Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1912-09-12


sented almost the same appearance 1t
had done twenty years before. Grand
ma Belongs picture hung in precisely
the same place; in fact, 1t could not
we'll be otherwise, as its frame was q
part of the oaken wall. 1t had not
been removed, but simply busted and
left where 1t had hung so many years.
AS the happy couple stood at the
head Of the stairs, about to des end to
guests were awaiting their coming.
Robert laughingly asked the blushing
Laura whether she wished to pay
homage to Grandma Belongs portrait,
and invoke the blessing of the de-
ceased lady on the step she was about
to take.
ooh. Robert!" she exclaimed. do
you wish to lose me. as Uncle Maxwell
did his beloved Grace?"
mo fear Of that" answered Rob
ert gaily. There is no lover con-
cealed in the shrubbery to spirit my
fair one away. Are you afraid?"
afraid? OF what should be
afraid?"
Nothing at all, my darling. Perhaps
1t would be well to respect the family
traditions and customs"
They entered together. A fire burnt
brightly in the crate, and the lamps
In the chandelier cast brilliant light
over the room. They glanced at tho
portrait, and the lovely face seemed
n
In appreciation of their union.
Then he left her.
Alone, Laura approached the por-
trait. It stood considerably higher
than her head. and in order to reach 1t
she was abliged to step upon a low
shelf, or projection about foot from
the floor The shelf was only about
three feet in length, by two feet in
width, and was used as a receptacle
for magazines and newspapers.
Pushing aside pile of magazines,
she stepped upon the shelf, her hands
clasping the sides Of the frame; and,
rising on tiptoe, she reverently touch
ed her lips to the canvas, devoutly
breathing prayer for the future hap
| AS the words died on her lips she
felt slight jar, creaking and grind
ing nose sounded in her ears, the wall
seemed to yawn before her, and a
| breath of damp, musty air to sweep
over her; then the room appeared to
float around her. and she became con-
| fused
Shrek after shrek burst from her
terrified lips. In few moments she
heard Roberts voice calling.
Laura! Laura! Where are you?
What has happened? Answer mel"
The words sounded muffled and dis
tant, and the room was in total dark
ness. The sound Of his voice restored
her as she was on the point of swoon-
ing, and she replied, family:
"Oh Robert! I am standing on the
shelf before Grandma Belongs pic
ture; but the light Is out, and I am
so cold! And what makes your voice
sound so far away?"
The light Is not out, Laura; It is
burning as brightly as ever; but I
cannot see you at all. The shelf in
front OF the picture is quite empty;
your voice seems to come from 1t, al
though 1t sounds distant and indis-
tinct."
A moment later he spoke quickly:
Laura, do not be alarmed; I SEQ
through the whole mystery now. Don't
stir step. The picture has simply
turned round, and you are on the 9TH
er side of 1t. A portion of the wall
appears to be on pivots. A magazine
has been caught in the Joint, which
keeps the panel from fitting closely.
Be patient, and don't feel at all fright
ened. I will call help, and soon re-
lease you"
At last some one called for a crow.
bar; and presently stream of light
flashed in her eyes as the heavy crow.
bar was forced into the opening, and
the panel swung slowly back.
But long before it had regained its
place she was snatched from her un-
pleasant position by Roberts strong
arms. and transferred to those Of the
excited bridesmaids. who covered her
with kisses. and wept over her as II
she had just been rescued from the
grave
And so she had. For had not the
magazine been caught in the closing
panel. leaving an opening through
which her voice reached Roberts
listening ear. she would have been
buried az efrectually as though laid
away in the family vault.
In q short time order was restored,
and the festivities proceeded, although
the bride was very pale and tho bride.
groom little more quiet and subdued
than he had been an hour before.
The next morning workmen again
came to Bedding Hall. and a certain
picture was. after much maneuvering
induced to swing upon its concealed
hings, revealing a dark opening In the
wall. from which q very steep flight Of
stairs led to q chamber below. Al
the bottom of the staircase they found
something which caused their facet
to blanch and their hearts to swell
with emotion.
A skeleton lay there. attired II