Part 18 (1/2)
”Wasn't your own watch under your pillow?”
”Yes.”
”Oh, all right. I haven't a word to say.”
”But it wasn't any watch I heard--it was a different sort of tick.”
”Yes, of course it was. Ghosts' watches have a peculiar tick of their own--”
”Alvord, stop! It's mean of you to poke fun at me!”
”Forgive me, do; I apologize. It was mean, and I'll stop. What else happened?”
”Nothing,” Aunt Abby was clearly piqued.
”Yes, tell me. What became of the--the figure?”
”Why, it disappeared. Gradually you know--just seemed to float away into nothingness.”
”He gave you no message?”
”Not in words, no. They rarely do. But the appearance, the visibility is the usual way of manifestation. I'm glad it occurred. Oh, I'm awfully sorry Sanford is dead--I didn't mean that but, since he had to go, I'm glad he bade me good-by, as he pa.s.sed on.”
”Well, I'm glad, too, if it is any comfort to you. Are you sure Eunice had no such experience?”
”Oh, no--if she had she'd have told me. She hates all such ideas. I suppose if she had seen Sanford--as I did--she would have become a believer--but I'm sure she didn't.”
”Poor Eunice. She is terribly broken up.”
”Yes, of course. They were so devoted. They had a tiff now and then, but that was because of Eunice's quick temper. She flares up so easily,” Aunt Abby sighed. ”San couldn't manage her at times.”
”I know. Poor girl, I don't blame her for those spasms of rage. She can't help it, you know. And she's improving every day.”
”That's what Sanford said. He thought he helped her, and I dare say he did. But sometimes he had to speak pretty sharply to her. Just as one would to a naughty child.”
”That's what she is, bless her heart! Just a naughty child. We must be very considerate of her now, Aunt Abby, mustn't we?”
”Yes, indeed. She is sorely to be pitied. She adored Sanford. I don't know what she will do.”
CHAPTER VIII
THE EXAMINER
When after the autopsy, Dr. Harper announced that it was necessary to send for the Medical Chief Examiner, Eunice cried out, ”Why, what do you mean? He's the same as a Coroner!”
”He takes the place of the Coroner, nowadays,” rejoined Harper, ”and in Dr. Marsden's opinion his attendance is necessary.”
”Do you mean Sanford was murdered?”
Eunice whispered, her face white and drawn.