" Those Who Ride Straight" 



Trotter's queer staring eyes and our intent ex- 

 pression, the glass shook a little in his hand and 

 the ice jingled. 



"What is it, Jimmie?" Mrs. Norman's low 

 voice questioned softly. 



"Don't you hear? Hark!" He put out his 

 hand as if afraid one of us would answer. 



No one spoke. A gust of wind, without warn- 

 ing, half closed the hall door, then threw it back 

 banging against the wall. 



Trotter did not notice. Norman started and 

 half rose from his chair. As he did so, it came 

 faintly almost imperceptibly. 



-T-a-l-l-y-0." 



One long silvery note, clear as a bell. It 

 sounded a very long way off. 



My blood froze and fear gripped me with icy 

 fingers. Mrs. Norman swayed, and a stifled cry 

 escaped her. Her husband sprang from his chair 

 and crossed to her. 



All was still again. Trotter remained standing 

 there, a weird sight, straining his ears for the 

 sound. 



«T-a-l-l-y— O! John Peel's Tally-0! would 

 awaken the dead or a fox from his lair in the 

 morning." 



How well we knew that voice, soft, yet ringing 

 clear and strong ! I sprang for the door. Trotter 

 163 



