Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
2 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau
2 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
-TALL Wants
Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu
TALL Wants |pr at r Oj- ROBBERYA HENRY FRITB" w 'Author «fH The Mystery of Moor Farm" "On tho Wings of the Wind," Through Flood, -nivugls A- fe, Jr w„ —gnaiman, who an„ _,erea --ne waesJKuijTS cuts had been killed on the line. "I warned him time enough, but he took no notice, and then I put up the signal to warn the 1 driver." a .F The guard'tnrned back, and the others went also towards the, spot indicated, and examined the ground. Not a trace of any human being could be found. The ballast of the permanent way was not in any way disturbed, nor had any blood been spilt. Well, this is a rum start," said the guard. a The driver and fireman looked at each other and laughed. "Jack's been dinin' out," said Ned. "Been mixin' a bit. Eh, Jack ? g., l,ve touched notmn" lmt tea this week," re- plied the trembling signalman. "It's the warnin' Ugain." The warnin! !,I exclaimed the guard. What, the spirit we heard of P Get out!" he added, scorn- fully. Spirits and water, I'm afraid," remarked one of the passengers. I'm sorry to see the lives of people are trusted to a tipsy signalman." "I'm not tipsy, sir," replied Jack, respectfully; "nor was I ever drunk in my life. You can have me examined, if you please. I saw the appearance on the line as sure as I stand here." "Nonsense, my good fellow," replied another gentleman. "I think you are overworked—you fancy things. Take a rest-get off duty for a week, and have a change of air. I can see you are sober enough." "Jack's sober enough always," said the engine- driver. He's stopped us before like this. There may be something in it, but we saw nobody." "Not a soul," said Ned, confirming his mate's remarks, as in duty bound. The guard also said the same. Then there's something going to happen. You may depend warnings don t come for nothin'. Look out ahead, driver; you may find it affects you too," said Jack, shaking his head. Goin' to happen, is there ? Do ye think that there's ghosts about then ? asked the driver, scorn- fully. That's just what I do believe. I've seen the figure afore, and he always vanishes in front of a train. Look ahead, mate." 1' H C -t All right, Jack; don't alarm yourself. If he's a ghost I run him down. If he's a man I won't. Goodnight." Jack stood fit the window of the box and watched the train. The steam rose in lurid clouds in the tight of the setting sun, and vanished into the tunnel. The figure had disappeared, and whoa the man hurried up from the tunnel to ask if anything was the matter, Jack turned the subject, and said it was all right." Yet, notwithstanding his convi tions, Jack Ray- mond could not shake off the dread that oppressed him as night came on, The sun disappeared in fiery, clouds, and In>:de the discs of the signals blood-red' danger In; hf. even when green or white were dis- played. All the atmospherical concomitants were in favour of nervous associations. The air was still and sultry; scarce a sound was heard —the birds were hushed -tlie insects forgot to htim-,t weird and alarming sensation of solitude crept over Jack, and ever and anon a cold and unaccountable shiver hurried thtough his limbs, as if he had suddenly walked into a fog. The heavy masses of cloud came piling themselves up ou the horiion, and sent out light scouts of vapour like pilot balloons to see which way the wind blew. And yet the great masses did not always takj advJrtfasre of the information, for some of th- tn went slowly away in another direction, and left their mountainous companions putting out tcndrils of their own, ad grumbLng loudly as they went. All this while not a breath of wind was stirring, and yet the bnlllc n-s ot tue higher trees waved to and lio us if in .-yiripathy witn each other. The snails and such creeping thing* (a ue under the signal-box as it lor shelter, and in the light of his hand lamp he could see glistening streaks upon the woodwjm. And had Jack Raymond under stood how well ani.uals of a lower creation thin he under- stands the sinus of coming ran and tempest, he might h ive b« en interested in watching his com- panions—two tine siuders. But when his a'teuton was not directed to an ap- proaching '.r.iiti lie was listless, aud yet nervously aiive to every sound. lie could not help watching the liue near the tonuvl, as if he expected to see £ •Htly fcgiuv. in tho glnom. Night came on, t ami twelve o'.lo.-k ap:>roach-d, a distant sighing jeomi'l It:) heard, and a flicker ;hat'was not an engine's li.htor tire gl tier d across ihe rails. storm is wni n' on," muttered Jack. "I ho c Lucy iw fi-igoten- d-:tll alone. It'll wake b>r"ii7>, and I don't t ,ink she quite likes it. There's (mother—ah! and that's thunder and no mistake { Th-re could be no mistake as the deep' yet still distant ooom of Heaven's artillery resounded through the pitchy darkness. Suddenly a vivid blaze of light showed the signal- man the hill and the trees, as if a transparency had been lighted up behind them. In thrt second he saw every obiect as distinctly, even more distinctly than at noon day, and then the thunder rumbled and finished with a boom like a. stroke upon an enormous drum. Then a blue and silvery gleam came shimmering and fig-zagging through'the sky, and danced from cloud to eioud. A rattling peal followed—the boom- llli: stage was parsed —th« storm was approaching. Jack lv;i\in nul turned to shut the door of tho signal cabin which had swung open, for the breeze was getting up. and, as he did so, a terrific light- ning flash leaped from the sky all green and blue and chain-like, and in the vivid gleam he beheld a figure standing on the top step of his ladder, a J figure all in white, but in the second of time he had j recognised Lucy standing like a lovely statu* [ against the landscape, the gliotiug rails, and distant j Tillage houses, all of which were clearly risible I cehyxd her in the light, IM-tk 0 0 f 0 J. Printing of every Description .1 declare; come'iTisideT Iwas thin kinJ of yoiil I thought ye'd be nervous, Lucy." She was very white as she stood there, very beau- tiful, and trembling in the dim light. "So I was, father. I'm glad I came. See! there's a flash! I couldn't sleep, father, dear, and so I thought I'd come to you." Very glad ye came, my girl. Why, Lucy, have ye been frightened ? Are ye cryin', lovey ? That's a tear, or I'm a Dutchman." Nothing, father—nothin* at all. I was a little frightened at first, but now I am here I feel safer. The thunder is going off, and I can soon get back. It will be daylight soon." But the storm still grumbled around, and many vivid flashes darted across the black sky. In one of these Raymond called out, excitedly: There! look there I He's come again. Don't ye see him-the appearance!" Where, father f exclaimed Lucy, startled by the suddenness of her father's appeal and the nature of it. I don't see anything." f "Not now ye couldn't, but I did. Well, I've warned him, and now he may take his chance. There he is still, crossing now." In the second that had elapsed every object was M clear as noon-day, but now blackness had settled down again. The thunder that followed the last flash was apparently nearer. Get ye home, Lucy. I'll not be late. Have breakfast laid ready, there's a good lass. Run away now." Run away, father. Why should. I she asked, playing upon the words with a, strange pleasure, and almost wishing he would detain her in the si^nal-lox by force till morning. "Go home, child," replied the old man, testily. "Leave me; ran now betore the rain comes wor.-e; your thin dress will be wet through. Good night, Lucr lass." "Good night'and good bye," she murmured, softly. "Give me your blessing, dear father." God bless ye, girl, and send ye happinesss. I feel strange to night myself. But go, and heaven preserve you, my girl." She went reluctantly. Kissing him warmly, and then with slow unwilling steps-, notwithstanding tho rain which had now recommenced, she returned homewards. At the gate a man awaited her. She almost screamed at seeing him there. Here I am, Lucy, darling, as I said, punctual to the time. Half-past two. Have you put the things up?" "Yes, Frank; but I do not think I can so like this. Why not wait and ask father amI-" "George Collier, I suppose," sneo ed the man. Oh, certainl Hadn't we better tell tnem all about it now "Don't be so cruel, Frank. You know what I have sacrificed for yon, and y-t I wish we could have acted differently. But it is too late-too late! "Too early you mean, Lucy," cried the man impatiently. ;t will be daylight soon. We can cross the line, and in ten minut.s we shall be in the trap. Come, darling Lucy, come." She still hesitated, and he proceeded, Well, then, I must, go alone. The transport sails on the 26th, and I have only one .more day. I re-engaged as a married man, and am on the strength of the regiment." I thought yon was an officer, Frank you told regiment." I thought you was an officer, Frank you told me so. Are not you an officer ? Yes, a' non-com.'—without a commission T mean. i Now, my girl, no nonsense: pickup your spirits and I your clothes and let's be off. You jl'tust, you shall come, d'ye hear?" Lucy almost rebelled at these words, but con- trolled her temper as she thought of the probable consequences. Then in a more submissive frame of mind she entered the cottage, and soon returned with a good-sized bundle. Here are my things," she said. I've saved all the money I could, and have got it here." She touched her bosom as she spoke, and after a hurried glance around the youthful pair hastened down the path to the railway line. there was a sort of dim light from the eastern sky, and they were admonishea there was no time They crossed the railway unobserved as they fancied and were at once hidden in the deep shadows of the trees. But Raymond had perceived from his elevated niche the gliding figures. He was certain this time that his eyes had not deceived him. In a moment he was on the line hurrying towards the tunnel. He had made up his mind to find out the mystery. His brain was in a whirl. He fancied he recognised a female form like Lucy's. He must be going mad! A sudden scream-a loar-a rush-a terrible grinding, rasping sound in his ears. He had no time to turn round-no time to utter a cry for help. The engine threw him aside with a horrible sweeping lotion from the buffer and cast him in the permanent way a mangled, dusty heap of matter, apparently uo longer human.
CHAPTER V.
Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu
CHAPTER V. f AT THE MUSSUKI GLen. WE must now transport our readers over sea and land for many hundreds of miles, even as the crow flies," and soaring up on high over the hot Indian plains about the middle of April, 1856. People in the lower lands were beginning to cry out for a cooler climate, and travellers were already on the way up to the hills for rest and recreation. No one can overestimate the advantages of th, so sanafaria in the Himalaya. They are a necessity for the Anglo-Indian army. The favourite starting point for the "hills." or mountains as we should call them, is Simla, where Governors-General rejoice; and races, dance's,- with numerous other amusements, enliven the time, and many a scandal find its w,;y down to the plains 'rom the hill country with hasie. Many a court martial has been held in consequence of 'the life in those pleasant, and partly dissipated, stations, though in all probability only half we heard was true and the rest not new. Idleness in the hills has a great deal to answer for and- Satan finds some mischief still, For idle hands to do." Mussuri is anothfrof these hill-stat,ons, and tbenee the expedition to the source of the Ganges is made. g To Gangutrfe is about fifteen days' journey, and the road is a very.fine one, but not devoid of d-inger. I It was with the object of penetrating to the nouroe •f two 0"000 ii-at < natty of Executed at the Ch?'onicle] Office, Penarth. WMWw i HIMI'I i ill | blecT,^ with ^many other* jfeopTe, at* Mussuri ârUié time we have mentioned. It was perhaps early, but the club was open, and when April comes all who can obtain leave or money come up to have a good time amongst the hills. The difference between the temperature in plain and hill is something amazing to a novice. The thermometer at fifty degrees or less at the club would, if carried dewn to yonder plains, be nearly ninety-five. Forty miles in a direct line makeS more than forty degrees of heat between plain and hill. The club itself, built upon a precipice, commandf a magnificent view from this side. The grand Himalaya are towering in front, while beautiful foliage and many plants in full bloom adorn tha lower hills. There is no want of company; many houses are perched up on the rising ground, and the club-house is rapidly filling, though there are sinister rumours in the air, and leave is sparingly granted in the year 1856. o There are many "'grass-widows" though up there, and amongst them a very prettv youcg woman, who is a great favourite with the men oD leave, and tolerated by the women. But no one had, much to say against her. Her husband was away in the steaming plains, and she must have been II devoted and true little wife, for, call when yoO would, Mrs. Layton was writing to her husband-00, she says—and why should it not be so ? But no one ever saw those letters when pouted She always sent her letters herself, she said. Variouf conjectures were made concerning Captain Layton, as she called him, and yet at that time n<$ a man had ever met him. What corps did he belong to ? No one liked to ask; and, if any one had, Mr* Layton would not have answered. She was certainly very pretty, 'and as changed a<! a woman will change who has left a stifling air fot. a pure atmosphere within sight of the eternal Himalaya Imows. And in the afternoon upon thol Mall" there will be no brighter, pleasanter little woman," as her acquaintances call her, than Urei Layton—only who was her husband ? We will now, if you please, stroll into the largO: breakfast-room of the club, the lower of the two reception-rooms wherein dinner and breakfast wen*1' on nearly all day. It is about half-past nine o'clock now and some of the residents are coming to break- fast, but the majority have not yet put in an appear, ance. For the idle ones are still in bed and whetf: two o'clock comes you will find them combining th« tiffin with their breakfast. The four men who entered the room alrnosti together exchanged careless greetings not distant nor wanting in cordiality, but at; er the manner of man who had met another individual about times before during the day, and thinks suc^ acknowledgment sufficient for courtesy. They are all ready for the meal, and by degrecfi conversation becomes more animated. t Been round the Camel's Backr" asked one of th91 individuals nearest him. Yes," replied the person addressed. Glorio^ morning for a ride—isn't it ?" The Camel's Back" is a mountain near this sanatarium, and it is a good thing to ride round tbe: road cut upon its sides before breakfast—if yo11 want an appetite, and are not afraid of falling. Seen your grass widow yet ?" inquired anQth ofiicer quietly of his friend. No, going to call upon her presently. She's very charming-1 assure you." By the bye, who is she ? No one seems to ge. I at the rights of it. Has she a husband living i" I believe so-don't know, I am sure," r; pli- the other. She's the wife of some man in 111 service, I believe." Civil or military f" inquired another. j She's civil — very," replied the young rnftij addressed, who believed he had made an csioll i he may be military or not, I don't care." j Better mind what you're after, Frank," said h'| friend; there are a few rows up here sometim^j friend; "there are a few rows up here sometim^j and grass widows are not to be trifled wiLh al wayS, he added. J Not such a fool as you think me,' replied t; other, stroking his moustache with a conscious alf" I saw her in the plains and at Sealkote, where Ila husband's regiment was. She told me she ",81 coming up, and as I was feeling < seedy,' I came to"' that's all." What is her husband you must know bio then ?" asked his friend, suspiciously, with a search ing glance. You aie not quite explicit." The younger man flushed slightly and He is the 1000th Foot, I believe." Then you ought to be certain. Come, Fra¡1 don't be a fool. Let the widow' alone you only get into hot water." If; Shouldn t mind a little occasionally up" heOI4 replied the subaltern, flippantly. It's deu-ed cOl sometimes," he added, as he rose and strolle leisurely away out of doors. He had not gone very far on hia round of that morning when he encountered a sedan chalf' borne by four men dressed in loose black garment*! with green facings, and in this chair or Janpao J young lady was seHteclj looking very good-te^ip^^ and very well pleased with herself. { Ihis well-dressed person was Mrs. Layton, notwithstanding all her surroundin-s she had < altogether the air of a well-bred woman. There < a want of ease which betokened one accustome e the s), iety in which she was now ambitious to 5hldi But there are ways of shining and pe.haps she not the difference. One may daD 10 cause us to put our hands up for vrotection. or sb'IV with bonowed light quiet y and unobtrusively as 4 moon, or again with a pleasar.t light of one's < toned down to the eyes of those whom v.e ,nh attract as the candle attraois the moth. J. Now Mrs. Layton rather slion- in an dazzling fash-on out of doors. She wore good e!otl;t'j a. d the well-known mnrnpr and iwdixte of hada goodly account with Mrs. I avion. In t when the raw subaltern or the iii.o,e vt-rl tii]", captum called upon her she was of a candle-like lI1 euwlued briliian. y. So the moths who came for » a-tetc hunioiJ nt Ja-t. rdt:;on^h they fJfc warm and comfortable under the influence o' > beauti tul fhuIW tlle:v worshipped, and declared selves ready 10 die for. Frank Soufcu; was one of those nioths. 11011 made toe acquaintance of the young lady sonic before, and paid her a grtai deal <>• attention NVI'l'!y knowing w ho she WHS. JBut when he found o"t j she wus a married woman, and m reover the w'*jj the acting quart rma-ter of ti regiment at" tioll 0 Sealkote, he was perplexed and conceived dangerous ideas concerning tho "youug wouiau he called her. j She was very young and very pretty. Jtan in India had not hnunuod Uer hmuty,, iO» .1.