Proctor High School - Proctorian Yearbook (Proctor, VT)

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THE SUTHERLAND 7 go near it, please don't.' Poor uncle! Always looking out. for the good of other people. and perhaps rather neglecting himself. Well, what are We to do now that weire here '2 inquired Miss Castair. Shall we go and see him ? Yes, 1 think that would be the best thing. He may have something to say to you, if he is conscious. Treading softly, as is the way with those nearing a sick person, they passed through the long narmw hall, and enter- ed at last the room of Mr. Hartworth. He was very pale and seemed scarcely more than a shadow, and when he spoke his voice was so faint it could scarcely be heard. Ah, Miranda. I am so glad you have come. And -at last I may see my dear Jean. How lovely you are, child. 'tAnd 1 am so glad to see you. uncle. You must hurry and get well. I'm afraid I'm not going to get well, my dear. Even as he said this he visibly weakened. Charles. I must tell you one thing- before I go. As he said this. the valet came in the door. and. taking in the situation at a glance, he stopped and listened. You know the money room? Well, don't go near it until two months from today. when you will be twenty- one. Promise me this, because if you don't you may never receive the money in store for you. and severe misfortune will befall you. Yes. of course. uncle, I promise. since you wish it. And now rest a while. and we'll come in and see you later. But there was to he no next time, for that night the old man died. After the funeral it seemed best for his cousin and her niece to stay at the manor for a while with Charles. All went well for a time, and then. one night about two weeks later. something happened. It was about eleven-thirty, and everyone had retired. except perhaps some of the servants. Suddenly there rose a long-drawn-out cry, partly a how! and partly a moan. Terrifying in its unearthliness. it was a. cry of mortal terror. as of someone being strangled. Doors flew open and out rushed Jean. Charles and Miss Miranda. With looks of horror on their faces, they listened for the cry to be repeated. But all was still. Jean looked inquiringly at Charles for an explanation. but none was forth- coming. He told the two women to go back to bed, and he and the servants would investigate. Next morning. when the family assembled for breakfast.

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6 THE SUTHERLA ND people's experiences with having theirs fixed. I remember having read in the news about a man who had his whole jaw yanked out by a tooth-doctor. How could a dentist do such a thing! After several minutes of impatient waiting' on my part, I hear voices in that dread inner room after which the woman comes forth. She masters a brave smile as much as to say. Well. it's over; though I notice that she is some- what pale. A man is the next victim. After a time I hear clinking of instruments. The man with a sour expression on his face comes forth. It is now my turn to go in. The man who is to fill my teeth comes smilingly to the door. He is a tall man of about middle age who has a merry twinkle in his eye. He talks of the affairs around town while he is looking for cavities. The work on my teeth begins with drilling and grating. I wriggle in the chair. Hold still. he says. I won't hurt you a bit. He doesn't convince me, however. as I remember too well the cy-glqmstances of a previous sitting in that adjustable chair 0 15. What a relief when I am through and the dentist says that I may go! As I walk out of the inner room I see other victims waiting for their turns and I mhgl'atulate myself at having- come before this crowd of people and so having passed the ordeal. hRaymond Burgess, ,32. W TH E MONEY ROOM An old stage coach was toiling slowly up the long, steep hill which led to the manor. Hartworth Manor, it was call- ed, and it was the most beautiful structure for miles around. As the coach neared the tap of the bill. a whining voice called up to the driver: Aren't we almost there? We've been traveling for hours, and it's bad for my heaIt . Here we are. madame. And with that the door was flung open. and the old lady with her niece, an exceedingly pretty girl of about nineteen, stepped out. At that moment the door of the manor was opened and Charles, the heir to Hal'tworth Manor. a tall. handsome lad with curly, black hair welcomed them. Uncleis pretty bad. Pm afraid, he said. when they were at last seated in the comfortable. spacious drawing-room. He's in a state of delirium, and about all heis said is. 'Don't

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5 THE SUTHERLA NU the mystery was still deeper. A servant announced that Jones, the valet, was missing. Private detectives were hired, but to no avail. They could find nothing that would explain the mystery. Gradually. the house settled down into its daily routine, and the shriek was heard no more. A month passed. and the Castairs were planning to leave the following day. Miss Miranda announced that she would not arise until late the next morning, as she had a long journey ahead of her. Hav- ing said this, she retired. Charles and Jean stayed up until about eleven o'clock. and then reluctantly went to their rooms. In less than an hour the midnight stilinees was again broken by a piercing shriek. Cutting the air like a knife, it was as a cry of some unearthiy being. Two doors flew 3,138.11 and two people faced each other. half in terror and half in relief. Where was Miss Miranda? Quickly, Charles went to her door and rapped. There was no answer. He waited a. few seconds. then opened the door. I'Phe room was empty. Then began a frenzied search over the house. But it revealed nothing. Again detectives were called in. At last they came to the money room and were about to enter, when Charles stopped them. Sorry, gentlemen. but you can't go in there. My unclets last wishes were that I should not enter that room until two weeks from this date. and of course that applies to everyone, as I am master here now. Were you alone when your uncle told you that? in- quired one of the detectives. t'Oh no. Jean and her aunt were there, and I think the butler had just come in. H-m-m, said the detective. Well, I shall be working on iris case. and with your permission I shall return in two wee 5. Slowly. the two weeks dragged by. At last the appointed day arrived. Jean. Charles and the two detectives proceeded slowly down to the money room. Sensing some menace, Charles was loath to enter the room. but finally he turned the door knob and went in. Those outside heard a gasp of horror, and peering in they beheld a grewsorne sight. Lying- in the middle of the floor was the distorted body of Miss Miranda Castair. and in one corner lay the lifeless form of Jones, the valet. Truly the sight was terrible enough to strike terror into more hardened hearts. Jean would have fainted had it not been for Charlest supporting arm.