Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-06-17

ding the scarecrows with bullets or
slashing them with their heavy razor
edged swords.
A hasty council was probably held.
and. Notwithstanding their fear of the
silent company in the hollow. an ad-
vance was ultimately made along the
beach. Within few yards they en-
countered the invisible cord OF the
third spring gun. There was a report
and another fierce outbreak OF mus
kerry. This was enough Not man
would move a step nearer that abode
OF the dead The next cOmmOtion
arose on the ridge near the North cape
AT this rate OF progress said
jerks 10 the girl. they will not reach
our house until daylight"
II almost wish they were here" was
the quiet reply. Il find this waiting
and listening 20 be trying 10 the
nerves"
They were lying on number OF
ragged garments hastily spread on the
ledge and peerihg intently into the
mOOnlit area OF Prospect park The
great rock itself was shrOuded in som
Der shadows Even II they stood up
none could see them from the ground.
so dense was the darkness enveioping
them.
He turned slightly and took her hand.
10 was cool and moist. It no more
trembled than his own.
The Dyaks are far more scared than
you" he murmured. with laugh.
Cruel and courageous as they are.
they dare not face a spOOlS"
Then what a pity IL Is we cannot
coniure mp ghost for their benefit
All the spirits have ever read about
were ridiculous. Why cannot one be
useful occasionally
The question set him thinking Tn
known 10 the girl the materials for
dramatic apparition We're hidden amid
the bushes near the well. He cudgeled
his brains 10 remember the stage ef-
fects OF Juvenile days. but these need
Ell limelight. blue flares mirrors. phos-
phorus.
The absuriity OF hoping % devise
any such accessories while perchei on
a ledge In a remote island. larger
reef or the thousands in the China sea.
ticIled him.
What is it, asked Iris
He repeated his list OF missing stage
properties. They had nothing % DO but
10 wait, and people in the very crux
and maelstrom Of existence usually
discuss trivial things.
Il don't know anything about phos-
phOrus." said the girl. but you can
obtain queer results from sulphur. and
there is an old box OF Norwegian
matches resting at this moment on the
shelf in my room. Don't You remem-
bcrt They We're in yolr pocket. and
you were going TO throw them away.
Why. what are you dOingr"
For jerks had cast the rope ladder
loose aud was evidently about 10 de-
scend
Have no fear" he said Il will not
be away five Minutes"
If YOU are going down | must come
with You. will not be left here
alone"
please 10 not stop me-" he wills
pered earnestly. You must not come.
1 VIII take no risk whatever. II you
remain here YOU can warn me instant
ly. With both OF us on the ground we
viii incur real danger. / want YOU ID
keep sharp lookout toward Turtle
beach in Gaze the Dyaks come that
way. Those who are crossing the Is
land will not reach US Zoe a long time"
She yielded. though unwillingly She
was tremuious with anxiety on his ac-
count.
He vanished without another word.
She next saw him in the moonlight
near the well. lie was rustling among
the shrubs, and he returned % the rock f,
with something white in his arms.
which he seemingly deposited at the
mouth OF the cave. He went back To
the well aud carried another similar |
burden. Then he ran toward the
house. The doorway was not visible !
from the ledge. and she passed a few |
horrible moments until low hiss be- |
meath caught her ear. She could tell by |
the creak OF the rope ladder that he |
was ascending. At last he reached her |
side and she murmured. with gasp
ing sob:
Don't 60 away again cannot
stand IT,"
He thought It best to soothe her agi- |
tation by arousing interest Still haul |
ing in the ladder with one hand. he 1
held out the other. on which luminous \
wisps We're writing like glowworms'
ghosts.
You are responsible" he said 'YOu
gave me an excellent idea. and I was
obliged to carry IL out
What have you doner"
Arranged a fearsome bogy In the
cave"
but howT'
cit was not exactly a pleasant oper-
alton. but the only laws OF necessity
are those which must be broken"
She understood that he did not wish
her TO question him furthez Perhaps
curiosity. now that he was safe. might
have vanquished her terror and led to
another demand for enlightenment. but
mt that instant the sound OF an angry |
voice and the crunching OF coral away
10 the left drove all else from her
mind.
They are coming by way OF the
beach, after ALL" whispered jerks.