The Mena weekly star., 1909-08-26

her work of charity What 8 pleasure it would be to work witt him. How much good they could accomplish to- gether. With their combined wealth how many lives could be frightened, and their own lives, how different.
 :" He was right in calling me fanatic l see my mistake for the first time. seem to have awakened from long deep sleep"
 The lethargy that had, so long marked her manner was gone. She was aroused from her stupor. A strong desire for an active useful life, had seized her. Tho truth had suddenly dawned on her, there was life work for her, and she was eager to take hold. With every thoughs, every desire was associated the man she loved. Without him she could do noth- ing. She asked herself, "why do these thoughts come tonightl Why does his image rise before me so vividlyg Years have passed since I heard his voice, and looked in his eyes, and yet, tonight feel his presence as never before. Somo- thing I could touch. Am I growing nerv- ousi' She stirred uneasily, and glanced about the room The curtains moving softly in the breeze made her start. Glancing toward the window, she half expected to see a smiling face and bright blue eyes.
 "Surely, I have imbibed some of the negro superstition, and it is working its evil effects upon me. I'm almost fright. ened. The wind in the pines has a weird, unearthly moan tonight. l feel as if something strange, or terrible is going to happen.'
 Elba's nervousness increased. She started at every sound. Brave, moving in his sleep, caused her heart to bound. When Jocko crept closer and eyed her questioningly, she wondered if he felt as she did, and was aware of strange, un. usual presence. In her childhood she had heard the negroes tell of ghosts going in rooms, and laying spells on tho occu- pants, so they could neither move nor speak. She lifted her hand, and WIS re- lieved to find her power of motion in tact. She made an effort to speak, her voice died away in whisper. She must do something to break the terrible spell that was coming over her. She turned beseechingly toward the colored woman dozing by the window, but could not call She looked down at the dog, he too wal beyond her reach Only the monkey with one eye blinking at her, was awake to her condition, and he made her mora nervous. Might he not be in league with the evil powers that she felt were clos ing about herf Suppose the woman on the bed were sorceress, and had cast spell over herf Suppose she were tc change her into some horrible thing without a soula Maybe she would soon change form. The lights-Elba imag ined-begun to flicker. Over her eyes she placed her trembling hands to shut out imaginary sights. Even then, she felt that strange eyes were looking al her. She could bear it no longer. Sht must sec if it were really so. She re moved her hands, and slowly, hesitating ly, lifted her eyes. A loud, frightened 
 cry rang through the quiet room, bring ing Aunt Debby to her feet, win ] start. Brave, HOW wide awake, spranl to the side of his mistress, feeling that something was wrong, and she needed protection. Jocko, with both eyes wide open, looked wise, seeming to say, "l saw it. know all about it.
 (Continuec.next week.