The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-20
CHApTER xIv.-(contInued.)

py and SO unneryed by all the events. OF
the last twenty four hours, and again and
again she prayed that all might go well,
and nothing terrible result from the loss
Of that dreadful knife. "
Rising with the alarm of the usual
bell that rang to awaken the household,
che poor girl again commenced to review
the problem that had presented itself to
be worked out the night before. Once she
asked the question:: ....-.es
q Should she worry Sir Reginald by tell
ing him the accident that had befallen
her, or should she not2
Before deciding positively, she resolv-
ed to pay the corridor a morning VISIT
and by listening, study out, if all was
going on as usual.
Ell This resolve she instantly carried into
effect. Turning once more from her
room, down the corridor, she placed her
ear close to, the panel, and listened in
tently to hear If any movement could be
discovered within the concealed room.
All was still! Not the faintest mo-
ton was perceptible; therefore, feeling
greatly relieved, she returned, quite sure
that all must be well, and firmly resolved
to say nothing Of what had happened,
and while keeping silent endeayor to
drive the entire circumstance from her
own mind, and so be at peace.
The day passed on as usual, and when
night brought her to the shelves, she once
more found to her satisfaction silence
reigning, and felt that now, indeed, all
was right Poor Ethel She little knew
the fearful consequences yet to ensue
from her first blunder.
The third afternoon had arrived, and
~ orr LnI -, hon fp
appreh end the least trouble from that I'M
fortunate occurrence. She had, therefore,
regained the courage she had lost, and
was fast driving the entire circumstance
from her mind. ..s. &
This afternoon Sir Reginald had ex-
pressed a wish for music, therefore she
had brought her guitar to his bedside,
and had sung several ballads for his
amusement.
az think" at length he said, interrupt
ing her. ''that it grows cloudy. Please
look out and tell me if a shower is ap-
preaching"
Ethel arose at his bidding, and after
examining the sky returned, saying, as
she resumed her seat:
u There is, indeed. A very black cloud
Is lying in the west, which foretells a
hard shower"
"IIhen put aside your instrument and
draw close to me. as L have some pri-
vate instructions to give you in regard
to new work to be done tonight. Are
we entirely aloneY'
ave are. Mrs. FREEDOM left the room
to prepare you some nourishment, and
your wife and niece are in the grounds, "
replied Ethel, trembling, she knew not
why.
'"Then listen intently to my instruc,
items. If that storm RACES about half
past nine or ten o'clock tonight, you
must visit the Haunted Tower and put in
motion some machinery have erected
there
20. Sir Reginald" murmured the
shrinking listener, "please do not ask that
of me-"
"You just attend to my orders and dc
what l tell you to do. Never dare dis
pute my Will"
The baronet then proceeded to give
minute directions for the lighting of each
light and also for the movements Of
the frightful and hideous image there
concealed. At its conclusion he remark
ed:
do you think you understand every
particular of the work l now require t.
be done 2"
II do" replied Ethel; "but, sir, m!
soul revolts from the whole thing.
consider it wicked deception, and | bes
Ton to excuse me from undertaking it."
"Who cares what you think about it
No one asked your opinion. . Do it you
shall, SO do not dare to utter another
word against it."
"Sir Reginald, I have faithfully per
cd wis In al
the animal, whose life you value so high
", knowing that to preserve the life o
even the least of Gods creatures is
duty, but can see no possible necessit,
for striving to impose upon the credulit,
of the inhabitants of this quiet place"
THAT, I tell you, is my business an,
not yours" was the angry reply. "Yo,
are here simply to attend to my work
and have well paid you for doing so.
IL know that; but surely l am at lib
erty to point out an error in your wishe
and Judgment. Sir Reginald, this thin;
that you ask me to do is wrong and
entreat you to carry it no further. Yoi
say you have done this yourself for TWEEN
ty-iye years; surely that can answer an
purpose you may have to effect by ii
Please then, be satisfied, and let thi
thing restw
Il tell you 1 will not" replied tn
baronet, fairly purple from rage; I'd
you not see that your obstinacy is throw
ing me into terrible and Injurious ex
- element? / command you to obey m
wishes. Ii you dare refuse, you sha
leave my house this night, even though
Know you have not where to lay You
~ head. Do you hear?"
Il do" murmured the distressed CIR
d "Will you obey?"
No answer came, the only reply sh
could make being burst of tears. Mad
dened by her silence and sobs, the bare
net started up until, leaning upon his e
bow, a thing he had been expressly fol
hidden to do, as 1t would jar his hiI
he shook his fist violently in her fact
while he demanded in fury;
win you obey2"
II Wilt" she at last gasped, betwee
her sobs. Poor girl! seeing his violer
excitement, and remembering her aunt
last charges, she dared not refuse.
Then see that you do it." he return
aj mona aSI,,,1y h. Soply hoo NTH