Page 36 (1/1)

"I'll reh Still, I fear these Spaniards less than the guerrilleros: they are everywhere They call the more than robbers They--"

Asensio paused abruptly He seized his co forward, stared across the level garden into the shadows opposite So there, under the trees; the men could see that it hite and formless, and that it pursued an erratic course

"What's that?" gasped the negro He began to tremble violently and his breath became audible Esteban was compelled to hold him down by main force "Jesus Cristo! It's old Don Esteban, your father They say he walks atVarona e: "Hush! Wait! I don't believe in ghosts" Nevertheless, he was on the point of setting Asensio an exaed frohed with relief: "Ah-h! Now I see! It is my stepmother She is asleep"

"Asleep?" Asensio was incredulous He was still so unnerved by his first fright that Esteban dared not release hi"

"I don't like such things," the negro confessed in a shaky voice "How can she walk if she is asleep? If her eyes are open, how can she help seeing us? You know she hates Evangelina and --" For a ure; then Esteban stirred and rose from his seat "She's too close to that well There is--" He started forward a pace or two "They say people alk at night go mad if they're awakened too suddenly, and yet--"

Dona Isabel was talking in a low, throaty, unnatural tone Her words were less, but the effect, at that hour and in those surroundings, was bizarre and fearso uncomfortably This was very creepy

When the soress toward the mouth of the well continued he called her name softly "Dona Isabel!" Then he repeated it louder "Dona Isabel! Wake up"

The woman seemed to hear and yet not to hear She turned her head to listen, but continued to walk

"Don't be alarly "It is only Esteban-- DONA ISABEL! STOP!" Esteban sprang forward, shouting at the top of his voice, for at the sound of his naht, a erously close to the lip of the well