The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1915-08-14


luncheon, which the ladies joined, the
tenant of Rannoch always invited us
back in return.
Thus gained many opportunities OF
talking with Muriel, and of watching
her closely. l had the reputation of
being a confirmed bachelor, and on ac-
count of that it seemed that she was
in no way averse to my companion
ship. She could handle a rock rifle as
well as any woman. and was really a
very fair shot. We often found our
selves alone tramping across the wide
open moorland, or along those delight
full glens of the Nithsdale, glorious in
the autumn tints of their luxurious
foliage.
Her father, on the other hand,
seemed to view me with considerable
suspicion, and | could easily discern
that | was only asked to Rannoch be-
cause it was impossible to invite my
uncle without including myself.
His pronounced antipathy towards
me caused me to watch him surrepti-
tiously, and more closely than perhaps
should otherwise have done. He was
man of gloomy mood, and often he
would leave his guests and take walks
alone, musing and brooding. On sew
eral occasions followed him in secret,
and found to my surprise that although
he made long detours in various direc-
tons. yet he always arrived at the
same spot at the same hour-fve
o'clock.
The place where he halted was on
the edge of dark wood on the brow
of hill about three miles from Ran
nOch. Leithcourt never went there d.
rect, but always so timed his walks
that he arrived just at five, and re-
manned there smoking cigarettes until
half-past, as though awaiting the ar
rival of some person he expected.
In my youth | had sat many a quiet
hour there in the darkening gloom
to watch the tenant of Rannoch from
points where he least suspected the
presence of another. Once, when 1
was alone with MIriel, | mentioned
her fathers capacity for walking alone,
whereupon she said:
ooh, yes, he was always fond of
walking. He used to take me with
him when We first came here, but he
always went so far that | refused to
go any more"
She never once mentioned Wood
roffe. | allowed her plenty of oppor-
tunity for doing so, chatting her about
her forthcoming marriage in order that
she might again refer to him. But
never did his name pass her lips. /
understood that he had gone abroad
that was all.
Often when alone / reflected upon
my curious adventure on that night
when l met Olinto, and of my narrow
escape from the hands of my unknown
enemies. / wondered if that ingenious
and dastardly attempt upon my life
had really any connection with that
strange incident at Leghorn. AS day
succeeded day, my mind became filled
by increasing suspicion. Mystery sur
rounded me on every hand Indeed,
by one curious fact alone it was in
creased a hundredfold.
Late one afternoon, when had been
out shooting all day with the Rannoch
party, / drove back to the castle in
the Perth cart with three other men,
and found the ladies assembled in the
great hall with tea ready. A welcome
log fire was blazing in the huge old
crate, for in October it is chilly and
damp in Scotland and fire is pleasant
at evening.
Muriel was seated upon the high
padded fender-like those one has at
clubs-which always formed a coy
spot for the ladies, especially after
dinner. When entered, she rose quick
ly and handed me my cup, exclaiming
as she looked at me:
'Oh, Mr.. Gregg! What a state you
are in"
Yes, 7 was after snipe, and slipped
into a bog" l laughed. But it was
early this morning, and the mud has
dried"
Come with me, and I'll get you
brush" she urged. And / followed her
through the long corridors and up
stairs to a small sitting-room which
was her own little sanctum, where she
worked and read-a cozy little place
with two queer old windows in the
colossal wall, and a floor of polished
oak, and great black beams above. AS
my eyes wandered around the room
they suddenly fell upon an object
which caused me to start with pro-
found wonder-a cabinet photograph
in frame of crimson leather
The picture was that of young girl
"a duplicate of the portrait | had
found torn across and flung aside on
board the Lolai
The merry eyes laughed out at me
as / stood staring at it in sheer be-
wilderment.
What a pretty grill" | exclaimed
quickly, concealing my surprise. Who
is she?"
My companion was silent a moment.
her dark eyes meeting mire with a
strange look Of inquiry.
YES" she laughed, everyone ad.
mires her. She was a schoolfellow of |
mine-Elma Heath"
Heath" / echoed Where was
she at school with you"
AT Chichester"