The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE SENTRY. 331
I look at your shoes, and see if they are
wet or bloody ?
" Holy Mother of God, defend me!" ex-
claimed the soldier, in a tone of unfeigned
alarm.
" Reverend Father, stay with me.
Have you any holy water with you to
sprinkle the passage ?"
"Perhaps it was to-night,' ' continued
Malvicino, "because the monks are afraid
of this passage on Good Friday, for fear
they should hear the groans. The spirit
returns either last night or to-night. Yes,
it would be to-night, since your shoes are
not yet wet with blood."
" Oh, what shall I do if I am to pass
another night here alone ?"
" You're safe as long as I'm here. But
I should like to know the truth. Look to-
night into that dark corner as the clock
strikes twelve, and see if you can see a
skeleton. He still wears some flesh on his
eyes, ears, and right hand, which drips with
blood. He groans four times, and then