Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-10-28
THE HAUNTED
PORTRAIT
How the Ghost Was
Unearthed
By CLARLSSA MACKIE

and alone. 1t was a bleak looking
place In winter and after David Baker s
death was suffered to fall into semi.
decay. David Bakers nephew, Edward,
went there occasionally in the autumn
10 use the place for hunting box.
One autumn he persuaded his friend
James Laidlaw to go there with him.
There was portrait of Nicholas Baker
hanging on the wall. and during an
evening, after q hunt, the following
conversation occurred between the two
men while they smoked:
DO you really mean that you wish
to sell your uncle's portraitT' asked
Laidlaw incredulously.
Yes" returned Baker shortly.
'One doesn't usually sell family por-
traits" limited his friend.
Baker lighted another cigar and push
ed the box toward Laidlaw.
"Of course l would not dream of
such a thing" he apologized, but
He glanced quickly at the great oil
painting over the mantelpiece.
"ButT' prompted Laidlaw.
1.-THE COMPOUNDED thing has got ON
my nerves.
Howl
EFT watches ma"
"AlI portraits appear to do that"
'I know what you mean, Jim, but
this Is different. The eyes not only
watch me continually, but they change
expression. Sometimes they positively
glare at me murderously." He shiv.
cred.
Better close the place and go away.
Il did last spring, but haven't been
able TO keep even caretaker here, and
then, you know, came that series of
robberfes in the neighborhood, and SO
I'm rather sticking around to keep an
eye on my own property"
You say you can't keep any serv-
ants? You mean they believe the place
Is haunted?"
That's the idea. Men and maids
| declare they hear footsteps and kissing
whispers and all that rot
'You haven't seen or heard anything
out Of the ordinary asked Laidlaw.
Nothing except the eyes"
Latdlaw glanced up at the portrait
OF Nicholas Baker. It represented the
head and shoulders Of a mild eyed old
| gentleman dressed correctly in black
| In the dimming light Of the library
the snowy shirt front and collar and
| the abundant white hair and whiskers
stood out sharply.
The gray eyes gazed benignly upon
the two men.
Il can't imagine your mild uncle
| Nicholas, looking fierce" smiled Laid
law. looking at Ned Baker.
| Baker was staring hxedly at the por
trait. Look nowr' he muttered be
tween clinched teeth.
| Laidlaw looked.
Good heavensg' he gasped in aston
| ishment
Nicholas Bakers face still wore that
expression Of benevolent pity, but the
eyes were no longer gray and mild.
They were 6ercely rolling in theil
sockets-black, black as night Baker
switched on the electric lamp, but the
eyes remained the same, flashing an
gr1ly from one man to another
What do you make of that?" de
manded Baker, poking the fire into s
blaze.
Laidlaw studied the glowing end Of
his cigar. His hand shook a little, and
he WAS angry with himself for feeIins
that thrill of horror.
He looked up at the portrait, intend
ing to stare 1t out of countenance. bu
what he saw was pair of kindly
gray eyes regarding him flxedly.
1.-THE deucer' he exploded, Ieapins
to his feet. what ais the thingY'
Baker smiled YEARLY.
@1t's got you, too, ehf''
Lafdlaw sank back In his chair ant
stared at the fire.
you thought Of selling the portrait,
be said at last. Would you feel bat
II anything happened to it,"
Something will happen to it. and
soonTs growled Baker.
I've an idea" murmured Laidlaw.
Baker laughed harshly. You needn'
whisper" he gibed. 1T isn't likely hi,
ears are on duty as well as his eyes"
Laidlaw smiled quietly.
1--WE are dining out. I believe" b,
said, with a quick change of topic.
Yes, and. Jove. it's time to dressr
Ned Baker jumped up and rang a beIl
After long while a woman poket
her head IN the door She wore a ha
and cloak
where is Ames, Nora z" asked Bake
in displeased tone.
please. sir. he's left. and HANNAH
and Mary and I'm going this minute
Were sorry, Mr.. Baker. but it's The
ghosts. We can't stand it no longerr
She vanished. and in the distance al
outer door closed noisily.
Baker laughed. Il paid them today
They managed to calm their fears IN
I'll the month was up. Well, Jim.
guess we'll have 10 close up the house
and go back to town"
II hate to lose that quail shooting,
sasd Laidlaw, yawning.
4 clock in the han struck g.
I'VE must Dress" said Baker, ~bu7
nrxt I'm going around TO lock up
IN go with you volunteered tn