Ellsworth American., 1913-09-24

As l studied the house / noticed a
strange radiance that seemed 10 be
diffused from the roof, soft, steady,
golden glow such as might be produced
by a skylight In the ceiling Of bril-
liantly lighted room under the roof
swung myself into the branches OF
a huge oak tree that oyerhung the fat
roof and was soon creeping on hands
and knees over the tin covering the
edges. Beyond that was an expanse
of sash suchas Is used In greenhouses
occupying almost the entire roof.
Another frea sish New Yorker" |
muttered to myself as hung over the
edge of the glass roof and peered
down into the lighted space.
Beneath me was large room fur
nished as a bedroom and study.
There were a large table heaped with
books and papers. desk and COM
Portable chairs. The walls were lined
with bookcases filed with volumes
bound In uniform dark covering.
Ii was n workroom. the workroom OF
a student
The student was DR.. Ramercliff. He
was sitting at the desk absorbed in
writing. He had already fiIled sheet
after sheet Of paper. all OF which were
scattered over desk and floor.
Suddenly be leaned back In his chair
and an agonized expression CONFUSED
his face He reached his hand to-
ward a small vial. shook some pellets
into his mouth and dropped back In his
chair. one hand gripping his beart His
eyes closed and be breathed heavily.
Was his seizure a heaven sent oppor-
tunity for me.
slipped back TO my tree. gained
the piazza and found entrance through
front window. pried open the
wooden shutters. smashed the glass
with the butt Of my revolver. turned
the catch and raised the sash. As
entered / seemed to be smothered In
folds of heavy drapery. Kicking my.
self clear. found myself in total dark
ness.
drew out my electric torch and
pressed the button. "Heavenss shud-
dered as | realized my surroundings.
| appeared to be in a mortuary chap
el. for walls and ceiling were paneied
in black. the carpet was of thick black
pile. the furniture Of dead black luster-
less lockwood. cushions. drnperies--
everything In that horrible room was
the same crewsome black
| opened the black enameled d3or
and entered a black hall passed
through black library and black
diRing room. and my nerves were attn
gle with horror.
The kitchen was a cheerful apart
meut compared TO the others, for Ii
was slate gray.
Up the black painted stairs crept.
feeling a strange depression stealing
over me. the unwholesome influence of
the dreadful house: through a black
upper hall 10 the nearest black paneied
door. There paused.
What wouId | find within this grew
some place where Dr. Ramercllfr.
plainly n lunatic.. had taken his beau
tifuI bride, petted daughter Of the mill
honairei
i turned the handle and entered a
black boudoir.
Stretched on the couch. face down
ward. her face buried In black sofa pill
lows, was slender form garbed In
black.
Her hair was white as snow.
turned the light upon her. and i
rafo knr "a hn
screamed with terror.
GO awayF" she cried. "oh. 60
awayw
Mrs. RamerclifY." said-"Miss Hal.
sey-Bessier'
At the last word she turned and lift.
ed her beautiful white face to me. a
face Wild with fear. Her black eyes
widened. and she gave one great glad
cry.
"0h. take me to father" And then
she sank back unconscious.
did not stand upon my going from
bride In my arms and carried her down
the stairs and out Of that awful house.
| was able to get team that would
take us TO Oakdale. where hired a
motorcar. and about midnight we drew
up to the Halsey residence. the white
haired bride with my handkerchief tied
over her lovely locks. CARRIED In black.
and the young detective with my
first great case.
Mr.. Halsey was In his library. and I
shall never forget his glad face when
restored his daughter to him.
l remained long enough to hear her
story. and then left father and daugh-
ter together. for ] must journey once
more down TO Woodruff and ascertain
II that insane bridegroom had sue
cumbed TO the seizure had witnessed
from the roof.
He was dead when I reached the
black house. victim OF heart dis
ease. And so perished brilliant
mind that was destroyed by its own
intensity.
Bessie's story was pitiable enough.