Page:Amazing Stories Volume 02 Number 06.pdf/14

Rh food and water. This morning he snapped at my hand when I attempted to pat his head—something he has never done before. The servants, too, have seen, heard and felt the things that have affected me, but being spiritualists, they glory in them rather than fear them. Man and wife they have worked for my uncle for the past ten years, the man acting as gardener, chauffeur and butler, the woman as cook and housekeeper."

"And your cousin, Ernest Hegel. Is he, too, stopping with you at present?"

"No. Cousin Ernest sailed for Germany last Saturday.

He is American representative for a Berlin dye and chemical manufacturer, and was sent for by his concern."

"Then he is a German citizen?"

"His father was German, but he was born in America, hence he is an American citizen. His mother, like my father and Uncle Gordon, was American, of Holland Dutch descent. Part of his education was received at Heidelberg, and he took a post graduate course in chemistry and bacteriology in Vienna. When the war broke out, his sympathy for the land of his father was what turned my uncle against him."

"And consequently made you the preferred heir?"

"I think that has something to do with it, although I disagreed as thoroughly with Uncle Gordon in his pet hobby, spiritism, as Ernest did on questions of our international relations."

"Do any of the manifestations you speak of occur in the daytime?"

"None, except the queer behavior of my dog."

"Hem. You have stated a very interesting case, Miss Van Loan. I, for one, will be very glad to investigate the phenomena which have been troubling you."

"And I will be glad to go, too, if you want me," I said.

The young lady seemed pleased.

"I hope that I may have the help of both of you—and soon," she said earnestly.

The doctor turned to me.

"How about going this evening?" he asked.

"Suits me."

"Good. We can drive out easily in an hour. You may expect us about dusk, Miss Loan."

"You know the address?"

"I have visited your uncle several times, and he has also been my guest here."

"To be sure. I have heard uncle Gordon speak of you. Goodby, until dusk—and thank you, much."

UR drive, that evening, through the red-gold light of the waning afternoon, was both pleasant and uneventful. After a sultry day in the loop, it was refreshing to ride through the cool, tree-shaded north shore suburbs. Dr. Dorp, as was his wont when on the trail of a new mystery, was in the best of spirit—laughing and chatting gaily.

We arrived in Highland Park just at dusk, and presently turned into a narrow driveway which circled through a heavily wooded estate. At first no house was visible, but presently, as we wound through the darkest and gloomiest copse we had yet encountered,it came unexpectedly into—view an ancient brick homestead of the Dutch Colonial type, with gables that drooped despondently, and chimneys surmounted by double tiles that stood out against the background of gray sky like headless torsos with arms upraised to heaven.

As we drew up before the entrance, the noise of the doctor's motor ceased, and from just beyond the background of trees, there came a throbbing, pulsating murmur which had not previously been audible to us, announcing the proximity of Lake Michigan.

Scarcely had we set foot on the porch, when the door opened silently and a gray haired, white jacketed man with burning gray eyes that looked out from hollow recesses in a pale, wrinkled, and cadaverous countenance, stood aside, hand on latch, for us to enter. So loathesome in appearance was this deathlike creature that I had a feeling of repugnance even at the thought of permitting him to take my hat in his bony, clawlike hands.

After disposing of our hats, he conducted us to a commodious living room, tastily furnished, where we were greeted by our charming hostess. Then he silently withdrew, closing the door after him.

Although she maintained a brave, calm demeanor, I noticed that the hand of Miss Van Loan was trembling as I took it in mine. The doctor, also, must have noticed this, for he quickly transferred his long, slim fingers to her pulse.

"Has anything happened?" he asked consulting his watch.

"Nothing yet, but I have been oppressed by a horrible feeling which I cannot explain. I have worried, too, for fear something might prevent your coming."

"You are a very brave young woman," he said, pocketing his watch and releasing her wrist, "but you have been under exceptionally severe nervous strain. Just now you are beginning to feel the reaction. Your heart, however, is good, and I believe another night of it can do you no permanent injury. Were this not the case, I should advise you to immediately leave this house, despite the tremendous financial stake involved."

"But, doctor, do you think the—the presence, can be driven out in one night?"

"That is my hope. I have a theory—"

His speech was suddenly interrupted by a noisy rattling of the door knob—the very door which the servant had silently closed a few minutes before.

"It is coming!" said the girl breathlessly, a note of terror in her voice.

The three of us watched the door silently—intently. It opened, revealing the dimly lighted hallway, in which no living creature was visible. For a moment it remained open as if someone were standing there with a hand on the knob. Then it closed with a bang.

I felt a prickly sensation in my scalp, then started from my tracks at the sound of a throaty rumble behind me.

"That is Sandy, my Airedale," explained the girl, "hiding in the corner behind the davenport. He always growls when it comes."