The daily Alaskan., 1905-06-28
THE TERROR
IorlEinall

there are nine chances In ten that a genius will be eccentric. Thurston was very eccentric He built a house at least a quarter of mile from any other house, with only one door, which he kept always locked, He lived alone on the upper floor. where he painted his wonderful works of art The bell connecting with the door was In his room, and when 1t rang he would go to the window, from whence he could look down and learn who wanted to sec him. If the caller was a man and came on business, ThurSton would open the door by electricity. When goods were delivered they were placed in box large enough to hold a piano. Thurston would hoist the box by a rope and pulley and take it in at the window. If woman called, the artist would simply say Busy and down would 60 the window with a bang.
 There was girl in the neighborhood who from the number of her con quests had gained the SObriQuct Of ''the Terror" Perhaps it is as well Co refer to her solely by this name, since she Is now a quiet married woman and the mother of children. The Ter TOT, having brought down every other man of her acquaintance found it impossible to bag ThurSton simply be cause she couldn't get at him. But on belng twitted upon there being one man independent of her she made a bet that she would bring ThurSton Co his knees within sixty days.
 Soon after this there was a ring at Thurston's bell, and, looking out Of the window, he saw the Terror with a companion standing below,
 We would like to see some of your pictures" said the Terror, with her sweetest smile
 Busy" replied Thurston and slam med down the sash,
 The next day two men called, saying that they had an order on him from the superintendent of buildings to per init them to inspect the house, Thur stOn told them to put the order in the box. He pulled it up and, recognizing lt as a forgery, lowered it with the usual remark, Busy" The men went away, one Of them throwing or an ulster and revealing a wom9u'S attire The Terror waved an adieu Co him.
 Thurston after this attempt by the same woman began to fear for his safety. Such persistence was unusual. He sat down at his easel but the ab- sorption In his work necessary Co itS perfection lad gone out of him, He was the more alarmed because there was something In the face, the manner the voice Of the woman that made him feel very queer, IT he should become enthralled what would become Of him as an artist2 He had no faith In a man loving a woman and his art at the same time. He went Co bed that night to dream that the Terror In the person of a witch on a brOomStick rode past his window.
 A week after this the bell rang one day, and on putting his head out of his window he saw the Terror below with a woman friend.
 What do you wauty" he asked.
 "I want you to paint my portrait"
 "Not In my line"
 The window went down, and Thur ston went back to his easel He was thoroughly frightened. He lad entered Into conversation with woman seek ing admittsnce, something he had uev- CT done before. Making a solemn res olution not to speak one word to her should she call again, he tried to work, but soon threw down his brushes to smoke. He was terror stricken at find Ing himself saying mentally:
 Il hope she will"
 The Terror did call again, but the moment ThurSton rccogni7cd her he slammed the window. He was much pleased at the strength Of his rcSolu ton.
 One afternoon he Cgllcl at his gro
 CTS and gave an orlcr. On looking up ne saw the Terror in the back or thc store He slipped out coDgr8uulating himself that she had not seen him.
 The next morning there was a ring at the bell. and the butcher sent up a bccfSteak. Then the groccr's waGoU drove up to the house, the clev0ting box was loaded, and ThUrSton began Co pull He had ordered a number of packages, including several eases of wine Nevertheless the load seemed heavy. He had no sooner got it to the window than two girls sprang into hts room One Of them was the Ter TOT.
 There was ring of laughter such as had never been heard In that studio before, though It came from the Ter TOTS companion. The Terror herself had no sooner effected an entrance than she seemed to repent her act.
 Pardon two foolish girls" she said, "who have heard so much Of your stu dio and your uncompromiSing attitude