Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1911-10-13
CHAPTER l.

"HE moon rode high, but omi-
nous clouds were rushing to-
ward it-clouds heavy with
snow. ] watched these clouds
as ! drove recklessly, desperately
over the winter roads. l had just
missed the desire Of my life, the one
precious treasure which | coveted
with my whole undisciplined heart,
and, not being what you call man
of self restraint, l was chafed by
my defeat far beyond the bounds l
have usually set for myself.
rode on, hardly conscious of my
course, till the rapid recurrence Of
several well known landmarks warned
me that l had taken the longest route
home and that In another moment
should be skirting the grounds Of the
Whispering Pines, our country club
house. The season was over and the
clubhouse closed, and when, the great
stack of chimneys coming suddenly
into view against the broad disk of
the still unclOuded moon, perceived
a thin trail of smoke soaring up from
their midst ! realized with a shock
that there should be no such sign of
life In q house | myself had closed.
locked and barred that very day.
I was the president of the club and
felt responsible. I turned in at the
lower gateway. For reasons which l
need not now state there were no
bells attached to my cutter, and con-
sequently my approach was noiseless.
I was careful that it should be SO; also
careful to stop short of the front door
and leave my horse and sleigh in the
black depths of the pine grove, press
Ing up to the walls on either side. |
was sure that all was not as 1t should
be inside these walls.
Our clubhouse stands, as 1t may be
necessary to remind you. on knoll
thickly wooded with the ancient trees
1 have mentioned. These trees-all
pines and of a growth unusual and
of an aspect well nigh hoary-extend
only to the rear end of the house,
where wide stretch of gently un-
dulating ground opens at once upon
the eye. suggesting to all lovers of
golf the admirable use to which 1t is
put from early spring to latest fall.
Now links as well as parterres and
driveways were lying under an even
blanket of winter snow. No other
building stood with half mile in any
direction.
felt the isolation as | stepped from
the edge of the trees and prepared to
cross the few feet of open space lead
ing to the main door. In some moods
should have paused and thought
twice before attempting the door, be-
hind which in the dark lurked the I'M
known with its naturally accompany
ing suggestion of peril. But rage and
disappointment. working hotly within
me, had left no space for fear. Rather
rejoicing In the doubtfulness Of the
adventure | pushed my way over the
snow until my feet struck the steps
Here instinct caused me to stop and
glance quickly up and down the build.
ing either way. Not gleam Of light
met my eye from the smallest scintil
lating pane. Was the house as sound
less as 1t was dark?
listened. but heard nothing. listen
I'd again and still heard nothing. Then
proceeded boldly up the steps and
laid my hand on the door.
1t was unlatched and yielded to my
touch. Light or no light, sound or nc
sound, there was some one within
The fire which had sent its attenuated
streak of smoke up into the moonlit
air was burning yet on one of the
many hearths within. proceeded tc
enter and close the door carefully be-
hind me. AS I did so cast an invol
untary glance without. The sky was
inky, and a few wandering fakes o1
the now rapidly advancing storm
came whirling in. biting my cneeKs
and stinging my forehead.
Once inside l stopped short, POSSIBLY