 CHAPTER 144 THE STAR HOTEL AND THE STRANGER A remarkable countenance, the illness and death of the stranger. A strange request complied with. Some days previous to the scene related in the previous chapter, the London coach drove up opposite to the star hotel and, as usual, out came a couple of waiters to see what there was from the metropolis in the shape of a passenger who might become an inmate of the hotel and a customer, of course. "'Now then, Billy,' said the guard, a stout, good-humored fellow, to a very stiff and punctilious waiter dressed in black with a white neckerchief. "'My good friend, my name is William. If you must be familiar, though, I am sure I don't number you among my acquaintances.' "'Very good, Billy. I declare you are one of the politest waiters that is to be found between Portsmouth and London. "'A,' and more than that, you are THE politest. "'Didn't you say you were educated among a lot of gals or young ladies, I mean?' "'I never held any discourse relative to my early days with you, my friend. I am not just this moment aware of it. "'I see you are too polite to pass an east wind without taking your hat off to it. How do they when they have none?' "'Have you anybody for us?' said William mildly. "'Yes, my pink eye have. "'Who is he, and where is he? I must not waste my master's time. It is an impropriety I am especially anxious to avoid. You needn't be in a hurry, nevertheless, especially as I see he is fumbling about for small change. "'But what will you say if I introduce the customer to you, a good six-foot high and perhaps a little to spare, and the color of a well-scraped horseradish, eh? What do you say to that, my promrose?' William did not know what to say, but after a moment's hesitation he said, "'We don't charge our customers by the room they take or by their personal appearance. A gentleman is a gentleman, Mr. Guard, all the same whether he have a red face or a white one.' "'Well, that's good, Billy, but the chief thing is, after all, of what color his money and how he parts with it, eh?' The guard winked, and William's impassive features were lit up with a spark of intelligence and vivacity, which, however, was only transient, and he relapsed into his old state of extreme and unimpeachable gentility. Hold your tongue, Billy, here he comes. At that moment the gentleman pulled down the window and said to the guard, "'Open the door, if you please. I shall get out here.' "'Yes, sir,' said the guard, who immediately obeyed the injunction, and a tall but awfully pale individual descended the steps, wrapped up in a huge cloak, so that but little of his person was seen or features either. What little there was visible was not prepossessing by any means by the color. "'This is the star,' said the stranger, inquiringly. "'Yes,' said the guard. "'I'll stop here. Are you the waiter?' said he, addressing William. "'I am, sir,' said William. "'Will you walk this way, sir?' "'Yes. Show me into a private apartment. Let me have a good fire, for I am exceedingly cold.' William immediately took him into a room where there was a fire, saying, "'If you please, remain here, sir. We will make you a fire, and warm the room, and as you are cold, perhaps you will prefer this to going into a room without a fire that are already lighted for your reception. "'Certainly I much prefer it. Would you like to take any refreshments, sir?' inquired William. "'Not now,' replied the stranger, in mild accents. William left the room, muttering to himself. "'Well, he deserves to be a prince. He is as mild and gentlemanly as a prince. I vow I never heard anyone speak in such a tone, and with so much amiable condescension. What a pity he is so white, at least that he is so. I only infer from the nose, and part of the forehead, and cheeks around the eyes, these being the only parts that I have noticed. He is indeed not much unlike, in color, to the guard's vulgar simile, a well-scraped horseradish. I never saw white so opaque and dead before.' While these thoughts passed through the mind of William, he saw the apartment was placed in readiness for the stranger's reception, and placed himself in communication with the proprietor, and obtained his orders, and then returned to the stranger, and conducted him to his proper apartment, and then awaited his commands. The stranger gave him some orders, which were at once executed. And then he said, "'I shall sleep here, of course.' "'Yes, sir,' said William. "'I am very particular about my beds. I must have my bed well and thoroughly aired.' "'Oh, yes, sir,' said William. "'We always—' "'Never mind, never mind all that,' said the stranger blandly. "'Never mind all that. "'I know what you would say. All your beds are always aired. Well be it so. I have no desire to dispute it. But I once slept in a damp bed. I felt ill, and have never entirely recovered from it. "'Oh, that makes him look so horrible pale,' thought William. "'So you perceive, my friend, that I have caused to be particular, therefore you will excuse me when I inquire minutely into the character of the beds.' "'Oh, certainly, sir.' "'Certainly, sir.' "'Then you will see that my bed is aired, will you not?' "'Yes, sir. I will take care that it is especially aired, and if you approve my doing so, sir, I will have a fire lit in your bedroom.' "'If you please. If you will do all this, you will greatly oblige me. Are there any females in the family?' "'Yes, sir, the servants,' said William, fearing some impropriety was meant. "'Oh, the servants, and no others?' "'None,' said William, quite suddenly. "'Oh, yes, that is right, none but the servants. Then my request will not put you at any serious inconvenience.' "'Not in the least, sir,' said William, pleased to find that the females had only been inquired about for fear of annoying them. The stranger sat up in his room, and appeared to be very ill, and ate and drank but little. Though he ordered whatever was requisite for a liberal individual, and though taken away untouched, yet it was clearly understood he would have to pay for it. The bed was used and approved of, and the tall, remarkable-looking stranger expressed himself satisfied to the proprietor of the hotel, who came to inquire if he should desire anything more or different from what was already done. This was at once answered in the negative, and the proprietor retreated by no means prepossessed in the stranger's personal appearance, which was remarkable to a degree, that was noticed by everyone in the hotel. "'Wingester is an old town, a city, sir,' said the proprietor, by way of entering into a conversation with his guest. "'Yes, very old,' said the guest. "'And the cathedral, sir, has been built in part ever since the Saxon times, and then increased by the Normans. "'A, it is very beautiful. One could wish to lie there, it is so calm and beautiful,' said the stranger, with a shudder which he endeavored to suppress, and then he added. "'The graveyard is quiet and retired.' "'Yes, sir, you have been a Winchester before?' "'I have,' replied the stranger. Finding any further attempt at conversation likely to appear intrusive, the landlord quitted the apartment with a bow, which was condescendingly returned by the guest, who folded his hands one over the other, and turned towards the fire, upon which he gazed thoughtfully for some time in silence. The strange and ghastly-looking countenance of the stranger had created quite a sensation among the individuals at the hotel, all of them declaring they never heard of or saw anything equal to it in all their lives. "'But what was it? How did it happen so?' They had seen dead man, but they had never seen any so ghastly and so fearfully pale. "'He doesn't seem long for this world,' said one of them. "'If you had said he didn't belong to this world,' said another, "'I should have been inclined to believe you.' "'He does look like a corpse,' added an old woman. "'Yes, and what a tooth he has projecting out in front. On my word I have never saw his like.' And I, said another, never beheld such eyes, why he is scarcely human, such eyes as those I scarcely wish to look at again. "'He always appears to me to be in some dreadful agony,' said the cook. He really looks as if he had a perpetual pain in his stomach, and had eaten something that had disgraced with him. There was some truth in this last assertion, for the stranger always did appear as if suffering from some internal pain, mental or physical or both. And it was soon seen that he was rapidly losing strength, and could scarcely walk abroad. The cause of all this none could tell. Possibly it was only a sudden illness. Or perhaps it was a long affliction to which he was used to, and hence the terrible expression upon his countenance, which appeared as if it had never been otherwise so deep and so settled was the expression of pain. The stranger appeared anxious to get out, but was unable to do so. He could just walk across the room several times in the day, but was unable to get downstairs, and whenever he attempted to do so, he sunk down, his limbs losing the power of sustaining his weight. "'I can go no further,' he muttered to himself, as he endeavored to walk down the stairs. I am lost.' As he spoke, a truly horrible expression came across his countenance, that made William, who came to his aid, step back, terrified. "'You, you are ill, sir,' he said, in somewhat uncertain accents. "'I am ill,' he replied, very ill. "'Will you allow me to help you up, sir, to your room?' "'If you please,' said the stranger, who was endeavoring to rise by the aid of the banisters, and by these and with William's assistance, he got up. And then, with some difficulty, he reached upstairs, his own bedroom. "'I will send Master immediately, sir.' "'You need not be in any hurry,' said the stranger. I do not desire his presence. However, William left the stranger to seek his Master, and when he found him, he said, "'Oh, sir, the strange-looking gentleman in number five is very ill. Is he William? What does the matter with him?' "'I am sure I don't know, sir.' He sank down the stairs just now, and could only get up to his room again by my help. Something serious, I think, then. I thought he appeared ill when I first saw him from the expression of his countenance. "'Yes, sir, tis very strange.' "'Very,' said the landlord, thoughtfully, "'I'll go and see him, but in the meantime you had better sin for Dr. Linton, who knows me, and will come at once. "'Yes, sir,' said William. The landlord immediately sought the stranger's apartment, which he entered without any ceremony, and advanced to the bed in which the stranger lay, and upon his first glance at the occupant, the landlord stepped back in a fright. So truly terrible did the countenance of the stranger appear. "'Ah,' said the stranger, as he turned his glassy eyes upon him, "'I have come to see you,' stammered the landlord. "'I have come to see you. My servant informed me you were ill.' "'I am very ill. I feared so, and I have sent for Dr. Linton, who will be here immediately. It is of no consequence, I believe, I am too far gone to recover. Another horrible spasm passed across his countenance. What does your illness arise from?' "'Decay of the system. I want renovating,' said the stranger. The landlord paused. He didn't understand this at all, for the stranger did not bear the appearance of decay about him. He was tall and seemingly of middle age, he thought, and nothing about him to savor of decay save indeed the terrible and remarkable paleness which his flesh appeared to bear, and his system generally, in other respects, bore nothing of the appearance of the general decay. "'Shall I send for anyone, sir? Have you any friends I could write to for you?' "'None, sir, thank you,' replied the stranger, who, however, baited nothing of his politeness, and in his present position. "'Have you any desire to see anyone in particular?' "'No one, I thank you.'" At that moment Dr. Linton was announced, and the proprietor, having introduced him, left the apartment, leaving the doctor and his patient together, the former, at once perceived, and wondered at his extraordinary paleness. After a few preliminary questions, he appeared quite puzzled and said to him, "'May I inquire, what is the cause of this extraordinary complexion?' "'Certainly,' said the stranger, it was caused by damp beds.' "'Damp beds,' muttered the doctor, amazed, and hardly comprehending what was said or the nature of the reply. He was at a loss, but did not say so. What was the connection between cause and effect?' "'Yes, damp beds,' said the stranger.' "'Have you ever suffered in this way before?' inquired the surgeon.' "'Yes, more than once.' "'And have you ever recovered?' said the doctor, abstractedly.' "'I am here,' said the stranger, mildly.' "'Truly you are,' said the surgeon. I had almost forgotten that. Your case is so singular.' "'You pulse is very low and irregular.' "'It is,' coolly replied the stranger, but immediately a kind of spasm shot across him, as he had before exhibited to the landlord. "'Do you feel much pain? Does it happen often?' "'No, only occasionally.' "'I don't think you are at all likely to benefit me, sir,' said the stranger, with much more courtesy in his manner. "'I do not mean any disrespect to you, but my complaint is a fatal one in our family. Are you all afflicted in this manner?' "'Yes, all before me died,' replied the stranger. "'And when it does come on, we have no means of avoiding the end that approaches. There is no medical aid that could be rendered, ever did us any good.' "'You are quite an exception to nature,' said the medical man. "'Quite an exception. Your case cannot be beyond the assistance of medicine, if not cure, to ameliorate, though its nature may not be ascertained. But if we could do so, we could tell you what we might be able to do.' "'That has been attempted before,' said the stranger mildly. "'And hence it is I am loath to give you more needless trouble. Well, I will call upon you, and see you again. But you ought to take some medicine. I am persuaded that it is some great and extraordinary derangement of the system, a complete sinking of the whole system. Most undoubtedly it is a sinking of the whole system, a sinking which has never yet been stopped by human aid. But you can pursue what course you may deem proper. "'Will you take medicines if I send any?' "'Yes,' replied the patient. I will take them when you choose to send them. I will endeavour to send you something that shall infuse something like vitality into the system. That will help you to rally.' "'That will indeed be doing something more than was ever yet done by anyone who attended any individual of our family. I feel I am very weak, and am sinking fast, and do not expect that I shall again have the honour of seeing you.' As he again spoke, the same spasm seized upon him. His frame was convulsed for more than a minute, and his pallid features appeared to give forth expressions, which it was impossible to describe. The doctor paused, and gazed with something like fear and awe upon him. He had never before seen such a case so destitute of facts, nor yet such a man. It was quite beyond his experience. There was nothing like it in all his previous experience. There was no apparent cause for all that he saw. It might be some severe chronic disorder which did not manifest itself outwardly. If this were the case, it was most extraordinary. But more extraordinary than all was, apart from the medical question, the strange and terrible appearance of the stranger. His paleness, the terrible expression of his features, the strange and even revolting cast of his eyes, the completely baffled all his attempts to understand them, or to remember anything he had ever heard of or seen. The stranger languidly turned in his bed, and then closed his eyes, leaving his medical attendant to his reflections. Well, muttered Dr. Letten, as he looked at his incomprehensible patient, I never met with so fearful a human puzzle before. I never saw such an expression of countenance in all my life, nor did ever I meet with such a case. Had he been one of the fabled monsters of old, the creation of the German mind, he could not have been more unlike a human being to wear a human form. As he spoke, he quitted the room, and made his way to the proprietor of the hotel, who was anxiously waiting to see him as he was to meet him. Well, Doctor, what do you think of the patient? Why, I don't know what to think. I never saw such a man before in all my life. I cannot make him out, nor I. I can't understand what he means or what he is, nor anybody else, but he is quite a gentleman. And yet there is something very frightful to be seen in him. I don't know why it is. I don't care about going oftener to him than I am obliged. I don't doubt it. There was something in the feel of his hand more of a corpse than anything I ever felt before. Indeed, it is a queer affair. Do you know him? No, I do not, replied the proprietor. He has not been here more than two days, and when he entered he had that deadly paleness which he has now. Did he indeed? It is, I dare say, natural to him, though it must create an unpleasant sensation go where he would. He must feel it to be so, no doubt, but at the same time he could not avoid it. Have you come to any conclusion respecting his complaint? If not indeed. I will send him some medicine, though, to tell you the truth. I can hardly tell you what is the matter with him. His disorder seemed to consist of a rapid sinking of the whole system accompanying by a few minor symptoms and his spasm, which must be very painful for it produces an extraordinary effect upon his visage, and his eyes glisten like a piece of tin. That's it, doctor. Do you know I have been thinking for something to which I could liken those eyes to, but could not do it? When do you see him again? Tomorrow some time. In the meantime I must bid you good day, for my presence is wanted in the Dundrum family. Oh, have you any of them for a patient? Yes, too. Good day. Good day. Good day, doctor, said the proprietor of the hotel as he bowed the doctor out, and then returning to his own apartment, he wondered, in his own mind, at all that had been said by the learned individual when William entered his room with a hastiness of manner quite unusual to him. What is the matter, William? Oh, sir, I beg your pardon, but the strange gentleman, eh, well, what? Why, he's dying, and he wants to see you, sir. To see me, William, and dying? Yes, sir. It's very sudden, but good lord how dreadful he looks. He clasped his hands and shook. It made the bed shake, and the windows rattled, just as if an earthquake were taking place. Goodness me, muttered the proprietor, who immediately quitted the apartment, and followed William to that of the stranger, who lay in the same attitude as that described by William. But he was evidently endeavoring to repress all nervous emotion, and by the time he was spoken to, he succeeded in this endeavor completely, and lay apparently calm and collected for the landlord's appearance. I believe you sent for me, said that worthy in a subdued tone. Yes, I wish to speak a word to you before I die. Die, said the landlord at the start. No, no, you cannot mean that. You will get better. You are deceived. No, no, do not endeavor to persuade me from believing what I know is truth. I shall die, and that too before many hours. If the case is so urgent, let me send to Mr. Linton. He cannot have gone far, and he will return. Nay, do not do that. His aid is utterly useless, utterly. He is a clever man, but still. If your own feelings tell you that you can't live, allow me to send for a clergyman. My friend, said the stranger. I have settled all that in my own mind. My affairs are all made up. My account is cast, and I shall learn the balance where I am going to. I wish, while I have breath, to beg a favor of you. Anything on earth that I can do, I will, said the landlord. Nay, I do not decline. All that I only want you to promise me, you'll tend my funeral. All shall be done as you desire. My breath, I feel it going. I have money enough about me. You will find my pocketbook and purse a certain sum. Yes, sir, yes. And with that, you will have the goodness to liquidate my debt to yourself, my funeral expenses, and place the residue of that sum about my person. When you are dead, exclaimed the landlord, yes, will you promise me? Will you swear to see it done? Yes, I will. I do swear. See, you keep the oath. My breath is going fast. My strength is leaving me. And I will do all, said the landlord again. Will you have any friend attend your funeral obsequies? It's melancholy, but I am obliged to speak of it to you, because I cannot otherwise know your wishes. Do not mind that, said the stranger, turning towards the landlord. But when I am dead, dress me in my clothes, just as if I were about to walk. Let me have all my property and my money, such of it as the remains after paying all charges, the remainder cause to be placed about my person. In fact, all that belongs to me, and place me, and place me, me, me. Where would you be buried, said the landlord? Place me, gasped the dying man. Place me in a gurgling noise, succeeded by a sharp rattle in the throat, was all the sound that escaped him, while his glazed eyes were fixed with a truly horrifying expression, upon the features of the landlord, whose presence of mind appeared to forsake him. And he exclaimed, falling on his knees affright. Lord, have mercy on us. What a dreadful affair. Horrible, sir, said William. Oh, are you here, William? Inquired the landlord. Yes, sir, replied that individual. Oh, I'm glad of that. Did you see him die? I did, sir. How dreadful. Very, but I am glad you were here, because he has made some singular requests about burying him, and in a certain manner, with all his clothes on and his jewels and money about him. Now I should be considered foolish if I did anything of the kind, but I have promised, as he has no friends, I will do what I have promised. It is very good of you, sir. Though I think he has been very silly in making such a request. You cannot be so considered for performing the wish of a dying man. It is the duty of any one so promising to perform it. Quite right, William, quite right. But did you understand what he meant by his last words? I mean, where he wished to be buried. I don't know positively. But I think he meant the cathedral. I thought so, at least. I am not sure he said so, but I believe he meant to do so. Well, I think so myself, and in the cathedral he shall be buried. But it is a terrible looking corpse. I sure I could not sleep in the same room with him, poor fellow. What will come to, at last, there is no telling. Yes, sir, he does look dreadful. You needn't tell anybody we have a dead customer in the hotel, William. No, sir. Because people might be curious and wish to see him. And if they were to do so, I'm sure they would leave the house. So they would, sir. He's a dreadful looking corpse. I never heard of such a one. What can be the cause of it? And to be buried in his clothes, too? A, and his money, and his jewels. That is very strange. Very strange, sir, indeed. And the fewer persons who know of it the better, else the body will not lie very long in its grave. There will be those who would not mind turning resurrection men for the value of what he had about him. So there would be, William. And now I think of it, the authorities of the cathedral shall know nothing about it. For who can tell what fancy they may take concerning it being an un-Christian burial? And yet, sir, he paid all of his debts like a Christian. Yes, and left a remembrance for the waiter. There could not be a more Christian act than that. For who could be more Christian-like than to remember the waiter? And William at once admitted the truth of the assertion. And they both left the room, and instructions were given to William to obtain the proper aid respecting the funeral, and an order was given to the undertaker to come and measure the corpse for its last garment. All these things were duly attended to and kept secret so that a very few persons were aware of the fact that so strange an occurrence had taken place in the good city of Winchester, much less where they acquainted with the precise locality of the very house in which the occurrence took place. When the morning arrived on which the funeral was to take place, some persons were surprised to behold a couple of mutes standing side by side at the door of the star hotel, and there had been no previous sign of mourning. The hearse at one morning coach, however, was all that attended, into which one solitary mourner entered. There were several others made up for the occasion to give the cavalcade and uniform appearance. The body was carried down by eight men. It was very heavy, and the men bent beneath the load they bore. And when it was placed in the hearse, the one mourner got in, and they proceeded towards the cathedral, which was quite close at hand. A few, very few minutes served to bring them to the goal. And before the entrance of the cathedral, they stopped. An out came the undertakers, who contrived which much exertion, to carry the body into the church. And then, after some preliminary ceremonies, it was conducted into the vaults, where it was deposited, and the burial service was said over it, most duly and solemnly. And then left, it was presumed safe and secure to abide its final doom at the day of judgment. But many thoughts proved but the shadow of our wishes, and this seemed to be as a mocking shadow, as our readers are aware by this time of what actually took place in the dead of the night. In what name was the deceased registered? The burial, I mean, inquired the clergyman, whose memory, like some of his other faculties, was obscured by age. His name was Francis Varney, replied the chief mourner, who was no other than the proprietor of the Star Hotel. End of chapter 144. Chapter 145 of Varney the Vampire, Volume 3. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Shane Nolan. Varney the Vampire, Volume 3, by Thomas Prescott Press. Chapter 145. A rule seen by moonlight, the storm, an accident on the road, a new and strange acquaintance acquired, a disappointment. It was one of those pleasant, moonlit evenings that are frequently felt, as well as seen, towards the end of August, that a party of individuals sat in a traveling carriage and were proceeding at an easy pace on one of the crossroads that run from Winchester to Bath and also from Southampton, the Isle of Witt between Salisbury, more properly speaking, and Bath. The evening was lovely, the day had been sultry, and the sun had not been gone down so long, but that the heat of its rays yet remained. Indeed, though the moonlight gave light, yet the radiated heat from the earth first received from the sun was so great that the light evening breeze barely tempered the air. The party thus proceeding had been spent in a few weeks in rambling about Southampton, Portsmouth, and Salisbury, and were now winding their way to the city of Bath. They consisted of but four individuals, Captain Frazier, his wife, her sister, and younger brother. The latter did not count more than 12 years, while the sister, Ms. Stevens, was just 17 years of age. Captain Frazier had scarce been married six months and was upon one of the early matrimonial jaunts, which often take place in the earlier part of the married life, when all is sunshine and the matrimonial barometer might have always had the index nailed to, set fair at such periods. The lady's sister and brother were reciting with her, where their parents were dead, and hence they, the captain and his lady, were their natural protectors. They were riding in an open carriage. They had parted and thrown back, and even in this manner they felt the evening air was scarcely the writing cool. "'I don't think,' said Mrs. Frazier to her husband, that ever I beheld so beautiful a scene, the time, the warmth of the air, the occasional delicious feel of the light evening breeze, the serene light of the moon. All together I never felt so comfortable, or may I add, so happy as I do at this moment. "'I'm glad to hear you say so,' said the captain. It gives me an additional pleasure to find I can please you. Now Frazier, that is too bad of you. "'What is too bad, my dear?' said the captain inquiringly. Why, to say you are glad you can please. That is as bad as to say it is a very difficult matter. And you know I am very easily pleased, especially when you make the attempt,' said Mrs. Frazier. "'Well, we will not quarrel about that, my dear, but I must say with you, this hour, time, and place are all one could desire, and such as we seldom meet, the scene across the country is truly beautiful.' "'Yes,' said Mrs. Stevens, "'it is beautiful as far as we can see.' "'What river is that yonder?' inquired the brother. "'That is the willy, the same that we saw at Salisbury,' said Captain Frazier. "'Indeed, I thought that came from another direction more northly. That was another arm of the same river, and join this about there. And all the low grounds on this side of Yon Hills are called the Valley of the Willey, and a beautiful little veil it is, too, fruitful and picturesque. "'How beautiful the moonbeams glisten on yonder water!' "'They do, but not so strongly as they did. "'No, what is the reason of that? The air appears to darken. I have noticed it for some minutes past. Why is that?' "'I suppose it is caused by the evaporation from the grounds and heavy dews to compensate for the want of rain that usually takes place at this time of year. "'Then we shall be obliged to shut up the carriage, for the dew is more likely to cause cold than anything else. "'It is so, but we are upon comparatively high ground here, and, moreover, they will not reach us yet, but here are shawls you can wrap up if you feel chilly or you can put on your veils.' "'It's yet so warm,' said Miss Stevens, "'that I should be reluctant to put on any more clothing yet a while.' "'Do as you please, but do not take cold,' said Captain Frazier. "'How indistinct the scene becomes around the river, which we just now saw so plain is quite obscured, and you can scarcely tell where it is, save here and there, where the dotted willows appear, and which mark out the course of the stream. "'It is so,' said the youth, "'I can see the green tops of the trees appear above the thick mist that rises from the river below.' "'Exactly, that is the fact, and see how it spreads itself over the cornfields and meadows?' "'Was that not a flash of light?' said Miss Frazier suddenly. "'Light? I saw no light,' said the Captain. "'Nor did I,' said the youth. "'Did you, sister?' "'No, I did not so, but it is very sultry, and therefore it is very likely just at this time of the year. "'How much farther have we to travel before we stop for the night?' "'I suppose seven or eight miles, not more.' "'There, that was no mistake, however,' said Miss Frazier, "'as a flash of light shot across the heavens and left not a trace behind it. "'No, there was no mistake about it, nor did I think so before,' said Captain Frazier. "'Only I have not noticed it, but it is harmless. "'It is what is called summer lightning, and has none of the ordinary results of lightning. "'It will possibly make the air cool,' suggested Miss Frazier. "'And in that case, we shall have a more agreeable temperature "'to tell the truth. "'The extreme warmth and dryness of the air "'gives a strange and easiness to the body.' "'Another flash? Ah, that's a change in its character. "'Yes, that is the blue-forked lightning, "'and I am much mistaken if we do not have a sudden change. "'Hark!' "'At that moment, a sullen and deep rumble "'was heard in the heavens, followed by another flash, "'and then such a peel of thunder "'that boomed and rattled through the air "'in a manner that startled the dull echoes of the night "'and made the welkin' resound "'with the fearful sounds that filled the heavens. "'We shall have a fall of rain in another moment,' said Captain Frazier. "'Push on, drive on, and let us get out of this "'soon as we can.' "'Ai-ai, sir,' said the driver, "'and crack when his rip. "'The horses increased their speed, "'and they rattled on at good pace. "'Had we better not stop and have the hood closed?' "'No,' said the Captain. "'I can manage that very well, "'with the assistance of your brother, "'and we shall not lose time.' "'Captain Frazier and the young gentleman alluded to, "'brought the coach top up and secured it, "'just as a heavy shower descended in such torn "'so that they could scarcely hear themselves speak. "'So heavily did it rattle upon the leather "'and covering of the vehicle, "'and they sat there for some time in silence. "'Soon, however, the thunder and lightning "'filled the air with sounds and flashes "'in a manner that began to create a feeling of alarm "'in the minds of the ladies, "'and some uneasiness in the mind of the Captain. "'Not upon their account only, "'but because the cattlemate take flight "'under the circumstances, "'especially as they were fresh, "'and had now scarcely run three or four miles. "'For their stage was a long one "'before they reached their destination, "'which was now about two days' easy journey. "'The thunder and lightning appeared "'to become more and more terrible. "'The storm indeed appeared to increase "'rather than diminish in intensity. "'The very center of the storm appeared "'to be fast approaching "'and making the spot on which they stood, "'the pivot, on which it turned, "'its fury increased, "'and with it the horses were each moment "'becoming more and more unmanageable. "'Though in some measure aware of the fact, "'Captain Frazier kept his place. "'Fearful lest he should alarm his wife "'and at the same time distract the coachman.' "'Suddenly there was a bright and vivid flash of light, "'such as they had not seen before, "'but which illumined the whole place around them "'and made everything as visible "'as if placed in the strongest light imaginable, "'followed by such a crashing peel of thunder "'that the living earth appeared to rock again. "'It wanted but this to make the horses perfectly "'ungovernable, "'and they dashed away at a furious speed along the road.' "'Good heavens, the horses have taken fright,' said Mrs. Frazier, as she became aware of the speed they were going at. "'They have merely taken fright, my dears,' said the captain, "'and willing to increase their alarm "'by informing them of his own. "'He will keep them in the middle of the road, "'and we shall be at our journeys in the sooner "'and the more so, the better.' "'They were upon the point of being satisfied, "'when the jolts of the carriage, "'added to its eccentric course "'from one side of the road to the other, "'attracted so much of their attention "'that Mrs. Stevens said, "'See, Captain, how the carriage sways from side to side. "'We shall all be over in a minute or two. "'We shall all be killed.' "'There goes the thunder again, "'worse than your kettle drums,' said young Stevens, who appeared to think it rather a joke. "'The lightning flashes, too, "'as if we had got an electrical machine.' "'Do not talk in that way, Charles, "'for goodness' sake,' exclaimed his younger sister. "'We shall all be killed presently.' "'I hope not,' said Captain Frazier, "'though I admit it looks serious, "'but all you can do in the best under all the circumstances "'is to remain calm and quiet and see what happens.' "'See what happens, dear me, Captain, "'what do you think we all are made of "'that we should sit calm?' said Miss Stevens, "'and see what will happen when there may be broken limbs "'at the least, if not death. "'It's the best advice I can give you.' "'Had we better not get out, I don't mind trying.' "'I, if you wish to run at an imminent risk "'of instant and violent death, you will make the attempt. "'If you remain in here shut up, "'you have every probability that, "'if we do have an upset, which is not yet certain, "'we may all escape with a little fright "'or at most a few bruises.' "'Yes, sister, you had better wait for the worst, "'if the worst must happen rather than rush into it.' "'This was sensible advice, "'and the whole party fell into a deep silence, "'which was unbroken saved by the sound of wheels, "'the rattling of the carriage, the rain, "'and the roar of thunder, enough to employ their minds, "'and at the same time keep them "'in momentary dread of the fearful catastrophe.' "'Suddenly there was a crash and a dreadful jolt. "'They knew not what had happened "'except that they felt the vehicle was turned over. "'In a moment more the door was opened, "'and a stranger lent assistance "'in getting out the unfortunate travelers. "'Do not be alarmed, ladies,' said a strange but courteous voice. "'No further mischief can happen now beyond inconvenience.' "'As the stranger spoke, "'he lifted the two ladies out of the carriage "'and placed them in a sheltered position by the body. "'All you heard,' inquired the stranger, "'as he assisted Captain Frazier "'and young Stevens out of the falling carriage. "'No, sir, I am not. "'Thank you for your timely aid. "'Where are the ladies?' "'They are, I hope, un-injured. "'Captain Frazier immediately ran up to them "'and seeing them in safety, said, "'I am glad to see you are safe. "'I was stunned at first by a blow on the side of my head. "'Yes, we are safe, "'but we have to thank this gentleman "'that we have been so speedily and so easily "'extracted from our unpleasant prison. "'I am much indebted, sir, for your aid to the ladies. "'May I trespass upon your kindness "'to lend me a little further assistance? "'I shall be happy to assist you "'under these unpleasant circumstances, "'but allow me to suggest as the first thing "'that the cushions be placed under the hedge "'for the use of the ladies. "'And what cloaks or coats you have "'should be thrown over them.' "'Right, sir, I thank you. "'If you are deficient in them, "'my cloak is at their service, "'though I am afraid it is almost saturated. "'I have enough here,' said Captain Frazier, "'as he pulled out several articles of that nature, "'and then he, with the assistance of the stranger, "'placed them so that Mrs. Frazier and sister "'were almost, if not entirely, sheltered from the storm. "'Now,' said the stranger, "'the first thing that can be done "'will be to write the carriage "'and place it in a position "'where it will receive no further damage. "'But the driver and the horses,' said Captain Frazier, "'I must look after them. "'Had we better not look after them, he may be dying.' "'By no means,' said the stranger, "'he will do very well "'if we place the carriage upright. "'We shall be able to replace the ladies.' "'We can,' said the Captain, "'who appeared to be divided "'between the duties of humanity "'and the tender anxiety he felt for his wife.' "'Exactly,' said the stranger, "'and permit me to suggest "'that he has either gone on beyond our aid "'or does not require it.' "'It is possible.' "'And very probable,' said the stranger. "'But if you prefer it "'and think the ladies will not suffer, "'we can walk on ahead "'till we come up with them "'if they stop before the end of the stage.' "'No, no, sir, you are quite right. "'I will get the carriage up if you can. "'So far assist me. "'We shall then place the ladies "'in comparative safety.' "'We shall so.'" They immediately walked around the carriage and examined its position. As well as they were able in, to the Captain's great relief, he found that it was still on its wheels. Though the body was thrown over on its side. "'How can it have happened?' inquired the Captain. "'I cannot well see,' replied the stranger. "'But you will perceive something "'must have caught the offside wheel "'and turn the whole of the four "'carriage that way, "'which has left this corner of the body "'without support, "'added to which the speed of the momentum "'much have acquired in this course "'has thrown it over.' "'Precisely, I see now how it is, "'but if we get the body up, "'it will fall again over on this side "'since it has no support. "'Oh, yes, it will remained up "'since it has lost all force, all moving power, "'unless, indeed, "'any of the straps are broken, "'we can try.' "'Here, Charles,' said Captain Frazier, "'we will want your aid.' "'Oh,' said the stranger, "'the slightest assistance is valuable. "'It is the last strainer effort "'that may complete the removal. "'Now, if we can lift it up "'from the side, we shall soon write it, "'and then the four carriage "'can be forced round, "'the ladies replaced, "'until we get better dispose of them.' "'The stranger placed his shoulder "'to the carriage, "'as well as the Captain "'and his brother-in-law, Young Stevens, "'and thus aided, "'he soon lifted it up "'into its old position, "'and there remained very quietly. "'Now we had better pull all the wheels round. "'This was done, "'and the carriage assumed its former state. "'Well, how could they have gotten away?' "'Inquired Captain Frazier, "'examining the axles and the bars. "'All appears right. "'They have broken the splinter bar, "'and here are the remains of the traces. "'The splinter bar, I find, "'has only lost its hooks, "'so it will do again. "'Come, sir, you have less damage to regret "'than I had first thought possible. "'You could have escaped with. "'I am truly glad it is so. "'Thank you, sir. "'Your kindness and assistance "'has been truly great and efficient. "'But I have yet to find the poor fellow "'who drove us. "'We will seek after him, "'or I had better ride onto the next town "'or house where I could obtain assistance, "'while you would be better able "'to protect the ladies by remaining with them, "'and my horse will carry me quickly enough. "'Oh, you are mounted. "'I am, but the ladies wait.' "'Thus admonished the captain turned to the ladies, "'and with the stranger's assistance, "'he conducted them back to the carriage, "'where they were replaced, "'without any material damage "'or misfortune of any kind, "'say what might arise from fright. "'Someone is coming this way,' said the stranger. "'If I mistake not, they are your runaways by the sounds.' "'They listened, "'and distinctly heard the sounds "'of horses-feet coming along, "'with the jingling of harness. "'That made it pretty certain "'that what the stranger said was correct, "'and that it was most probable "'that this was indeed the man who drove them "'coming back with the same cattle, "'or some fresh. "'A few moments more decided the speculation, "'and the man himself rode up "'and looked at the carriage saying, "'Well, I thought it was upset. "'So it was, but we have righted it now. "'Has no accident happened to you, "'but these are the same horses.' "'Yes, sir, when they got loose or broke away, "'they went as if they were shot out of a gun, "'and away they went for some miles, "'until I contrived to stop them, "'which was a hard job. "'However, I thought then, "'as there was nothing to matter with them or me, "'I'd better return and see what was become of you, sir, "'and the ladies. "'Quite right? "'Do you think they will go quietly in the harness again? "'Oh, yes. "'Oh, yes, sir.' "'Then we will harness them "'and go to the end of the next stage "'when we can see exactly what mischief, "'if any, has been done. "'This was immediately put in practice, "'and they were soon harnessed. "'The broken straps and traces "'beam mended in the best way time and circumstances admitted, "'but effectually enough for the present purpose. "'Now, sir,' said Captain Frazier, "'do you continue on this road or the one we have come? "'I suppose we must have overtaken you "'as you were coming this way.' "'No, I was a traveler going in the same direction. "'I saw your speed from a distance, "'and believing your horses to have taken fright, "'I rode on, and being well-mounted, "'I overtook you just as the accident happened. "'Then we may have the pleasure of your company "'on the road for some distance to come, I hope, sir. "'As far as the next place to stop at all events, "'for I do not desire to travel further "'than I can avoid tonight. "'Then I shall be able to thank you more at leisure, "'and at a better opportunity than I present,' said the Captain. "'Do not name it. "'I am too happy to have had it my power "'to render you any assistance. "'Shall I ride on and secure your proper accommodation "'when you do arrive there?' "'Your kindness is very great,' said the Captain again. "'I am much beholden to you, "'but if we can get as far as we hope to, we shall not require it. "'There will be sufficient for travelers "'under the ordinary course of events. "'We shall do very well, "'and if we should not be able to get so far, "'we must make our accommodations content "'with whatever chance accommodation we get on the road. "'Then we will journey for that distance in company,' said the stranger, as he mounted his horse, which had stood quietly by while the tall stranger rendered the timely assistance he had to them. They proceeded along now at a cautious pace. The weather had abated and the rain was now less severe. The thunder only heard in the distance, while the lightning could only be seen in occasional flashes in the distance, in a direction away from them. The clouds began to lighten, and then the diffused light of the moon came and shed a gentle light upon the scene. Though it was very scarce and of comparative little use, save it enabled them to see their way all the better. The roads were good, and they traveled onwards with some increase of speed, and finding none of their amended horse tackle had given way, they still kept journeying onwards at the same pace. Time brought them to their destination, and when they arrived at the inn, at which they were to stop for the night, they found it had not made much more than an hour, or an hour-and-a-half's difference. When they were fairly housed, the stranger took an apartment to himself. It was while he sat before the fire that Captain Frazier entered his room. "'I must apologize for my intrusion,' began the captain. "'Don't say a word on that head, sir,' said the stranger. "'It is no intrusion. You are welcome. Be seated, if you please. I am alone and perfectly at leisure. I have come to thank you for the service you have done us, and to beg that you sup with us, and permit the ladies to have an opportunity of thanking their preserver in person. You will oblige us all by accepting the imitation.' "'I am much obliged for your courteous offer,' said the stranger, who was a tall dignified man. "'I will come after supper, if you please, and shall feel it a great honor, I assure you. But I am so truly sensible that my efforts were more owing to accident than to anything else, that I do not wish to hear anything more of it. You must not be so self-denying, sir. We do not wish to put any more merit on your act than we think it deserves. But that much you must accept, if you will permit me to use such a word. Shall we have the pleasure of your company?' "'After supper.' "'I will not press you against your feelings, but you will come after supper, sir. I hope I may have the pleasure of drinking a bottle of wine with you. Will you come?' "'I will, sir, and thank you for the honor.' "'May I have the pleasure of being able to introduce you to the ladies by name,' said the captain with a little hesitation. "'Certainly, certainly, I beg your pardon. I am somewhat forgetful. I forgot I had not passed through an introduction,' said the stranger. "'Permit me to give you my card.' As he spoke, he handed Captain Frazier a beautifully embossed card upon which was printed in Italian characters. Sir Francis Varney. Captain Frazier took the card and read the name. And then passing a compliment, he said. That since he could not have his company to supper, then he should expect him when he felt that leisure and disposed to do. "'I am sorry he will not come, though under other circumstances. I should have been glad of it, but I am sorry on this occasion. And why would you have been glad? Because after the flurry and upset we had, I am hardly fit to see anyone much less a stranger, but he so kindly and promptly rescued us from our danger that I cannot feel a reluctance at any time.' "'Yes,' said her sister. And I must say, I never heard a voice that sounded so really like a gentleman's indeed. I could fancy that anyone could speak positively assert that he was a gentleman, only from hearing him speak, without seeing him at all, but be that as it may, I felt convinced he was such.' "'He's very courteous, I must say,' said Miss Frazier. "'And who do you think he is?' "'I have no means of forming any judgment.' "'Well then, he is Sir Francis Varney.' "'Sir Francis Varney?' "'Well, I do not know the name. I've never heard the name before that time, but I think there is some one of that name in the time of Queen Elizabeth, an attendant on the Earl of Leichester.' "'Are you not joking? Indeed, I am not. I have read so.' "'And do you think this gentleman may be a descendant of his?' "'There is no impossibility nor improbability about it that I see,' said Miss Frazier. But I am the more obliged to him for his timely assistance. I am sure it was fortunate that he was so close at hand. "'Yes, it was very fortunate. Mary, my dear, we shall be introduced to a baronette. It was quite a prophecy of yours in saying he was a gentleman when you only heard him speak. By the way, Frazier, what sort of man is he?' "'Very singular indeed.' "'Singular? Ah, he is very tall.' "'Yes, he is tall, but very pale. More remarkable and dignified than handsome, extremely courteous and polite. What age is he?' "'Well, I cannot tell. Perhaps forty, perhaps not so old by ten years. It is quite impossible to say. Dear me, how strange. I think I could guess anybody's age better than that. You shall have an opportunity of doing so, then, in an hour or so, when he will come. And I think I may venture upon saying you will be pleased with his dignified politeness, and say he is much superior to most men.' The supper ended, and the wine was produced, and Captain Frazier, his lady and two young relatives, were seated round a good fire, for the storm had chilled the air. Besides, the damp they had stood in rendered such a precaution necessary and pleasant. Notwithstanding the day had been sultry, but the change in the temperature was sudden and great awaiting, was something like impatience, the stranger's arrival. He does not appear to come, said Charles Stevens. He is not here, certainly, but he will come, no doubt. The moment he is quite sure that we had done our supper, and he had finished his own, perhaps he takes longer than we. Perhaps so, but I am strongly tempted to go to him again. It might be construed into undue urgency or something of the sort, said Mrs. Frazier, and yet he might be waiting for something of the sort. So he might, said the Captain, at all events I will go and see. If he were inclined to do so under other circumstances, he would not take offense under the present. Perhaps not. At that moment the door was opened, and the waiter presented a note. A note for me, said Captain Frazier. Yes, sir. Who can it be from? From the gentleman upstairs, sir, who came with you an hour back. Oh! exclaimed Captain Frazier. He has taken ill and obliged to go to bed, sir. Captain Frazier immediately tore open the note and read as follows. Sir, I deeply regret I cannot keep my promise to take a glass of wine with you, and have the honor of being introduced to the ladies. Favored me so much as to make my excuses to them. It is a great pleasure lost to me on the occasion. Permit me to say, deferred, rather than lost. And if I might venture to make an appointment under the circumstances, I can only say that, if convenient, I should be happy to breakfast with you, and then have the honor and happiness I have now the misfortune to lose. Sudden and severe indisposition alone have caused me to retire before I have the honor of seeing you and expressing my inability to attend you. Yours obliged, Francis Varnay. There was a blank upon the countenances of all present. Evidently a deep disappointment was felt by all, but the Captain was especially surprised, and turning to the waiter he said, Did you see this gentleman? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Was he unwell? Yes, sir. I mean, was he or is he dangerously ill? He was very ill, sir, but I don't know that he is dangerously ill. He suffered much pain, and he was obliged to have aid to go upstairs. Did he say what it was that illed him, pursued Captain Frazier? Not that I heard, though some say he had got the cramp and cold by being too long in the wet. Perhaps so, very likely, very likely, that will do. Let me know how he is the first thing in the morning, do you hear? Yes, sir. I will take care. Well, said Mrs. Frazier when they were alone, I did not expect such a disappointment this evening. However, he makes up for it by appointing the breakfast hour for our meeting. It is the more agreeable, as we shall have had a good night's repose, and shall be the better able to appear to advantage. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information on a volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The storm, which had raged so violently in the early part of the evening, and which had appeared to have gone and a calm succeeded, had returned, and the fury of the blast was only equaled by the deluging rain and the fearful rumbling of the thunder. But calmly slept the beautiful and innocent Mary Stevens. She was young, and her mother was very young, and her mother was very young. She was young, and her mind bore no weight of care. When she slept, no dreams disturbed her rest, but a calm, death-like sleep sat upon her soul and steeped it in forgetfulness. The storm raged around, but she heard it not. She was unconscious of it. Perhaps the disturbance and fatigues of the previous day caused a greater degree of depth to her insensibility and rendered her mind less liable to slight interruptions, but she slept soundly, and did not even hear the intruder, who walked across the floor of her bedroom, and stood, gazing on her fair arms as she lay sleeping. The intruder was a tall man, enveloped in some strange mantle, all white. He stooped over her, as if he listened to the beating of her heart, while his strangely bright eyes, which shone fearfully, appeared to express a horrible kind of joy, too terrible for human nature to contemplate. He stooped. He placed his hand upon her heart, and felt its pulsations, and a terrible and ghastly smile passed over his features, while a movement of the lips and mouth generally appeared as if anticipatory of a coming meal. Then he took the white arm in his hands, and cast a longing look at the features of the maiden, who appeared disturbed by the rude action, and moved in her sleep, and was suddenly aroused from her slumber by a severe pang in her arm as though some creature had plunged its fangs into her flesh. She started up, and found herself flung upon the bed with gigantic strength. She screamed, and uttered scream upon scream. The old inn was filled with sounds of terror and pain, there was loud knocking heard at the door. Then indeed the assailant left his prey to provide for his own safety, but it was almost too late. For the door was burst open violently as he made for another means of exit, which was the means by which he had entered the apartment, but he was prevented, and as the first person entered the apartment, he threw him down by placing something in his way. The light was thrown against some furniture, which immediately rose up into a flame. Help! Help! Fire! Fire! These were fearful sounds, such had never before been heard in that place, and the inmates woke up by the screams from deep slumber, were startled and terrified at these sounds, and springing at once from their beds echoed the sounds as they run wildly about from place to place. Where is the fire? What's the matter? Fire in the young lady's room. All eyes were directed to that quarter, and in another instant there were several persons rushing to the room, the glare of the fire in which at once attracted their observation, and they rushed to the rescue among the foremost of whom was Sir Francis Barney, whose bed-chamber was not far distant from Mary Stevens's. He rushed to the bed, and wrapping the bed-clothes round her, he carried her out of the room and the scene of danger, and as he came out of the room he inquired, Where is Captain Frazier? Here, here I am, Sir Francis, said the Captain, coming hastily forward. Then, Captain Frazier, I resign my charge up to you. You are her proper protector, but I must apologize for my hasty intrusion into her apartment. Do not think of speaking in that manner, Sir Francis. We are already indebted to you for our lives, and now we are again your debtor. Your ready-aid has twice saved the young lady. Captain Frazier took Miss Stevens from Sir Francis, and then carried her, as she was quite insensible, to his own room to his wife, her sister, where she was laid upon the bed, and found to be quite insensible. There was much confusion in the inn. People were running about from place to place and tumbling over each other in the confusion of thought, and the moments were precious for many were running about, yet none did effective service, though all were willing enough to do all that could be done by them under the circumstances. You had better get some water, said Barney, as quickly as you can. It is useless to run about and stare at each other. Get all the buckets you can. Be quick about it. There may yet be time enough to save the inn and keep the fire to the room where it is, but that time will soon be at an end. Instantly two or three of the men ran down and got a plentiful supply of water, and then, under the direction of Sir Francis Barney, the fire was very soon got under, and the flames were extinguished. Then came an inquiry how the fire had first appeared. Do you know how it happened, inquired Sir Francis Barney, of the innkeeper, who stood quite mute with astonishment at the scene before him? No, Sir, said the innkeeper. I don't know anything. I don't know myself. I don't even know where I am, or what's the matter? Then I beg to tell you, Sir, said Barney, with much suavity of manner. Then I beg to tell you, Sir, that there has been a fire in your inn. A young lady frightened out of her senses, and I know not the cause. No more don't die, said the landlord, with a short grunt, indicative of wonderment and alarm. I wish I did. I wonder who set the place of fire. That's what I want to know, and why he did it. The motive was not a bad one, I believe. Not a bad motive? That which causes one man to set fire to and destroy another man's property? Not when it is not only not done with any evil intention, but it was not even done willfully, said Sir Francis. Perhaps you saw it done, said the landlord, with another grunt. I did, replied Barney. Hearing the disturbance, I hastily threw on some of my clothes and ran out of my apartment to ascertain what was the matter, and found several others had got here before me, and had burst open the door. The first who entered had a light in his hand and fell with it, setting the place on fire, which burned furiously for a minute or more, the hangings being dry and old. I took the young lady out, else I am sure she must have perished. Well, I saw you come out with her in your arms like a salamander, but what I most wanted to know is what was it that disturbed my customer? That is of the greatest consequence to me. You are perfectly right, my friend, said Sir Francis, with much composure. To make that inquiry, that being the origin of all that subsequently took place, you are a man of discernment, and must see that the young lady herself can alone give us any account of that. True, sir, but I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken, not only for the young lady's sake, but for the property you have prevented being destroyed. You have no doubt saved the inn and all it contains. That is enough, sir, said Barney, waving his hand. You have said enough. I am glad I have rendered you a service, and that it has been effectual. It has been just the thing, said the landlord. Then take my advice. See the places secure and send all persons to bed. Save perhaps a single individual who might be set to watch the room which has been on fire and which may have some slumbering spark in it, though I think not. But the quieter the place is, the sooner the young lady's alarm will be over and then all will be well. Certainly, certainly, said the landlord. It will be better to do so, but here is the only gentleman who can tell us how the young lady is. Sir Francis Barney turned round and beheld Captain Frazier coming towards them with a very grave aspect. Captain Frazier, said Sir Francis, perhaps you can tell us what we are so very anxious to learn and what we have been inquiring about. What may that be, Sir Francis? We have been trying to learn what it is that caused the young lady to scream out in such a fearful manner. We have settled the cause of the fire. That has been manifest enough to us all. Indeed. I am not acquainted with it. It rose from the first person who entered her apartment after the door was burst open, falling over something and setting fire to the curtains which blazed up in an instant, and set the whole room on fire. Indeed, said Captain Frazier, almost incredulously. Yes, I saw that myself, said Barney, and I stepped over him as he lay on the ground and therefore know it. But how is the young lady, as she recovered from the extreme fright into which she has been thrown? It is a much more serious affair than I had any notion of, Sir Francis. I am concerned to hear you say so. Shall I send for the doctor? Inquired the landlord. Do. That is what I came to ask you to do. She has recovered once and has fainted again. I know not what to think. She has a singular wound in her arm. I can't understand that at all events. I did not see it when I took hold of her. Though, to be sure, what I did was done in smoke and flame, and I could not be supposed to scrutinize very closely had I been so inclined. But what kind of wound is it? I can hardly describe it to you, save it as a bite. And there are teeth marks plain enough to be seen, though we have no means of telling what kind of creature it was that inflicted the wounds. Indeed, I am concerned, for the effect upon the imagination will be very bad. But did she not see, or fancy, she saw, the object that injured her? It was dark, and the storm raged without. Moreover, she was held down by a powerful grasp, and when she attempted to rise she was flung down, and she could feel the blunted teeth enter her flesh, and the creature appeared to suck her blood. Dear me, said Sir Francis, what a very strange affair. It is fortunate I was obliged to retire early, and I slept the lighter, and was therefore easily aroused from my sleep. But I am proverbially a light sleeper. Are you, sir? But what has caused the wound in her arm I cannot tell. It is quite a mystery. She has got fancy into her mind that it was a human being, but that could not have been the fact. I should imagine not, said Sir Francis. And then I know of no animal who could commit such an act. A cat or a dog could not have done it, though a dog might have made the teeth marks, but a dog would hardly have attempted to suck blood. They will do it, said Sir Francis. That I know to be a fact, and I believe it to be one that is generally admitted by all persons, especially that breed of animals mostly kept, which have something of the bulldog in them. It may be so, but how could she be held down by one of them? She could not be struck down when she attempted to rise. It is not for me to combat the young lady's opinions, but remember, my dear Sir, how terrified, not to say how horrified she must have been at such an unusual and, I may add, unheard of an attack. If you consider such things and the improbability, not to say what appears to me the impossibility, you will see plenty of room for mistakes to arise and give her notions a wrong turn. That is very true. And besides, I would, if I were convinced of the contrary, endeavor to persuade her of her mistake, unless you can discover the perpetrator of the outrage, when justice demands that such a savage should be severely punished. By God, Sir Francis, said the captain, if I could see him, I would shoot the scoundrel, but then I am getting angry without a cause. It may not be what she thinks, and then, you know, all one's anger goes for nothing. So it does, but in the meantime, great care and attention is requisite to regain her confidence and serenity of mind. Oh, a day or two will make a great difference in these matters when we come to change the scene. Are you travelling far, Captain Frazier? As far as Bath, said the captain. At this moment the landlord returned, saying to Captain Frazier, I have sent to Mr. Carter, who will be here, no doubt. He is close at hand and will come in a moment. He is a very clever gentleman as Mr. Carter. I saw him perform four operations on coach accidents. Operations on coach accidents, said Sir Francis Farney. A curious matter that how did they succeed upon such materials. Oh, they were two broken arms and three broken legs. Indeed, did they all recover? No, only one got over it. Upon my word, a promising member of the faculty to entrust so tender a charge to under such delicate circumstances. But landlord, have you any bad characters about your house or in the neighborhood? I can't say anything about the neighborhood, though I believe it is as quiet and orderly as can be or usually as I never hear anything against it and know nothing against it. And as for them in the house, I can answer they would not hurt a fly unless provoked to do so. But what I mean is they are all honest and tried servants. Well, that is saying a good deal, said Captain Fraser. But have you any dogs about the house? I mean any large dogs? Ah, dogs? Yes, I have several dogs and good dogs they are, too. Could any of them get into the rooms? The sleeping rooms, I mean? Could any of them get into the room that has taken fire? No, unless the door was open, said landlord. They are not allowed to run about loose here lest anyone should get up in the night and be mistaken for intruders. For my dogs, gentlemen, would take any one they saw moving about outside of a night. But otherwise they are quiet, well-conducted dogs. Well, you mean to say they could not have got into Miss Stevens's room? I do, I am sure of it. They could not, because there were none of them about the house when we went to bed, when the house was shut up at night. However, here is the doctor. The medical man now arrived and was forthwith introduced to Captain Fraser, who conducted him to the apartment in which Mrs. Fraser and Miss Stevens were awaiting the coming of the doctor. Captain Fraser, after having introduced him to the invalid, returned to the landlord and Sir Francis. Well, I cannot make it out at all, said Sir Francis. There must be some mystery in it, I am persuaded, and if that could only be discovered the matter would lose half its terrors to the mind of the young lady. No doubt it would do so, said the captain. The fire and her wound together have made a deep impression upon her. The wound, said the landlord, is the young lady hurt then? Hurt, indeed. She is seriously hurt. She has received a severe wound in the arm by some one or some dog, having seized and bitten her seriously. God bless me, said the landlord. I never heard of such a thing. Somebody began to eat her, I suppose. Upon my word it would almost make one believe we are in the cannibal islands to say the least of it. Here is the surgeon, said Sir Francis, who noticed that gentleman's approach. Well, sir, said Captain Fraser, how is your patient? I fear she is much terrified, and if she were to remain here long I should hardly like to answer for her health. She has received a very severe shock. Her wound, what think you of that, sir? I really can't say anything about it, save that it is a bite, but how inflicted I cannot say. It is very mysterious indeed, very strange, but what I look upon as most important in the affair is the impression it has produced upon her mind, that you see may last her all her life, and produce very unfortunate consequences. I do not know that it will be so, but I state what there is a possibility of, or I may more correctly speaking add, of what there is a great probability. I regret to hear you say so, said Sir Francis Varney. Do you really imagine a young lady has been bitten by any animal? Yes, I do. There are evidences enough to prove that. There is the wound in her arm, and the marks of the teeth quite plain, and she suffers from the anguish of it much, but I shall be better able to say more about it early in the morning when I call again to see her. She will be able to travel, I hope. Oh yes, she will be able to do that indeed. I would recommend she should try to do so, as the best means of throwing off all the unpleasant feelings and thoughts upon the occasion. Will you call early to-morrow? I will, said the doctor, and then he bade from good evening and left. Well, said the landlord, I am amazed at what the doctor says about the young lady. I am sorry it should have happened in my house, but I hope something will turn up to make it turn out different. That, I am afraid, is not possible. Seeing you have a clear demonstration of what it is now, the mischief has been done. I am the more sorry, said the landlord, that it is likely to pray upon the young lady's feelings which are to be considered in the case. Certainly, certainly. There is where the mischief is likely to spring from. However, it is of no use to stand here all night. It is cold. I must get an hour or two sleep before I get to business in the morning. I think so too, said Captain Frazier. Well, I will bid you good night, Sir Francis, and shall expect you in the morning to breakfast. With pleasure, replied Varney, and they all parted, each going to his own dormitory, to sleep, or to think over the events of the night, as best they might. Chapter 147 The next morning came, and with it came also the usual bustle of a country in, when strangers are stopping there, especially carriage strangers, as well as the usual coach stoppages, when they changed horses, which they did more than once that morning. It was at a later hour than usual, when the party breakfasted, and it was somewhat late when Sir Francis Varney entered the room. Good morning, said Sir Francis, with great suavity of manner, and in a most courtly tone. I trust I see you somewhat recovered from the fright you were put to last night. Oh, Sir Francis, said Mrs. Frazier, it was a dreadful fright indeed, but we have so much to thank you for. To you we owe much, and my sister owes to you a double obligation. You have rescued her twice. I am happy to think I have been a fortunate instrument in serving you. I trust Miss Stevens is better than she was. I think she is better, Sir Francis, but she desires to remain in her apartment until we are ready to start, though I thought it somewhat unreasonable, because if she is to travel she had better have come out. But her rest was disturbed by the accident, and it might have been early before she slept, and an hour's rest and repose might do much towards recovering her, said Sir Francis. Her own feelings are a good guide under these circumstances. I think so too, said Captain Frazier. I, said young Stevens, was awoke by a desperate riot caused by people running about. I did not hear anything of the scream. I was awoke by it, said Captain Frazier. How did you hear of it? How were you awoke? By a loud scream, said Sir Francis. I was asleep, and when it awoke me I knew not what it was. I remained for a moment or two in doubt as to whether I had not dreamt, but a repetition assured me that I was not dreaming, and knowing from the sound it was a female's voice, I jumped up and dressed myself as well as I could. But before I could do that I heard people running about, and when I got into the gallery I heard the door burst in. Did any one come out? I cannot say. I saw no one, but the man who first entered the apartment fell down from some cause or other and set the bed curtains on fire, accidentally of course, but it was the same in effect. Did you see any one in the room, Sir Francis? No one at all. I did not even know who slept there, but seeing the form of a human being lying there and wrapping the bed-clothes, or rather seizing her and the bed-clothes by grasping with both arms I carried her out. I used but little ceremony, and the urgency of the case must be my excuse. And it is, Sir Francis, though I know not in what way we can manifest our feelings of gratitude to you. You may, madam, by saying no more about it, but I shall be delighted to think you have such a good opinion of my services, and the knowledge that they have been useful. That is a gratification to me. And one you are well entitled to, Sir Francis, said Captain Frazier. How far are you travelling? inquired Mrs. Frazier. As far as bath, madam, for the benefit of my health. We are going to bath, Sir Francis, as well. I am sure it will be a great pleasure to Captain Frazier to find that we are to have such a travelling companion, that is, if you can accommodate yourself to travelling in a carriage. I can travel, as you please. I am mounted and am used to such travelling for months at a time. Do you travel much at a time, Sir Francis? Yes, I have been a great traveller for years, not so much as regards distance as to the constancy of my perambulations, for I continue for months together out, riding from one town to another. Without an attendant? Always. I never carry a servant about with me. It cannot be done with comfort by anyone. You have always proper attendance if you stop at a respectable inn or hotel. Or, if not, if the road you have to travel be a cross-root, you cannot expect any additional comfort from a servant, but you are troubled at his not being comfortably lodged. At least I am, for I have tried it. I dare say there is much wisdom in that. I know from experience that a single traveller who has leisure and is willing may enjoy himself better than he could if he were attended by his servant. You are somewhat restrained in your motions and cannot do as you would please under all circumstances. I am fully persuaded of that from experience, but I shall travel on horseback till I get to bath, and then I hardly know whether I shall remain at a hotel or take lodgings for the season or what. What we intend is to take lodgings, said Captain Frasier, for a time, as long as we feel inclined, and then to enjoy ourselves. Quite right, said Sir Francis. Quite right. I am glad to hear you say so, and I hope it may be of advantage to Miss Stevens. I hope so too. Shall we have the advantage of your company en route? I shall have great pleasure in having your company so far. It will give me great gratification indeed. I shall be most happy to bear your company as far as the city of Bath, and shall consider myself the gainer by your society. No, we shall be the only party that will benefit by it, but we shall feel greatly your kindness and I, for one, anticipate much pleasure on the road from your society, and also when we arrive in Bath. I feel such will be the case. At this moment Mr. Carter was announced also. In a few moments more this individual was introduced to them. He was a plain gentlemanly man, who really was a clever man, notwithstanding the fearful account of his prowess and skill which the landlord had descanted on the previous night. Well, Mr. Carter, said Captain Frazier, how do you find my sister? Do you think she is any better than she was? I think she is calmer, and much of the first violence of terror is gone, but I cannot say any more. She is still much disturbed. Do you think there is anything dangerous in her state? No, sir, I do not. Though I cannot hide from you the possibility that there is of her being permanently affected by it, I mean mentally. It may take a deep hold of her, and there will be no getting her free from it, saved by judicious treatment. You do not consider much, then, of her wound? The arm? Oh, yes. That looks very angry, and has been a very severe bite, and has caused her arm to swell, though I have no doubt about its getting well. Still, it will be very painful for some days, and had it been a little more severe, it is possible that some of the tendons might have been injured or an artery wounded. Upon my word, said Sir Francis Barney, this had very night turned out a very bad and serious affair, if not a dangerous one. Of that there can be no doubt, said the doctor. Well, but after all, what was it that has caused all this disturbance? What was it, a man or brute? Decidedly the latter, said Sir Francis Barney. Decidedly the latter be the form of the creature what it may. Indeed you were right, Sir Francis, said Mrs. Frazier. But she insists it was a human being who made this abominable attack on her. Why or wherefore no one knows, but she insists it was a man. What do you say, doctor? I only know, sir, what the young lady says. Do you think it probable? I cannot say I do. I think it most unlikely, though to be sure there is nothing in it that is impossible. Had anyone felt maliciously towards the young lady they might have perpetrated the crime, but in the absence of all malice I cannot think so bad of human nature as to believe it. You discredit it then? said Sir Francis Barney. I do, said the doctor. With all due respect to the young lady, but the probability of mistake is so great and when you consider the terror so natural to the occasion her powers of observation were limited and liable to error that I cannot myself believe otherwise then there is a great mistake. And what do you consider of the wounds? I mean, do you think it possible that they were inflicted by human teeth? Are they of that shape and character that could be inflicted by human teeth? Yes, decidedly, that is so far as I am able to judge while the wound is swelled and angry, I should consider them just such as might be inflicted by the teeth of a man or woman that corroborates the young lady's own belief. It does so far, said Mr. Carter. Then comes the question of how it could have been done and by whom. These seem to be questions which cannot be answered. I asked the landlord all that could tend to elicit that information but with no success. He knew nothing that could throw any light upon the subject. Perhaps he knew nothing, suggested Mrs. Frazier. Most probably he did not, was the reply. I know the landlord to be a respectable, though somewhat eccentric man, and I think him quite incapable of being a party to such an outrage upon any person, much less upon a lady who was stopping at his house. Well, however true that may be, yet it is undeniable that this outrage has been committed, though by whom we cannot say, for we do not even suspect anybody. I can't understand it at all. Nor I, but as you observed, sir, the outrage has been committed and here, too. But, unfortunately, no one is suspected, and justice cannot be done, which in such a case ought to be fully and clearly made out, for there can be no paliation. None at all. I wish, said Captain Frazier, I had been first in the room. Why, sir, inquired Sir Francis Varney, do you wish that? Because, you see, sir, I should have felt that inward satisfaction arising from the fact that I fancy I might have ascertained whether any one was or had been in the room. The young lady said there was, said Sir Francis. Yes, yes, but then you saw the door opened and saw no one come out. I did not, though after I had Miss Stevens in my arms I came away, and then it was possible any one might have got out, though there were others who would have seen them, but still in the bustle and confusion of the moment there might have been somebody. Yes, there is that possibility, said Captain Frazier, and I don't see why I should trouble myself about this affair, I mean by wishing myself there, but I should have done nothing but carry out the body, that would have been my first act. No doubt, said Sir Francis, and what made such an act the more necessary is the fact that she was an instant danger of death from burning or suffocation. True, true, who would have coolly gazed around him when there on the bed lay the unfortunate victim of God knows what? Well, Sir, I must bid you good day. I have some patience to visit. Not before we square accounts, which is easily done. Let me know how we may stand, Sir, and I will pay you at once. This little affair was soon settled, and the doctor was about to depart when he said before he left the room, I have given the young lady directions what to do relative to her arm. She must not use it much, but any medical man who may chance to see it will be able to prescribe for it, though what I have given I deem almost enough to affect her complete restoration as far as regards the arm. The shock the minded nervous system have sustained will only be eradicated by time and change. Thank you for your advice. That shall be attended to. The doctor now quitted the hotel, and the landlord entered the apartment with a very serious aspect, and after making his bow, proceeded to say, I am very sorry, Sir, for the occurrence of last night. Very sorry indeed. Indeed, Sir, I cannot make it out at all. I have inquired all over the house, and nobody at all knows anything about it, nor can't think how it could be. A good many of them won't believe it at all, though I told them there could be no doubt of it, for the young lady was burnt and the bed set on fire. You may be sure of that, landlord. The young lady has been bitten on the arm most severely. And as for the fire, said Sir Francis, I saw how that occurred. So you said, Sir, replied the landlord. If that fellow as fell down had stood up, why, it wouldn't have set the curtains afire. No, that is true. Well, then, he would have been able to have seen what was the matter. Instead of his filling the room full of smoke and fire as he did, he had no excuse to tumble down. Nobody knocked him down. But didn't he hurt himself very badly? Oh, only about two or three square inches, or perhaps a patch as big as your hand off his chin, that's nothing to such as he. Very good. But have you examined the place to see if anybody could have got in and concealed himself? Was there any possibility of a man's getting into your house and secreting himself in any part of the bedroom, which would thus afford him an opportunity of doing what has been done? Why, sir, I don't think it likely. And yet these people are so cunning that you could not, by any possibility, guard against them in any way, especially in an inn. But there is no house free from intrusion of that character. But in this instance they could have had no notion the young lady was to sleep there. That is very true, said Captain Frazier, and tends to show she was not singled out for outrage. But what seems very singular is that anyone should secret themselves, and that with a view to commit to such an outrage. That is very true, said the landlord. But people do very strange things sometimes, and I think the object of anyone hiding himself in the house in such a manner as this rascal must have done was robbery. But he met with no resistance, and there could have been no excuse for so cowardly an assault as this complained of. There is much truth in that, and yet we don't know what human nature is capable of, said the landlord. I have known a few things in my time, but the man or whatever he might be might have been tempted to make the assault complained of. What? Then, landlord, you imagine that a thief who had got into the house would make an attempt to eat a young lady? Why, as to eating her, sir, said the landlord, scratching his head. I cannot say he would. I don't know what his intentions might be, nor do I profess to understand at all. I can't, however, see what can be the motive, save malice and spite. They might not care whom they injured so long as somebody was hurt. They must have been very bad. Yes, sir, and I wish I had seen them. If I had, I would no more mind chopping them in two than I would cleave a marrow bone. I truly hope, sir, you won't consider that, however unfortunate the circumstances are, that I am blameable in this affair. I took all the usual precautions in this affair, that is, my house was secured as usual, and the place watched during the day, for we are particular in that respect, knowing that we are very liable to be robbed. Exactly, said Captain Frazier, and though I much regret the occurrence, yet I tell you, I do not see anything in which I say you are to blame. It is simply a great misfortune, and there ends the matter. Thank you. I regret it as much, I am sure, as anybody, because I am very likely to be injured by it. You are not to blame. Allow my carriage to be at the door in half an hour, as we shall leave almost immediately. And my horse too, landlord, as I bear this gentleman company. The landlord departed and went towards the stables, and gave the necessary orders, while the guests remained, conversing on the extraordinary occurrence that had taken place, and much pleased with the courtesy of their new friend. Many were the speculations that were indulged in, respecting the attack upon Miss Stevens, many of them wild, but all wide of the mark, fortunately, for her frame of mind, and then, before they had at all come to any conclusion, or any satisfactory probability, the carriage was announced. Well, Sir Francis, I presume you will ride with us? Yes, on horseback. I understand so. We shall be much indebted to you for your goodness, but here is Miss Stevens. At that moment the young lady entered the room, ready attired for travelling, but looking very pale and timid, Sir Francis advanced and, taking her hand, said, May I have the pleasure of hearing you say the occurrence of last night has done you only a temporary mischief? I hope not, said Miss Stevens, but to you, Sir Francis, I owe everything. I am grateful to you for your ready and effectual aid under such trying circumstances. I am sure I can never repay you for your goodness. Nay, the task is easier than you imagine, said Sir Francis, to know that I have saved you and to see it as beneficial is repayment enough. I am sure we never feel so much satisfaction and pleasure as when we find our endeavours, however important or unimportant they are, have proved effectual, that we have done what we desired to do. That is ample reward. You are so good, Sir Francis. We will say nothing about that. None are so perfect, but we may see room for amendment. But we will have a truce, I hope, upon this subject, and now converse upon the pleasures of our journey. They, I hope, will be many, said Mrs. Frazier. I have every expectation of it myself, said Sir Francis. The day appears fine and the sun is high. The storm of last evening has cleared the air of much of its heat. It is cool and pleasant. The country will look refreshed. The fields will be quite gay and pleasant, and the face of nature renewed. Well, I am certain it will be a pleasant journey under such change, for I must say it was very sultry yesterday. It was, said Captain Frazier. The appearance of the earth alone will tell that. But are you all ready? Yes, all, replied Mrs. Frazier. Now, my dear Charles, what are you about? I am looking for my gloves, said the youth, but I can't find them. Never mind them, we shall be off without you. I'll come before you have all gotten to the carriage, so don't wait. Permit me, Miss Stevens, said Sir Francis, as he offered his arm, to have the pleasure of seeing you safe into the carriage. The young lady accepted of the proffered arm of Sir Francis, though not without something like reluctance, though why she could not tell. But yet she did not like to appear to hesitate, and forced herself to do what common courtesy, if not gratitude, demanded she should do. She took his arm, and the whole party were shortly seated in the carriage. And, with Sir Francis Varney mounted beside them, they all quitted the inn, where they had experienced such strange vicissitudes of fortune during one night that it would never be erased from their memories.