Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1917-10-11
women: and that she moved withOu
seeming TO walk.

Il suppose | am TALL" he admitted,
as they started Off along the road.
Zone doesn't notice II around here. My
mime Is John Strangewey, and our
house Is just behind that clump Of
trees there, on the top Of the hill. We
VIII do our best to make you comfort
able" he added n little doubtfully ;
but there are only my brother aud
myself, and we have no women serv-
ants in the house."
"A roof of any sort will be n luxury"
she assured him. Il only hope that we
shall not be a trouble to you In any
way"
And your name, please?' he asked.
She was II little amazed at his direct.
ness, but she answered him without
hesitation.
my name" she told him. lis Lou
ise."
He leaned down toward her, a little
puzzled.
"'t'R$' 'ul sbht SuiilullG
She laughed softly. 1t occurred to
him that nothing like her laugh had
ever been heard on that gray-walled
stretch OF mountain road.
Never mind! l am travelling incos-
nito. Who l am, or where | am going
well, what does that matter to any
body! Perhaps | do not know myself.
You can imagine. if you like, that we
came from the heart of your hills, and
that tomorrow they will open again and
welcome us back"
Il don't think there are any motor
cars in fairyland," he objected.
We represent a new edition Of fairy
lore" she told him. Modern romancc
you know, Includes motor-cars and
French maids"
"An the same" he protested. with
masculine bluntness, II really don't
see how | Il Introduce YOU to nv
brother as Louise from fairyland.'"
She evated the point.
Tell rue about your brother. Is he
TALL as You, and Is he younger or
oldcr?"
"tc is nearly twenty years older"
her companion replied. HE is about
my height, but he stoops more than l
and his hair is gray. ain afraid
you may find him a little pecu-
liar"
Her escort paused and swung open a
white gate on their left-land side. Be-
ore them was IN ascent which seemed
% her. in the dim light, to be abso-
utely PERCEPTIONS.
ut isn't so bad rs it looks" he as-
'tred her, 'and l am afraid It's the
'nly way up. The house is ut the bend
here. barely fifty yards away. You
an see IL light through the trees"
You must help me, then, please"
'he begged.
He stopped down toward her. She
linked her fingers together through his
eft arm and. leaning a little heavily
lpon him. began the nscent. He was
conscious Of some subtle fragrance
her clothes, a perfume strangely
Inherent from the odor Of the ghost.
Ike flowers TINT bordered the steep
up which they were climbing. Her
slight, warm things though they
we're. and great though his own
strength. felt suddenly like q yoke. At
every step he seemed to feel their
more insistent--a weight not
physical, solely due to this rush Of I'm.
expected emotions.
She looked around her almost In
wonder as her companion paused with
hand upon n little iron gate. From
that jagged stretch Of hills in
the distance the moon had now an.
peared. Before her was a garden.
nustere.looking with Its prlm flower.
beds, the trees all bent in the same
direction, fashioned after one pattern
by the winds. Beyond was the house
"a long, low building, part Of It Gov.
cred with some kind Of creeper.
As they stepped across the last few
yards Of lawn, the black, oak door
which they were approaching suddenly
opened. A tall. elderly man stood look.
ing i%nquiringly out. He shaded his
eyes with his hands.
rs that you, brother1" he asked
doubtfully.
John Strangewey ushercd his com.
panlon into the square, o~ak.paneled
hall, hung with many trophies Of the
chase. q few oil.paintings, here and
there some sporting prints. It was
lighted only with a single lamp which
stood upon a round, polished table in
the center Of the wlate-flagged floor.
"Thls lady's motor-car Inns broken
down, Stephen" John explained. turn.
Ing a little ncrvously toward his broth.
or. found them In the road. 3ust
at the bottom Of the hill. She and her
servants will spend the night here. j
have explained that there IL no village
or Inn for y good many miles,"
Louise turned graciousiy toward The
elder man, who was stumbling grimly
apart. Even In those few seconds. her
quick scnsibllities warned her Of the
hostility which iurkcd behind the tipht,
~ closed lips and stccl.gray eyes. Ills
bow was stiff and uncordlal. and he
made no movement to offer his hand.
We are not used to welcoming In.
dies at Peak Hall, madam" no said.
\ am afraid that you will and ID
somewhat u~nprepared for guests"
\ ask for nothing more than Z roof.
Louise assured him.
JOlf0 thposv Me h~A -