Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1919-08-09

OOfner anu was on mis- way 70 meet
someone at Spanish Falls. It ap-
years that there was misunderstand-
ing. The driver didn't meet the train,
so the person he was going after
walked all the way to the forks. We
happened upon each other there, Mr..
Jones, and we studied the signpost to-
gether. She was bound for a place
called Green Fancy"
"Did You say she?"
ayes. I.was proposing to help her
out Of her predicament when the be-
lated motor came racing down the
slope"
"What for sort of looking lady was
sheq"
"she wore veIl." said Barnes sue
cinctly.
''YOungP"
81 had that impression. BY the way,
Mr.. Jones, what and where is Green
Fancy9"
"Wen," began the landlord, lowering
his voice, tits about two mile and a
half from here, up the mountain. It's
house and people live in it, same as
any other house. That's about all
there is to say about it"
''Why is it called Green FancyT'
Because it's a green house." re-
piled Jones succinctly. Screen as a
gourd. A man named Curtis built it
couple o. years ago and he had a
fool idee about paintin' 1t green.
Might ha' been a little crazy, for all
know. Anyhow, after he got it fin
ished he settled down to live in it,
and from that day to this he's never
been off'n the place."
'Tsn't it possible that he isn't there
at allP''
"He's there, all right. Every now
and then he has visitors-just like
this woman today-and sometimes
they come down here for supper. They
don't hesitate to speak Of him, so he
must be there. Miss lilly has got the
idee that he is a recluse, If you know
what that is"
Further. conversation was inter
rupted by the irregular elatter of
horses hOofs on the macadam. Of
to the left dull red glow Of light
spread across the roadway and a
mans voice called out, "Whoa, dang
We"
The door Of the smithy had been
thrown open and someone was lead
ing forth freshly shOd horses.
A moment later the horses-pranc-
ing, high-spirited animals - their
bride bits held by strapping black
smith, came into view. Barnes looked
in the direction Of the steps. The two
men had disappeared. Instead of stop
ping directly in front of the steps the
smith led his charges quite distance
beyond and into the darkness.
Putnam Jones abruptly changed his
position He insinuated his long body
between Barnes and the doorway, at
the same time rather loudly proclaim
ing that the rain appeared to be over.
eyes, sir" he repeated, 'she seems
to have let up altogether. Ought to
have nice day tomorrow, Mr.. Barnes
mice, cool day for waikiki"
Voices came up from the darkness.
/
with his own. Barnes caught two or
three sharp commands, rising above
the paving of horses hoofs, and then
a great clatter as the mounted horse
men rode off in the direction Of the
crossroads.
Barnes waited until they were muf-
fed by distance and then turned to
Jones with the laconic remark:
''They seem to be foreigners, Mr..
Jones'"
Jones manner became natural once
more. He leaned against one Of the
posts and, striking match on his leg,
relighted his pipe.
"Kind O. curious about 'em" he
drawled.
at never entered my mind until this
instant to be curious" said Barnes.
"Well, it entered their minds about
an hour ago to be curious about you
| said the other