Evening star., 1935-01-11
CHAPTER XLIII.
SINISTER FARM.

IN SINGLE file, on account, Of the
narrowness Of the path. We headed
for the dark line of struggling
bushes which marked the site of
the lane. A yard or two from our
goal, Jerry, who was short distance
in front, pulled up and waited for us.
"I'll 60 first and have a scout
round" he whispered. stop here till
I give you the tip"
Better let me come, too," ! OBJ
jected.
He shook his head. "You look after
Molly-that's your job If you hear
make for the boat. Don't worry about
me; I can take care Of myself"
Without pausing for any further
expostulation, he crept forward to-
ward a gap in the hedge. where di-
lapidated stile led out into the muddy
cart track beyond. In another mo-
ment he had disappeared from view.
For what seemed to be an inter-
minable time Molly and I stood there
listening. The wind kept up its dis
NAL vail, and now and then some
thing small stirred or scufled among
the rough grass.
Out to seaward sickly-looking moon
was slowly mounting up above the
horizon.
At last a low whistle reached our
ears. It was evidently the appointed
signal, and, moving forward. we
climbed cautiously over the broken
stile. As I did so, sharp twinge OF
pain reminded me viciously OF my In
jured shoulder.
Jerry, who was leaning against a
tree a short distance along the lane,
remained at his post until we came up.
"It's all clear" he announced in
low voice, "at least, SO far as I can
see. Don't make any more noise
than you can help, or that blasted
dog will probably start barking"
He led the way round the corner,
and following him in the same order
as before, we came out opposite the
entrance to the farmyard. The gate
was unlatched and an uncanny still
ness brooded over the neglected out
buildings.
The farm house itself was invisi-
BILE from the road, and it was not un-
til we were nearly half way across
the yard that its ugly slated roof
and gray, weather. beaten walls sud-
denly came in sight.
It stood back little to our left be-
hind a narrow strip OF garden, and,
passing through second gate, Jerry
guided us along a rough laurel-bor-
xr,hi fn uhat
apparently the front entrance.
AS We approached, saw that the
door was wide open.
We all three came to a halt out
side, and at the same instant Mrs.
Gowlland made her appearance. She
stepped out from room on the left
of the passage and stood there framed
in the doorway-a white-faced. tragic
figure. The front of her cotton dress
was smeared with blood.
It was Jerry who was the first to
speak. These are two friends OF
mine" he said. Miss O'Brien and
MI. Nicholas Trench. May We come
inside?"
At the mention of my name Mrs.
Gowllands whole body suddenly stiff
ened Her eyes fixed themselves on
mine in a large, searching stare, and
then, nodding her head silently. she
moved back into the passage.
The room into which Jerry led us
looked out on the back Of the house.
It was long, dark. -ceilinged
apartment such daylight as still re-
manned being almost obscured by
thick shrubbery. which grew up with
in a few feet of the windows.
At the farther end stood an open
stone fireplace, and in front of this,
stretched out on black horsehair sofa
and covered with a blanket, lay a
stiff, shapeless object. Propped up
against ono side of the hearth was
doublebarreled 12-bore gun.
"You are Mr.. Trench" she faltered,
you are the man they-they-"