Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1909-03-25
CReprint from the LippIncott edition of 1851 /,
CHAPTER XII.

Arnold now called the attention
of bis companions to the outlines OF
a low hut which was barely discerni-
bic through the wood where an open
spacebroughttheangl of the roofinto
relief against the water of the creek,
and as they approached near enough
to examine the little structure more
minutely, they were saluted by the
surly bark OF deep tbroated dog,
fercely redoubled. At the same
time the sound OF receding footsteps
was distinctly audible.
Who dwells here?" inquire d
Dauntrees, striking the door with
the hilt OF his sword.
There was no answer, and the
door gave way to the thrust and
Rew wide upon. The apartment
wss tena antless. A few Goals OF fire
cleaning from the embers, and a
low bench furnished with a blanket,
rendered it obvions that this soli-
tsry abode had been but recently
dessFs@dzbyzit its possessor. A hasty
survey Of the hut, which was at
first tiercely disputed by the dog
a cross grained and sturdy mastiff-
until a sharp blow from a staff
which the forester bestowed sent
him growing from the premises,
satisfied the explorers that so far,
at least, they had encountered no.
thing supernatural; and without
further delay or comment upon this
incident they took their course along
the margin OF St. Jerome's Creek.
After a short interval. the beating
OF the waves upon the beach inform
ed them that they we're not far from
the beach of the Chesapeake. Here
a halt and an attentive exami nation
OF the locality made them aware that
they stood upon a bank which des.
cended somewhat abruptly to the
level OF the beach that lay some
fifty yards or more beyond them.
In the dim starlight they were able
to trace the profile of a low but capa
ciOus tenement which stood almost
on the tide mark.
1T is the Chapel!' said Daun-
trees, in an involuntary whisper as
he touched the Ranger 5 arm.
1t is Paul Kelpy's house, all the
same as | have known it these
twenty years "a silent and wicked
house" whispered Arnold, in reply.
And pretty spot for the Devil to
lurk in. said Dauntress. resuminR
his ordinary tone.
Hold, Captain, interrupted the
Ranger, mo foul words so near the
Haunted House. The good saints
be above us!" be added, crossing
himself and muttering a short pray
er.
Follow me down the bank" said
Dauntrees, in q low but resolute
voice; but first look to your car.
bines that they be charged nd prim
ed. | will break in the door of this
ungoldly den and ransack its corners
before | leave il. Holy St. Michael,
the tiend is in the Chapel, and warns
US away!" he exclaimed, as sud
denly a fash Of crimson light H.
Illuminated every window Of the
building. 1T is the same warning
given to Burton and myself once
before Stand your ground, com.
rades; we shall be beset by these
ministers OF sin!'
As the flashes OF this lurid ligb,
were thrice repeated, Pamesack
was seen on the edge of the bank
fixed like a statue, with foot and
arm extended, looking with a stern
gaze towards this appalling specta.
Gle. Arnold recoiled apace and
brought his hand across his ewes
and was revealed in this posture as
he exclaimed in his marked Dutch
accent. The fsherman's blood Is
turned TO IRE: we had best go NJ