The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-12-28
He took gulp from his glass. Nayiar

He took guip from his glass Maryland Smith, seated
the edge of the table his extinguished pipe in his
hand watching him keenly.
"Iu admit d3dn't a once" Weymouth re
sutned There something uncanny, gentlemen
In that knoo1ng-knocking-in the dead OF the night
thought" CHS voice 'ot poor Jack lying soma
where among river-and. Oh. God! it
came 10 that 1T Jack who knochins-and
dare not think what he-what it-would look hke!"
He leaned forward, has chin In his hand Fer few
moments all silent.
4 know lunked." he continued huskily. But when
the wife to the head Of the stairs and whispered to
me- There it is again. What In heavens name can 1t
h@? started uuboit she door. The knocking had
stopped, Everything very stili heard Mary-his
wdow-sobbing upstairs; that was ALL / opened the
a little Bit at a time"
Pausing again. he cleared and went
1T was "a bright night and there one there
not soul But somewhere down the lane. as looked
out into the porch heard most awful groans They
got fainter and fainter Then could have sworn
I heard some laughing' My nerves cracked UP at
that. and shut the door again"
The narration OF his weird experience revived some
rased his glass With unsteady hand and drained it,
Smith was Intensely excited new y rely upon you ,s
70 our vsorl shall be with this evening not later
What do you think this knocking means smith,
began with nervous energy refill 1t again from the
4 tel you what hope, Petrie" he replied.
falling when % IN ne DE- BE-
and ancient Wall sordsred me along which
Nv friend peered through gap In the latter
not yet up by the builder. is well wooded
tide and there appears to be a pool lower down
The road was quiet one. and we plainly heard the
Smith continued peer through the hole In the fence
until the officer drew up level with Then -
Does this piece Of ground extend down to the village
eonstabie7' he inquired
Quite willing for chat the man stopped. and stood
Yes sir They tell me three roads will be made
through it between here and the HILL"
rive seen some suspicious looking coves abou. at
times But after dusk might be inside there and
nobody wiser
"Hurglaries frequent the houses backing on
"oh favorite game in these parts is snatching
leaves Of bread and bottles Of MIX from the doors nrs
1t lately My mate who relieves has got special In
strucons to keep his eye open in the mornings" The
caught anybody"
NO said smith ahsently perhaps not Your bust
Good night sir replied the constable. richer by half
Smith stared after him for moment tugglng reflect
4 don't know that 1t wouldn't be big case after
ALL he mur1nured Come on, Petre."
gate or Maple There plain-clothes
standing evidently awaiting Smith He touched his hat
Have you suitable hiding placer asked
companion rapidly
Yves SIR the reply. Kent my mate. Is there
now. You'll notice can't be fromahere'
NO" agreed Smith. peering all about him. HE can't
Behind the broken wall" explained the man. point
Good Keep your eyes open. II messenger comes
must be allowed disturb You will recognize the
messenger He will be one OF your fellows Should no
we walked up the porch OF the cottage In re-
Spouse Smiths ringing came James Weymouth who
'seeS sA I'D y s ~ our s1 You had bette.
and tha nauaut"