The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-12-16
By CELETT BURGESS

jokes with him and leases him in all
sorts OF ways, but to-day she's more quiet
and determined.
HAS she treated you badiy?''
mo; If 1t were only that, I wouldn't
care. It's something more dangerous.
She's crafty and secret. It's sinister II
makes my flesh crawl
do you know how long the doctor will
stay %
Hes going back this afternoon, I
think. That's why he's working so hard
with her, l suppose She's Ike bird
with a serpent-she's fascinated by him"
What did he say to her-did you
hear?"
He has been hypnotizing her heard
him say, You viii be Edna, Edna, Ednar
he repeated il over and over"
You must go back to the house. then.
Immediately You mustn't be missed on
any account Do your best to placate
her and avoid trouble. III watch in the
old cabin till he goes past. AS soon as
he's out OF the way. III come.
She was of on the instant through the
wood toward the back Of the house
walked down the lane and along the
high road a little way. 10 the deserted
cabin. Here I took my post behind
window and waited patiently.
A couple of hours went by. II was an
eternity to me A hundred times / de-
cided TO so and break down the door of
the house and have it out with the doctor
/ had q couple Of reVolvers in my bag
and the temptation 10 shoot him on sight
was strong When / thought OF what
was probably going on I'm the house-was
all I could do to remember that my inter
vention at this moment would ruin all
hopes OF her eventual release from bis
power. I bore il for her sake. with my
teeth gritted, thinking mad thoughts.
At last / heard the rattle OF wheels and
saw the carriage approach. Uncle Jerdon
was driving; the DOCTOR smoking cigar,
was laughing complacently. / shrank out
OF sight until they had passed. Then
left the cottage and ranfup the lane.
Edna vas sitting outside on the door
step as I approached. but. on seeing me.
she rose and went quickly inside. shutting
the door. She was indeed different If she
failed TO welcome me. My heart fell. but
went up TO the door and knocked. No
answer. I knocked again, and, after a
long wait, Leah appeared
BY her first glance at me and an almost
imperceptble nod Of her head toward
the library door, / knew that Edna was
near by watching and listening. I was
not surprised. therefore. when. in an
swer to my greeting and question. Leah
replied.
Miss Fielding is sorry that she can't
see you to-day. She's not well. She says
tina: she sent you thar word before"
''Mayn't I even speak to her for mo-
menty' ! asked.
''She begs that you will excuse her, Mr.
Castle Leah's eyes gave me another
sign.
VERY well. then: tell her I'm much dis
appointed, but / won't trouble her again. -
added gesture ia the direction Of the
lane and walked away without looking
back / felt that Edna was watching
from the library window. Leah closed
the door.
I went a little way down the lane,
searching my mind for some means OF
combating this unlOOked-foT cOntretemps
had discovered possible way out be-
fore Leah appeared. half hour later.
~Oh, I'm afraid she'll miss me this
time,' she said. her eyes wide and fright
ened. Il took my chances, though, and
you must De quick. What shall / dor"
Il am gOing OS er 10 the HarbOr.' / said
I shall ne back. probably In about an
hour and a half. and IN wait here for
you. You must find some excuse for
coming again. Then I'll give you your
instructions II anything happens that
positively prevents your coming. hang a
towel out Of my window. That's all
now: go back"
She flew back 10 the house, and
started for the village, where / knew
there was an apOthecary's shCp. IN forty
minutes I had, with some difficulty pro-
cured what I wanted. bottle OF chloro-
form. But il was two hours before l
got back 90 Midmeadows. Approaching
the house, and keeping carefully hidden
by the trees. / saw that there was no