The House on the Borderland

nned the gardens, earnestly; but nowhere could I see any signs of the brutes. I leant over, and glanced down to the foot of the wall, to see whether t

; but there was no appearance of anything beneath it; nor could I see the creatures I had killed, after its fall. Evidently, they also had been taken away. I turned, and went dow

k in the corner, indicated that it was three o'clock. It was

e was perfectly silent. Slowly, I stood up, and yawned. I felt desperately

e corridor, towards my study. In an instant, I was on my feet, and grasping my rifle. Noiselessly, I waited. Had the creatures broken in, whilst I slept? Even as I questioned, the steps reached my door, halted momentaril

of the house. Then, as I caught a glimpse of her old petticoat, the thought passed as quickly as it had come, and I half laughed. There could be no mistaking that ancient garment. Yet, I wondered what she was doing; and, remembering her condition of mind, on the previous day, I

a sound that sent me leaping down, at a mad rate - it was the rattle of bolts

seen me, and, the first thing she knew, I had hold of her arm. Sh

nonsense? Do you mean to tell me you don't understand the dan

mbled, violently, gasping and sobbing,

to be brave. There was little to be afraid of now, I explained - and, I tried to believe that

s, obviously, not quite herself for the time being. Finally, I told

in my arms, and carried her there. At first, she screamed, wildly; bu

r. I could do nothing more for her, and so, crossed to where Pepper lay in a big basket. My sister had taken charge of him since his wound, to nurse him, for it had proved more severe than I had thought

ow she felt; but she only shook the more, and, much as it paine

door, and pocketing the key. It se

y study. For food, I brought up a loaf from the pantr

this silent house, with no companion, save a mad woman and a sick dog, was enough to prey upon the nerves of the hardiest. And out in the tangled shru

hat saddened me beyond belief. Poor girl! her fear cut me intolerably, and I would not intrude on her, unnecessarily. She would be better, I trusted, in a few days; meanwhile, I could do nothing; and I

the da

and a heavy ulster. The rifles I loaded, and laid alongside my other; as I intended to make things warm for any of the creatures who might show, during th

power to insure our safety, I returned to the tower; calling in on my sister and Pepper, for a final visit, on the way. Pepper was asleep; but woke, as I entered, and wagg

ally, darkness fell, and soon the details of the gardens were merged into shadows. During the first few hours, I sat, alert, listen

And the moon rose, showing the gardens, apparently empty, and s

ld sooner, far, have had them attack the house, openly. Then, at least, I should have known my danger, and been able to meet it; but to wait like this, through a whole night, picturing all kin