdI, stlItu Htl. dliu again SuN sill aim
closer to her friend, while her faltering
steps told of departing strength
Without a word Earle Elfenstein lift
I'd her in his arms. and so passed into the
passageway. remembering that his
presence there must he kept secret, the
Young girl whispered:
Step softly; let no one hear"
II will" he breathed back, and guild
I'd by the dim light under the door in
Dictated. he passed through. emerging
from the open wardrobe, into the bed
room beyond.
Placing her in a large easy chair, he
stepped back, closed and fastened both
doors. then returned to her side.
please. Doctor" she murmured, Eek
anime every part of this room before you
go. to be sure the dreadful--the dread
full" she hesitated.
yes, l know" he interrupted, land
YOU will soon see you are perfectly safe"
Obeying her wish, he then made a
thorough search of room and closet. But
AS he supposed. nothing was to be seen.
Now, how will you leave the house,"
she murmured. anxiously
A sly look back towards the corridor
caused her to excaim. in a whisper, as
she laid her hand entreatingly on his
arm:
Not there, doctor, promise me you
will not return to that place this night
but will go directly home"
Again Earle yielded to the pleading Of
the sweet girl beside him. and again an
swered:
Then | must either drop from your
window or go through the hall Stay!
zee a strong strap around your trunk
1t is the very thing! will fasten it to
the balcony. and so slip down by its
aid to the ground. Are you willing?'
Perfectly Doctor" she whispered
do you know | should have died from
fright had you not been there?
Yes. | know; and now before | say
good night | shall mix you compos-
ing draught. and then you must promise
me. to go instantly to your bed, as soon
as you take in the strap, and close the
window, and the last thing. swallow the
preparation shall leave. Will you do
this. in return for my not investigating
further. what see you do not wish ex-
plained?'
Ethel hesitated. then remembering that
she could not see Sir Reginald that night
she gave the promise.
\ moment more passed. and then the
strap had been fastened, the doctor had
whispered Good night" and she watch
ed him disappear amid the darkness and
! storm.
! Darling out she secured the strap
/ without trouble, fastened down the win
| dow. and soon slept under the effects of
the anodyne he had thoughtfully left
| for her use.
! Well indeed was ii for her that she
could sleep, for without some rest she
could never have borne the terrible ex-
| element that awaited her in the nearing
hours of the coming day.