Page:The Father Confessor, Stories of Danger and Death.djvu/217

Rh There was a sudden rustling in the cabin of startled people settling into silence, then the quiet of listening. Outside the door a voice was heard, loud and distinct,—

"Follow me, Eileen."

Then came a burst of joyous clatter in the room.

"Open the door for him!"

"He's right welcome!"

Eileen stood up in her corner, the hot blood rushing back to her heart, suffocating her.

Kathleen opened the door with a sullen face; she would not be glad to see him. She opened the door wide, and all faces were turned to the darkness outside; but no one entered.

There was a moment's silence, and then from a distance the voice again,—

"Follow me, Eileen."

Kathleen sprang towards the group at the fire, hiding her face amongst them.

"Lord have mercy upon us! It's his ghost I'm after seeing."

The little child began to scream, and the women made the sign of the cross upon themselves.

"Holy Mother, protect us!" they said; but