Page:Weird Tales Volume 5 Number 2 (1925-02).djvu/43

 "The side door opened into a small vestibule, separated from the parlor by portières. I could distinctly hear all that was said in the vestibule. Ronald entered it and opened the door to admit the caller.

"As soon as the man spoke I knew him to be a laborer who had been helping us to clear land on our plantation. He was a rough specimen—part Indian, with a strong trace of negro blood. He had a brutal countenance and a silent furtive manner. I had disliked to have him around, but my brother had insisted on hiring him, as he was a good worker and strong as an ox. But at this time Ronald seemed impatient with the fellow.

What do you want?' he asked gruffly.

I jest wanted to tell you-all I done got that thing all fixed. He cain't miss it an'—'

What are you telling me that for now?’ my brother broke in angrily. 'Don't you know he's dead already?'

"There was a moment of stunned silence.

Dead? You ain't foolin' me, be you, boss?'

Of course not, you fool! He died yesterday very suddenly. We won't go into that matter any farther. You cover that thing up and go on with the other work. Be sure you keep your mouth shut, too.'

"The man cursed roundly.

Keep my mouth shut, nothin'!' he snapped out. 'I done that 'ere dirty job fer you. I mighty nigh fell in afore I got done. Now I wants my money an' I wants it damn quick. I done writ my sister in Louisiany to git me a job an' I'd be in a Sat'd'y. If you don't pay me off I’ll blow the hull doin's.'

"There was menace in his savage tone as well as in the words, and Ronald hastened to pacify him.

Well, you go back to your cabin until after the funeral and I'll pay you in time for you to start to your sister's place tomorrow,' he answered bruskly.

"The sullen visitor departed and my brother came back into the parlor, muttering angrily under his breath. He paused and stood at my side. How I longed to rise and strike him down! I knew then that he was not only glad I was dead but was plotting to kill me when disease had laid me low and saved him from being my murderer. I could think of no reason for his treachery except that he was so determined to win my sweetheart for his wife that he was willing to take my life to accomplish it.

"As he turned to leave, his foot caught on one of the trestles that supported the coffin. It collapsed and fell to the floor with a crash. The coffin turned on its side and, as the lid hadn't been fastened in place, I rolled out and lay face downward on the floor.

"I think the shock must have broken the awful spell that bound me. At any rate I found I was able to move and could open my eyes. The devil of revenge rose within me. I resolved to make my resurrection as frightful to my brother as I could. He had an intense horror of the supernatural and I knew his guilty conscience would help to terrify him. I recalled, too, that he had been unable to get his life insured because the companies regarded him as too great a risk on account of a weak heart.

"He had deliberately planned to kill me; perhaps I could turn the tables on him. It was a wicked thought, and unworthy of me.

"Ronald stood as if thunderstruck for an instant. Though I couldn't see him, I knew the accident had unnerved him. But soon he slowly approached me. I waited until he stooped to roll me back into the coffin. Then I suddenly whirled over and threw