Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-06-09
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THE HAUNTED +:
PORTRAIT
How the Ghost Was
Unearthed
By CLARISSA MACKIE

4
The Baker homestead stood on hill
and alone 1t was bleak looking
place In winter and after David Bakers
death was suffered to fall into semi.
decay. David Bakers nephew, Edward,
went there occasionally in the autumn
to 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 hunt, the following
conversation occurred between the two
men while they smoked:
DO you really mean that you wish
to sell your uncle's portraitr" asked
Laidlaw incredulously.
Yes" returned Baker shortly
zone doesn't usually sell family por-
traits" limited his friend
Baker lighted another cigar and push
ed the box toward Laidlaw.
"Of course would not dream of
such a thing" he apologized, but
He glanced quickly at the great oil
painting over the mantelpiece.
"ButT' prompted Laidlaw.
THE COMPOUNDED thing has got ON
my nerves!
"HowT
1T watches me-"
CAN portraits appear to do that"
IL 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"
II did last spring, but haven't been
able to keep even caretaker here, and
then, you know. came that series of
robberies In the neighborhood, and 80
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
IL hauntedY'
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 ordinaryr' asked Laidlaw.
Nothing except the eyes"
Laidlaw glanced up at the portrait
OF Nicholas Baker. 1t 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.
81 can't imagine your mild uncle,
Nicholas, looking fierce" smiled Laid.
law, looking at Ned Baker.
Baker was staring fixedly at the por-
trait. Look now" he muttered be.
tween clinched teeth.
Laidlaw looked.
Good heavensp' he gasped in aston
lshment.
Nicholas Bakers face stlll wore that
expression Of benevolent pity, but the
eyes were no longer gray and mild.
They were fercely rolling in their
sockets black. black as night. Baker
switched on the electric lamp, but the
eyes remained the same, flashing an
grily from one man to another.
what do you make OF thatf' de-
manded Baker. poking the fire into
blaze.
Laidlaw studied the glowing end OF
his cigar. His hand shook little, and
he was angry with himself for feeling
that thrill Of horror.
He looked up at the portrait, intend
ing 10 stare It out Of countenance. but
what he saw was a pair of kindly |
gray eyes regarding him fixedly
THE deuce?' he exploded, leaping |
to his feet what alls the thlngY
Baker smiled YEARLY.
ats got you, too, ehT
Laidlaw sunk back In his chair and |
stared at the fire.
"You thought Of selling the portrait" |
he said at last. would you feel bad |
II anything happened 10 itT
Something will happen to 1t. and
soOn! growled Baker
1--WE an idea" murmured Laidlaw.
Baker laughed harshly. "You needn't |
whisper" he gibed. at Isn't likely his |
ears are on duty as well as his eyes"
LaidInw smiled quietly.
1--WE are dining out, believe" he |
said, with a quick change OF topic.
Eyes, and. JOve. it's time to dressw
Ned Baker Jumped up and rang bell.
After long while n woman poked
her head In the door. She wore a hat
and cloak.
where IL Ames, NoraT asked Baker
In displeased tone.
please. sir, he's left, and Hannah
and Mary and I'm going this minute.
We're sorry. Mr. Baker, but it's the
ghosts We can't stand It no longerp
She vanished and in the distance an
outer door closed nolsily.
Baker laughed. II paid them today.
They managed to calm their fears I'M
til the month was up. Well, Jim, J
guess well have to close up the house
and go back TO town"
II hate to lose that quail shooting"
said Laidlaw. yawnlng.
A clock In the hall struck O.
1--WE must Dress" said Baker, "but
ffrst Pm going around to lock up"
an go with you" volunteered the