The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-11-04
A WEIRD CLUB.
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BY S. CLARKE HooR.
BY S. CLARKE HooR.

On dark, sultry night in the
early summer, Frank Holland,
young tourist, was making his way
along the outskirts Of vast morass
in one of the widest parts of the South
of Ireland.
Presently he stopped to listen. He
thought he heard cry for help. nor
was he mistaken, for again the cry
rang out, this time more distinctly.
Frank sprang over the ground in
the direction from which the voice
had proceeded. 1t was a perilous ac-
ton, because his feet sank deeply in
the marshy ground as he went; but
he could not hear that cry in vain.
where are your" he shouted.
Here! Here! Help! l am sinking
to an awful DEATH"
Frank soon reached the spot. He
was knee-deep in the mire, and sink
ing further. Extending his stick to a
man who was gradually being drawn
into the awful depths. he helped him
on the firmer ground, and together
ts~v scrambled from the treacherous
bog.
This 'ere's blooming fine coun-
try, and no error!" he growled. wish
I'd never come to it. I'd have gone
under If 1t hadn't been for you, mate"
You are not an Irishman, them"
exclaimed Frank. Whats your
name?"
Jones'"
"Well, Jones, l expect we are much
in the same boat Lost our way. Do
you know of any place where we can
sleep?'
There's only the Glen-about a
mile from here. Somehow, I'd rather
sleep outside"
"Any shelter is better than none"
answered Frank. ut is coming on to
rain. Is the Glen uninhabited?"
ut is SO. Leastwise. the old man
who lived there disappeared, and
amt never been heard of again. Some
says there was foul play, cos lot
of his valuables was missing. But, to
my mind, he's just took hisself off.
He was always rummy old chap.
Well, that's the show"
The place was little better than a
ruin; but 1t would at least afford them
shelter from the rain, which was now
pouring down in torrents.
Jones led the way round to the back
door, which was not locked.
Look, here, mate" he said, I'm
going to sleep in yon shed. l amt
f-fD klnk ~.
"Well. am. So goodnight"
And Frank CROPPED his way along
the dark passage until he gained the
sitting room.
The place was intensely dark, the
shutters of the window being closed;
neither had he light. However, he
was too tired to trouble about ghosts
or the darkness, so, closing the door,
and lying down in front of tin case
Jones might have any evil intentions
he soon fell asleep.
When he awoke the rain had ceased
and there was death-like silence
in the place. Frank was by no means
nervous or superstitious, but now the
intense darkness and loneliness of the
place filed him with an awe for which
he could not account
He sat up and peered into the black
ness. then that uncanny feeling deep
ened.
A light was in the room A faint,
blue light, which moved to and fro in
the blackness, yet revealing nothing
In the apartment.
"Who is there?" demanded Frank,
rubbing his eyes to make sure he was
not dreaming.
No answer was given. The light
remained, sometimes 1t was station
airy. and at others it moved slowly
about.
their little feet, so the never-enytttil
"Pshaw!" he exclaimed, at last.
Its the marsh gas oozing through
the floor. 1t can be nothing else, un.
less
He paused. A horrible idea oc-
Cured to him. He had heard of such
lights appearing over graves in old
-