Page:Weird Tales Volume 8 Number 1 (1926-07).djvu/34

Rh Nor for a charming young woman," he bowed gravely.

Again Bessie sensed intuitively his honesty of intention, and could not take offense at the implied compliment.

"So far I have seen nothing to endanger either my brother's health or my own," she argued.

"It is not to he expected that you could, so soon," replied he. "If you knew what threatened you, it would already be too late," sadly. "Oh, my dear young lady, believe me that I am very much in earnest when I beg, implore you, to leave this place; if possible, today. You do not know, you could not even dream in your wildest flights of imagination, what danger lies in wait for you if you remain. Urge your brother to leave here this very afternoon. The trip downstream to Amity Dam would not take you as long as coming upstream; you would get there before dusk, and be among human beings"

"Dr. Armitage," interrupted the girl. :Tell me something. Is Mrs. Armitage—insane? I—I thought she was, that night. She—looked so queer."

"So you saw her?" said he, slowly, appearing strangely moved at this direct inquiry. He flung back his head, beating the palms of his hands together in a hasty, unstudied gesture of desperation. Then he turned burning eyes upon the girl.

"Would—her insanity—distress yon to the point of leaving here?" he evaded cautiously.

She shook her head slowly.

"No. But I'd like to know."

"My child, she is not insane. I wish to God it were that!"

Bessie's startled, incredulous expression made him add, hastily:

"If that were all, it would be nothing. Comparatively nothing. And preferable, God knows, to what she is."

"Then she isn't insane?" persisted the girl.

"Far, far worse," replied the doctor cryptically, sadly.

"But if she isn't insane, why must you shield all your windows with iron bars?" she demanded.

"Ah, the reason for that you would not believe, even if I were to tell yon," sighed he, heavily. "Miss Gillespie, Mrs. Armitage herself agreed to those bars at the windows."

"Then it is something from without that you fear!" cried the girl triumphantly. "Well, I am not afraid of anything while my brother is here to protect me. I know there are bears and sometimes wildcats in these woods. I don't go far from the cabin, and Ewan is usually within call," she lied steadily. "And I don't intend to take him away from his painting. He shall not be cheated out of this summer's work," defiantly.

"Then you will not heed my warning, you foolish girl?" exclaimed the doctor, with angry impatience kindling in his eyes.

"It is unnecessary to address me in that impertinent way, Dr. Armitage," the girl reminded him with proud resentment. "I am not a baby. I am twenty-four years old. I see no reason why you should not treat me with respect."

Her caller sighed heavily, impatiently. He took the Vandyke beard in his right hand with characteristic gesture and stood gazing upon her—sorrowfully, she told herself in astonishment.

"Very well, young lady. Since you refuse to save yourself by discreet flight, perhaps you will listen to another warning of a yet more personal and pointed nature, Miss Gillespie," with emphasis upon her name, mockingly.

"I would prefer you to leave me alone!" snapped the girl, losing patience. "I have no time to dilly-dally, Dr. Armitage."