The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-12-09
CHAPTER VI.

H6 Ildu Swung himself over lho wan
and disappeared.
CHAPTER VI.
THE SCREAM IN THE NIGHT.
For some moments, stood staring
up into the darkness, half expecting
that shadowy figure to reappear, de-
scend the ladder, and rejoin me. Then
shook myself together. The fact that
our plot was really moving, that Swain
was in the enemy's country, so to
speak, gave the affair finality which
II had lacked before. It was too late
now to hesitate or turn back; we must
press forward. felt as though, after
long period Of uncertainty. war had
been declared and the advance def
nitely begun. So II was with a certain
sense of relief that I turned away,
walked slowly back to the house, and
sat down against upon the porch to
wait.
Now waiting is seldom pleas
found 1t that night most unpleasant
and uneasy. For, before long doubts
began to, crowd upon me-doubts
of the wisdom of the course l
had subscribed to. 1t would have been
wiser, 1 told myself, If 1t had been l,
and not Swain, who had gone to the
rendezvous; wiser still, perhaps, TO
have sought an interview openly,
and to have made sure of the facts
before seeming to encourage what
might easily prove to be a girls more
or less romantic illusions. A midnight
interview savored too much Of melo-
drama to appeal to a middle aged
lawyer like myself, however great it's
appeal might be to youthful lovers.
At any rate, would be certain that
the need was very great before con-
sented to NEEDLE further.
Somewhat comforted by this resolu-
ton and by the thought that no real
harm had as yet been done, l struck
q match and looked at my watch. 1t
was, Swain was hearing it now, and
should hear it before long. And then
I caught the hum of an approaching
car and was momentarily blinded by
the glare of acetylene lamps.
Hello, Lester" called Godfrey's
voice, I'll be back in a minute" and
he ran the car on toward the rear of
the house.
stood up with a gasp of thankful
ness. Here was some one to conflde in
and advise with. The stretch Of lone
ly waiting was at an end; 1t had been
a trying evening.
1 think the warmth of my greeting
SufpIlSSu SOotASy1 AoA no loofNSu az
"sit down, Godfrey" I said. I've got
something to tell you"
What, discoveries already? he
laughed, but he drew a chair close to
mine and sat down. We'll, what are
they"
I began at the beginning and related
the days adventures. He listened with
out comment, but I could see how ais
interest grew.
$50 young Swain is over in those
grounds now" he said thoughtfully.
when 1 had finished.
YES; he's been there three-quarters
of an hour"
'TWhy do you suppose Miss Vaughan
named so late an hour?"
~ d0n't know. Perhaps because she
was afraid Of being discovered earlier
than that-or perhaps merely because
she's lust q romantic girl"
godfrey sat with his head bent In
Thought for q moment.
IL have It." he said. "At 1880 every
night her father and the adept go up
to the roof, to remain there till mid
night. That is the one time of the
whole day when she Is absolutely sure
to be alone. Gene along, Lesterl"
He was on his feet now, and his
voice was quiverfng with excitement.
Where are yon gOing?" asked.
up the ladder. It is nearly IL. If
the star falls as usual Wen know that
everything Is all right. II It doesn't"
He did not finish, but turned away
among the trees. In a moment we were
at the ladder; In another moment we
were high among the leaves, straining
our eyes through the daFknes1.
I'm going TO look at my watch"
said Godfrey In low voice. Lean
back and screen me-"
heard the fash Of the match and
saw q little glare Of light against the
nearest leaves. Then Godfrey's voice
spoke again.
TITS minutes Of 12," he said.
There was q tension In his voice
which sent shiver through me, though
I understood but dinly what 1t was he
feared. The stars were shining brighA-
ly, and once fancied that I saw the
strange star appear among them; but
I closed my eyes for an instant and
looked again, 1t was gone. Slow min
with which clutched the ladder began
to tremble. The sight of that mystic
rious light had shaken me the night
before, but not half so deeply al Its
absence shook me now. At last the
suspense grew uncomfortable.
1T must be long past midnight"
whispered.
att H." agreed Godfrey gravely; I'VE
may as well go down"
He paused an instant longer to stare
out into the darkness, then descended
quickly. followed and found him
waiting, dark shadow. He put his
hand on my arm, and stood q moment.
as though In indecision. For myself. I
felt as though an intolerable burden
had been laid upon my shoulders.
"Well," I asked at last, what now?"
I'VE must see IL Swain has returned"
he answered. ''If he has, all right. II
he hasn't wen have to 60 and look
for him." -, .. ~
sWhat 10 It you fear, Godfrey?'' I de-
manded. do you think SWANS In
danger?"
II don't know what I foar. but there's
something wrong over there. This Ia
the first night Tor q week that that
light hasn't appeared"
"Still." pointed out, that may
have nothing to do with Swain"
mo; but It's q coincidence that he
should be I'm the grounds--and I'm al
ways afraid OF condolences. Let US
see II no Is back" and he turned to-
ward the house.
But held his arm.
IL he's back" said, hell have
taken the ladders down from the wall"