Chapter 20 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose Chapter 20 The Entertainment How the following day, past Dorothy did not want to remember. From the early morning when she sent the telegram to Mr. Travis, stating that Talia could not possibly leave, and that a letter to follow would explain, until the hour set for the charity performance, the girl was in one continuous whirl of excitement. Ned's accident did not prove to be as serious as had been feared. Although there was no possibility of him being about for several days at least. In the excitement and emergency, Talia had marshaled all her individual forces, and proved herself worthy to be a friend and chum of Dorothy Dale. With a change of heart, her resolution to stick to Dorothy, there seemed to come to her a new power, or at least it was a return of the power with which she had previously been accredited. So the final work of preparation was accomplished, and now it seemed to be merely a matter of raising and lowering the curtain. The characters which Ned was to have impersonated were divided among the other young men. It being necessary, of course, to double up on three or four parts. Agnes Sinclair openly deplored her loss of a partner, but the others smiled incredulously when she said she preferred to play with Ned and hated the big bear, Tom Scott. Tom made this his excuse for being particularly grisly with the pretty Agnes, and at the afternoon rehearsal he nearly went through the big guilt picture frame in which the illustrations were posed when he attempted to introduce a little impromptu business in The Maiden All For Lawn. Then when Roland attempted to do, there was a man in our town, another of Ned's parts. His efforts were so absurd and so utterly unlike what the tabloo was expected to be, that it was decided to make it.  Roland certainly looked diminutive enough to fit into a pint pot and also seemed qualified to do as he might be told with the drum. Finally all was arranged or rearranged and the hour for the play was almost at hand. No more delightful weather could have been wished for. It was clear and cold, while outside a big silvery moon through a fairy-like illumination over the scene and filtered in through the big windows of the drawing room at the home of Mrs. Justin Brown Lye. Dorothy laughed her light happy laugh. After all, perhaps everything would come out right. It was such a relief to feel that Ned would soon be better. The worry about him was the very worst part of her troubles. Then suddenly, like the recurrence of an unpleasant dream, the thought of Tom's midnight visit flashed before her mind. Oh, I didn't tell you, Tabia, she said quickly. I had the awfulest scare the other night. I just stole downstairs to see how Ned was when all at once someone wrapped at the vestibule door. Tabia gazed upon Dorothy, pride and admiration beaming in her deep, hazel eyes. Oh, you didn't tell me, Doro, she interrupted. I saw the midnight marauder, as the poet say, lucky for him he stood directly under the light. Wasn't it kind of him to be so anxious, went on Dorothy, making fast her scarf, picking up her pretty party bag. Perhaps, assented Tabia, smiling broadly. Tom's the sort of fellow who dares to do right, no matter what happens. He would, as soon call at midnight, as midday, if the occasion warranted it. And that's saying a good deal for Tom. From me, she concluded. Ned was waiting at the door. He took particular pains to be nice to Tabia. In fact, most of the difficulties that had, for some weeks been accumulating about the cedars, seemed to take wings with the occurrence of Ned's accident. The oft quoted saying about an ill wind was once more being verified, although it was hard for Ned to be left at home. The house was already crowded when our friends arrived at Mrs Brownlice. We will have a good attendance, comment at Dorothy with a smile of satisfaction. If we can only make our hundred dollars and then get little Benny into the hospital, how lovely it will be. There must be a hundred persons here now, Ned assured her, and at a dollar per. Oh, do hurry along, interrupted Eva Brownline. We are all waiting for you, Dorothy. We were worried to death for fear something else dreadful might have happened. Eva surely looked like an angel. She was entirely in white, her hair hanging loosely over her shoulders, with a band of gold in Roman style, confining it at her brow. Roland was dancing attendance on Eva. Anyone could see that he was fascinated by the pretty twin. Tom came up to Dorothy as she entered the broad hall. How's the boy? He inquired kindly. Has he forgiven me yet? Of course, replied Dorothy, smiling. He's getting better, but it was hard to leave him alone with his hurt. And Nora, not that Nora is to be classed with the injuries, she hurried to add, laughing merrily. They are waiting for the orchestra. Tom reminded her, taking her music and escorting her to the piano. The girls, with their violins, were already in place. Dorothy felt some embarrassment in facing a room filled with those she considered critical spectators. For the best society of all the birchlands, as well as cultured persons from Ferndale nearby, had come to the entertainment. The brown-eyed girls played the violins. Dorothy gave them the A-note, and they put their instruments in tune. With that weird, fascinating combination of chords which pollute the opening strains of enthralling music, then they begun. The first number received a generous encore, and the girls played again. And there was a suppressed murmur of expectancy. A picture was about to be presented. Slowly the curtains were drawn aside. The lights had been doused as that, the acting stage manager, expressed it. And only a dim glow illuminated the tabloon. An immense guilt frame containing a landscape as a background in front of that the living pictures were posed. It was Jack Spratt and his wife, presented by Tavia and Roland. The audience instantly recognised the illustration, and vigorous applause greeted the tabloon. Tavia was surely funny, so fat, and so comical, while Roland looked like a human toothpick. The clean platter was cleaner than even Mother Goose could have wished it, and altogether the first picture was an unqualified success. Tavia was shaking with nervousness when the curtain was pulled together, and when, in response to an imperative demand from the audience, it was parted again. Tavia could scarcely keep from laughing outright. It was one of the difficult pictures that the girls' talent for theatricals stood her in good stead. While, as for Roland, he seemed too lazy to make any blunders. Tom, as Jack Horner, came next. Fat numbers in the audience insisted that he was the original Roly Poly, but the big paper-covered pie precluded all further argument. Tom held his thumb in that pie as faithfully as ever a real picture Jack Horner did. He had to pose for a second view, and at that the throng was not satisfied, but Nat declared that one encore was enough. Then Little Bo Peep appeared, fast asleep, lying on some fresh hay from the brown liban, and what a charming picture Dorothy did make.  Her crook had fallen from her hand and rested at the bottom of the little mound of hay. It was a delightful representation, and Dorothy seemed actually painted upon the canvas, so naturally did she sleep. Mrs. Brown Light nodded approvingly to Mrs. White. Dorothy's picture was not only pretty, but it artistically perfect. The audience seemed loathe to disturb the little scene by applause, and instead of answering to an encore, Dorothy was obliged to keep her Bo Peep attitude for the length of time that it would have required to present her tabloom at a second time. Tom grasped Dorothy's hand as she left the frame. Great, he exclaimed enthusiastically, I wish Ned could have seen you. Dorothy was glad, pardonably glad. She had thought a solo difficult, and had doubted her ability to make it attractive, but now she was quite satisfied. There was some delay in presenting the next number, but the wait was forgotten when the curtains were pulled apart. It was a depiction of Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater. With Eva's bare head sticking out of an immense paper pumpkin shell, Ned's face, in the character of Peter, was in a most satisfactory smile, consequent probably upon his ability to keep her very well, and it was surely a very funny picture. Either assumed a distressed look, and was thankful that only her face had to act, for the quarters of the pumpkin shell were rather limited. Other tabloom followed, each one more or less well impersonated, until Tom and Agnes went at the maiden all forlorn. As the man all tattered and Tom, Tom was a vertebral scarecrow, with the fringe of rags all over him, and the familiar battered hat well turned down to conceal any accidental smile that might detract from his serious pose. He was bending over Agnes in the regulation picture, love or attitude, and as the curtains were pulled together, Tom did what any other young man on earth might have done, he kissed the maiden all forlorn. Everybody behind the scenes saw it. I never want to act with him again, declared Agnes loudly and scornfully, as she scrubbed her offended cheek with a handkerchief. Ned White is always a gentleman. Dorothy was sorry, but it seemed a natural joke. Everyone but Agnes thought the same thing, but somehow the forlorn maiden could not be convinced that Tom was simply thoughtless in his joking. The incident, trifling as it was, somewhat marred the good humour of the players. Rowland came near falling for a second time in his Jack Binimble. As it was, the big candlestick did topple over, just as the curtain bell sounded. Then Edith Brownlight looked decidedly miserable, as the queen was in the kitchen, eating bread and honey. She liked Tom Scott, everybody knew that, and now Tom, in addition to having lately favoured Dorothy, had kissed Agnes. Of course, the girls and boys too, teased the sensitive Edith, and she lost interest in her picture. Dorothy breathed a sigh of relief when Mary Mann's number was announced. Mary was actually quivering with excitement. She wanted to act, and Dorothy was confident that she would do well. Her recitation was entitled, Guilty or Not Guilty, and as she stepped out and made her bow, the house was hushed in silence. In a plaintive voice, she began that well-known poem. She stood at the bar of justice, a creature wan and wild, informed too young for a woman, in feature too old for a child. How the lion seemed to suit her, surely the features of Mary were too old for those of a child. Her face had a drawn, pinched look, and her eyes were so deeply set. But the pathos of her voice, when she pleaded with the judge for mercy against the charge, that she was a thief, she mentioned the starving children. I took, O, was it stealing, the bread to give to them? The women pressed their handkerchiefs to their eyes. There was something almost too real in the child's plea. Who was she? They asked. A professional? Dorothy was delighted at Mary's success. The girl was her find, and it was she who would taught her how to use her voice so well in the pathetic lines. True, she found an apt pupil in Mary, and Dorothy was but too glad to accord her the entire triumph, when the recitation espoused a gain in response to the hearty applause and retired. A gentleman in the audience left his chair, and, walking over, spoke to Mrs White. He was Dr Baker, one of the hospital staff. I think I know that child, he said. Does she not live with an aged couple, no manning? I believe she does, replied Mrs White, making a place for Dr Baker to sit down beside her. My niece Dorothy is much interested in the child. She seems to have a faculty for discovering genius, has Dorothy. Well, I have not seen little Mary for some years, but there is no mistaking her. Her mother, an actress, died in one of the charity wards at the hospital, and I am afraid that the child has inherited the fatal malady from her mother. She looks now like a consumptive. Mrs White was startled. Certainly Mary was delicate in appearance, but she had not thought of her as having a disease. There is no time to spare in her case, said the physician in a low voice. Bring her to me as soon as you can. Dorothy did not expect to have a real case assisted so promptly, remarked Mrs White. It is rather out of the ordinary, a patient playing for her own benefit. I suspect that your pretty niece brought this child out with the sole purpose of making her happy, said Dr Baker. And she evidently has no idea how much real happiness she is destined to confer on her. Perhaps a month later it would have been too late to save her. Now I think we can, though there is a flush on her cheeks that I do not like. The curtains were separated to disclose the last number. It was a tableau of all the girls and boys posing as the homemakers. It made a beautiful picture, the girls in their gaily coloured dresses with great broad brimmed hats and the boys dressed in equally rural costumes. Dorothy was so glad that it was all over that this was the last picture. Agnes stood next to her. The curtains were drawn and then separated again in response to insistent applause. There was a moment more opposing and then it was all over.  Then she leaned over and whispered in her ear, I am sorry to have made all that fuss about him kissing me.  End chapter 20 Chapter 21 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org, this reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 21 A Strange Confession Had Agnes actually struck her, Dorothy could not have been more surprised. Given the excitement and confusion of the finish of the performance, there was neither the time nor the opportunity for Dorothy to resent such a remark. But after she had reached the cedars and her quiet little room, the words seemed to burn themselves into her mind. How dead had anyone to speak so to her, a mere skill girl with no thoughts of love. Pained and distressed, she put aside all the play-finery and threw herself across the bed. Scarcely had she done so, she heard her aunts step approaching. I came to congratulate you, my dear, said Mrs White warmly. Most of the success of the entertainment was due to, why, what, you are almost crying. And she stopped in some confusion. Oh, Aunty, well, Dorothy, I seem to be so misunderstood lately.  Why, what could she say, child? She said, she said, and Dorothy hesitated, while the warm blood coursed to her pale cheeks. She said, everybody knew Tom Scott was in love with me. Mrs White simply stared at her niece. Then she shook her head, ruefully. But she hardly knew what to say, for fear of further embarrassing Dorothy. Why, you dear, precious baby, she exclaimed at length, as she placed her hand caressingly on Dorothy's head. Doesn't everybody know what Agnes thinks of Tom? She is old enough to have such thoughts, and her reason for inflicting them on you, my dear, is merely a consequence of you. Of you doing the work that older girls usually do. I should not have allowed you to take so much responsibility, Dorothy. We know, however, continued Mrs White very gently, that the pretty Agnes admires Mr Scott very much. So you must excuse her seeming indiscretion. Dorothy's mind was instantly relieved. If Agnes did like Tom, of course she might have thought he was neglecting her for Dorothy. And he had only been trying to help Dorothy. There were so many things to do. But Agnes seemed so fond of Ned, spoke Dorothy after a pause. You are too tired to think about such things now, said Mrs White firmly. You are oversensitive. Why should you care about so trifling a thing as that? Dorothy did not answer. She was tired. Very tired. Perhaps she was oversensitive. But when she reflected that Ned had said almost the same thing. To change the subject, Mrs White told Agnes about Dr Baker, what he had said, and how interested he was in Little Mary. Oh, I'm so glad of that, said Dorothy. I hope. But at that moment Tabia poked her head in the door to see what was going on in Dorothy's room, that she had not come to her chum or summoned her to talk over the events of the evening. Ned is calling for you, Mrs White, said Tabia. I'll go at once. But remember, she commanded playfully to the two girls. No more chattering tonight. Tomorrow is another day. Oh dear, exclaimed Tabia. When the door had closed, I missed Mrs White. And the two girls were alone in Dorothy's room. I'm so frightened, Dorothy. I should have gone home. What am I going to say to my father? I will do all the saying that is necessary, bravely offered Dorothy. It was I who kept you. Yes, and I know why. Why then? Simply to fix it up for me. You never could entrust me with such an important commission. Well, I am sure when I have a chance to speak to your father. But dear me, there are so many things. Oh, Doroh, I just want to ask you if you saw the babbling brook in the audience. She was fairly eating up Little Mary with those big optics of hers. Miss Brookes, I did not see her. And so Dorothy, did she like Mary's effort? Like her, I should say she fairly loved her. But then, you see, a sister of hers had a baby girl once. And Tabia laughed to cover up the mistake she had made in mentioning the affairs of Miss Brookes. There, Doroh dear, I'm going now. Tomorrow is another day.  It was Roger who first tapped at his sister's door the next morning. Doroh, he called. When are we going out to see that ghost?  Yes, you know you promised. And by this time, Roger was in the room and had his arms around her neck. Oh, she liked. We'll take a ride out to the castle just as soon as, as Ned is able to go. He's going out riding today. I heard him say so. Persisted the boy. Well, we'll see, replied Dorothy. But you must run out now. My, it's almost nine o'clock. I didn't think it was so late. The entertainment had been so engrossing that all the thoughts of Tanglewood Park and the mystery concerning it had entirely escaped Dorothy's memory for the time being. But Roger had determined to know all about that screen. And only yesterday he had had a long talk with old Abe down at the station. A long, serious talk. Abe told the little fellow that there sure was a ghost up at the castle. And when Joe, who was with Roger, asked about the lady the old liveryman had driven up there, Abe rolled up his eyes in an unpleasant fashion and declared that the lady was a near-ghost herself. Roger told all this and more to Dorothy so she was obliged to make a tentative promise, at least that she would go with him to the castle the very first moment she could spare. The boy renewed his request after breakfast and was quite insistent. I can't go today, said his sister. You know I have many little things to attend to, Roger. It is almost Christmas. You remember? And? Oh, here are your letters. I almost forgot. Crud the little fellow suddenly, drawing from his pockets several envelopes. Nate went to the post office while you were at breakfast.  Dorothy glanced over her mail. There were several letters from her school friends as she could tell by the writing and some from acquaintances in Dalton. Then this one, who could it be from? Postmarked in a city from which she had never received any mail and the address written in a strange hand. She opened this one first and this is what she read. My dear Miss Dale, this letter will undoubtedly surprise you. It is a strange Christmas letter for me to have to write.  I hardly know how to pen the words but I put that ring into your bag. I am a very wretched woman but to make this confession to you may, in a measure at least, tend to soften the bitterness that rankles in my heart. It would be useless for me to try to explain why I did you such a wrong. Perhaps if I could talk with you it would be different. Try to forgive me. Try to know how wretched I am, sick, without work and without means. But even pity seems bitter to me now. Life has all gone wrong and only the thought of your innocent face and the black guilt I tried to fasten on you has given me the strength to write this letter. Ah, what a mockery Christmas is to the unfortunate. Yours in sorrow, Louise Dearing. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Lucy Vergoine Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose Chapter 22 Stormbound at Tanglewood Dorothy dropped the letter in her lap. She was awed, surprised, distressed. Then Miss Brooks did not take the ring and why should the woman detective do such a thing? For an instant only that thought occupied her. The next she pitted, Miss Dearing. Poor woman she sighed to herself. After all perhaps she used really a victim of circumstances and what a letter if I only could help her see her before Christmas. A smile unbidden stole across Dorothy's face as she pictured all the tasks she had undertaken to accomplish before Christmas. Luckily there are a few days left. She concluded one can crowd a great many things into a two real living days. She hurried upstairs to read the letter again in seclusion, the positive tone of sorrow in the missive touch to her heart. There certainly did see many things to do but here was plainly an emergency case. If she could manage to go to the city obtain Miss Dearing's address from the store go to see her and then stop a Dalton on her way back. I ought to be able to do that, she told herself and it would be such a joy to take away all Tabia's worry before Christmas Day. Then came the recollection that she really knew nothing to tell Squire Travis. She really did not know what Tabia's trouble was. All the girls conversation on that point amounted to nothing more than inferences, vague and uncertain. I am positive Tabia thinks I know all about it concluded Dorothy and I have just a mind to ask her outright. It would be so much easier than beating about the bush this way. Doro Doro screamed Roger at her door come on get ready we're going out for another Christmas tree out to Ghost Park. I can't call back his sister but the next moment Nat was beside her come on he ordered get on your togs we've got to get a hospital tree the ladies insist it shall be handpicked and we've got to go to Tanglewood Park but do I really have to go big Dorothy it's cold to ride and I wanted to put pink bows on red slippers oh Chuck it Doro I perfectly hate the smell of Christmas Tom and Rowland are going and so is Tabia he made a queer face as he said this one of those indescribable boy illustrations quite beyond interpretation is she? asked Dorothy not knowing anything better to say and Tom and Rowland I repeat we are going to duck the kiddies too cold for little boys oh then I shan't go to clear Dorothy we've been promising Joe and Roger so long but they don't want to go insisted Nat Sammy Blake is launching his ice boat oh I suppose that is a superior attraction even to ghosts said Dorothy laughing but why do we have to get a tree from the park couldn't we buy one just like a girl we couldn't possibly buy trees last week because they would not be hand picked this week why can't we buy them and hang the hand picked he finished now do you understand little girl that the tree is to be in the near infant ward in the hospital oh I suppose there's no use arguing decided Dorothy I may as well give in may better hurry along now where to have a buffet lunch and get gone directly after it's time to eat now and he glanced at his watch certainly the morning had passed and the afternoon would no doubt be equally short Dorothy hurried to get her warm wraps called to Tavia and was at the lunch table before Nat had returned from the garage whence he brought the firebird if you do not get caught in a snow storm this time commented Major Dale I will begin to lose faith in my prophetic bones they ached the heavy snow put it off until tomorrow Uncle Frank advised Nat then we may get the runners out no it's not that long off insisted the Major quinging perceptively under the aches and pains for the coming storm I shouldn't wonder but it reached us by sundown Ned was much better able to sit near the window and waved to the departing ones Tavia looked almost happy somehow since she determined to stick to Dorothy much of her apparent trouble seemed to have disappeared she was brighter than she had been for days and even Nat threw off the restraint he had shown toward her lately at the Elms they picked up Tom with Rowland's regrets and with a dangerous looking hatchet in hand to bag the game with Rowland had another dinner date he explained I'm glad I'm not handsome but the axe asked Nat for the little tree you know replied Tom I've tried to catch Christmas trees before well we are pretty well loaded up at a net producing from his pocket a revolver oh Scream Tavia for goodness sake is this a murderous plot I want my mum up there there little girl don't cry simp at Tom a gun is a fine thing in a jungle weird ghost scream at a Dorothy and buggy's ride bugs put him Nat shifting the lever for more speed well it's up to us to get there first and then we may shoot up the whole woods if we like the girls may may sit under a shady tree the deep gloom of an approaching storm made this proposal sound quite ridiculous and Dorothy declared she would prefer sitting in the firebird at a safe distance from the shooting Tavia threatened to crawl under the seat and even vowed she would leave the car at once if the hatchet and revolver were not at once put away out of her sight well I have made up my brilliant mind said Nat that if that screaming thing is in the woods I am going to get it dead or alive and he put up the pistol for the time being talk of the play and of Ned's condition occupied much of the remaining time consumed in the run to the woods and when the tall chestnut trees of Tanglewood Park finally faced a strip of road the firebird was covering snowflakes were beginning to fall and so fiercely did the winds blow the presently Nat had all he could do to manage the machine no jolying about this he made out to say I guess it's to the castle for ours whether we want to hunt ghosts or ours oh will we really have to go in that dreadful place whale tabby I think I would as soon die of freezing as die of scaring interrupted Tom laughing well there is no immediate cause for alarm in either direction he went on but I think it will be a good idea to get out of this gale as quickly as possible it surely was a gale now and the wind seemed so solidified with the biting specks of snow the Dorothy and Tavia were quite satisfied to bury their frost-bitten faces deep in the fur of muffs and scarves while the young men turned up their overcoat collars and turned down the flaps of the heavy auto caps none too heavy however to keep out the discomforts of the newly arrived blizzard straight for the drive the castle Nat directed the machine and by the time the old broken down steps of the once spacious porch were reached even Tavia was glad to jump out of the firebird and get her breath in a secluded part of the old balcony whistle Tom this is something worthwhile for Christmas I never saw a storm develop any faster than this looks bad commented Nat anxiously for an automobile in a snowstorm is not to be depended upon hope it quits long enough for us to dash back home well we can't try it now at any rate replied Tom what do you say to exploring and he went to the great old oak door open well that's luck and as he spoke he pushed back the portal although it seemed about to fall rather than swing on the rusty hinges the door open but no one attempted to enter the house Nat looked in gingerly but the girls threw back to the shadow of a post fearing evidently some response to the intrusion oh come on suggested Tom nobody's in here and it's better a good sight than being out in the storm Nat followed Tom's lead and soon both young men had disappeared within the old mansion the girls waited almost breathless there was something so uncanny about the place that presently boyish shouts and merry calls from within assured them that no trouble had been encountered and it was Dorothy who proposed that they follow and seek refuge from the winds that found the girls ears and noses inspired the shelter of the old porch and the protection of furs and wraps come on suggested Dorothy everything must be alright or the boys would not be so jolly I'm just dying to get indoors anywhere but the screening ghost Tavia reminded her and the travelling lamppost I feel kinda scary but Dorothy had poked her head in and now stepped within the old hallway so that there was nothing left for Tavia to do but to follow here we are called Tom in that queer tone of voice peculiar to empty houses and look at the gorgeousness and now snap ever see finer wood or better mantles why I'll bet this was a regular castle alright not so bad now the young men were racing about from room to room but the girls were not so keen on investigating Dorothy did walk through the great long parlours and admire the handsome Italian marble mantles and the library with inlaid floor was also explored but Tavia kept as near as possible to the front door ready to run she explained why there's nothing to be afraid of said Dorothy now quite at ease the boys are in the very top of the house over in the tower and I am sure if there was anything to fear they would have discovered it by this time but the seller objected Tavia who was really never as much frightened as she pretended to be for she had a way of looking for trouble as Nat expressed it when they come down I'll ask them to do the seller offered Dorothy with a laugh then will you make yourself comfortable Tavia sighed oh it's so spooky she insisted I feel as if things are getting ready to spring at us from every corner and did you ever see so many corners in one place in all your life oh come up and see the gallery room called Nat from the top of the stairwell if we don't bring the boys out here and have some doings this is as well as kind of a place come on up girls neary a ghost nor a ghosty in the diggings Tom was singing snatches of songs and Nat would join in when he came to adjoining so that the old house fairly rung with the echo of young voices and merry laughter ghost what ghost could stand that Tom Scott and Nat White singing coon songs listen called Dorothy Tavia wants to go down seller to make sure she called to the boys oh alright agreed Tom we'll do the coal bin and the wine seller now if we only could chance upon an old bottle of homemade grape juice he slipped down the Bella's derail in spite of Dorothy's protest for the floor below the walls of mosaics and the rail might not be safe but Tom landed without accident and presently was looking for a passageway to the seller with some difficulty the way was finally discovered and Tom almost tumbled down the dark passage as the door first obstinate suddenly gave way to his pressure it was dark in the seller too dark for even Tom's comfort but after making a series of queer calls and also supplying the answers he returned to the first floor intact as Dorothy announced but Tom whispered something to Nat when the girls were not near enough to observe him things down there he said I could even smell them and they did not seem musty either besides look at everything nothing cut up or damaged like an old deserted place someone may hang out here the ghost admitted Nat let's see what it looks like outdoors Nat put his hand on the pocket from which his diminutive revolver could be seen to be outlined and when the front door was open a gust of wind and snow forced him as well as Tom back into the shelter rough commented Tom and almost dark fierce exclaimed Nat impardonable discussed how in the world are we to get back oh can't we go now came from Dorothy it seems to be getting worse and if we don't get out of here before dark oh let us go pleaded tabby I am just scared to death this sort of thing is alright for a page or two but when it gets into a serial not very interesting after the first glance I'll admit replied Tom but the nearest house must be half a mile away suppose we run the machine into the shed and start off to walk suggested Nat now rather uncomfortable because of Tom's hint about the seller it will be better for the girls at any rate there's a farmhouse at the turning to Glendale it did not take long to find out this proposal and in spite of the wind and snow the four young people started bravely off Nat's supporting Dorothy well Tom put his strong arm about the uncertain tabby uncertain because she not only slipped continually but threatened to do so in between the actual occurrences awful called back Nat who was somewhat in advance and can't see even the park yelled Tom the snow must have fallen only one piece if it only would not get dark so quickly tabby is sobbed for indeed the girl was almost crying the matter had become very serious darkness snow drifts and wilderness wait call Tom feeling that tabby might not be so alarmed if all were closer together Nat and Dorothy stood until the others came up then all four trudged on again however could they cover a half mile at that rate we ought to have brought an auto lamp said Nat no sooner had he uttered the words than he slipped Dorothy fell with him Tom and tabby tumbled full drive after them and all were plunged into a hole deep enough to terrify the girls and even to alarm the boys well exclaimed Tom as quickly as he could get speech that hole was covered up with a light blanket tabby and Dorothy succeeded in getting to their feet almost as promptly as did the boys but the shock and the heavy snow had now almost exhausted both oh side Dorothy I don't see how we can ever walk a half a mile in this Nora I answered Nat we've got to turn back we can have shelter at least in the castle and there's likely to be some food in the machine Nora always pokes a bundle in for a trip like this weary, depressed and bitterly cold they made their way back to the old mansion many a slip mark the way and many a stifle cry escaped from the girls despite of their determination to be brave Nat hurried to the firebird and was not disappointed in his quest for he brought back to the waiting ones a bundle of such food as the thoughtful Nora made a practice of slipping into the car when the young folks went for a long run well that's lucky commented Tom and let us get right at it nothing better to ward off cold than a good feed where asked Havia referring to the place to eat not to the location of a possible cold Nat brought the machine lamps and placed one on either corner of the broad low mantle in the dining room it was not difficult to know this room from the others for frescoed mottos still clear enough to be made out invited all strangers as well as those who roofed therein to eat drink and be merry and otherwise we must imagine ourselves a jolly hunting party said Dorothy just brought in from a sudden storm the young Lord has invited us of course an awful stretch remarked Nat I would not be particular about the Lord's age if he would only make good just about now are we really here for the night? gasped Havia swallowing a morsel of the sandwich Nat handed her oh we may get out answered Tom none too hopefully but if we don't we must make the best of it it's too bad for you girls though yes added Nat his tone following Tom's in its unmistaken note of regret I was a pill not to listen to Uncle Frank's knee the joke brought forth a very feeble laugh but even that was better than the groans Tavia had been indulging in perhaps an hour passed while our friends were trying to make the best of it and then after putting by the remnants of the lunch for future use the boys fairly exhausted themselves doing stunts calculated to amuse the girls and make them forget the terrors around them now I'll just tell you declared Nat there's a sort of couch under each of those posts in the parlour Tavia take one and Dorothy the other Tom and I will stand guard you may as well rest even if you cannot sleep for even in the morning it's going to be heavy travelling at first the girls declared they too would stand guard when Tom added his reasoning to that of Nat's and the tired ones realised that if they had to walk through the snow in the morning they surely would have to rest their weary muscles they finally consented to stretch out on the low seat that marked the archway from parlour to parlour End of Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose Chapter 23 The Ghost That Really Walked It did seem absurd in spite of the fact that they were snow bound in a haunted house the big automobile lamps glared brilliantly from Mantle and Tom with Nat found another place to rest on the long low bench that formed a really artistic seat at the foot of the broad stairway many a gay fellow has rested here between the dancers don't you think? Ask Nat I fancy I hear the other fellow a girl coming down the stairs at this moment he threw himself back in a mocking attitude while Tom bowed to the girl coming down the stairs but the boys were tired conversation broke into uneven sentences then words fell into syllables and finally they remained only the punctuation a full stop Dorothy was dreaming that the men on the Italian marble mantel were coming to rescue her Tavia had a weakness for brilliant nightmares and she dreamed that the crystal chandeliers were coming down to strike her directly in the face she screamed and everyone started up what was it? cried Dorothy on her feet in an instant Tom and Nat jumped up as quickly Nat with revolver in hand and Tom grasping the hatchet I certainly saw a light at the end of the hall whispered Nat to Tom don't alarm the girls just watch what was it? asked Dorothy again oh I was dreaming replied Tavia drowsily and that heavy old chandelier came right down and hit me in the face keep your dreams quiet next time Nat attempting to laugh you gave us all a start what time is it? Dorothy inquired Tom glanced at his watch midnight he exclaimed would you believe it we must have all been asleep and you promised not to shut an eye accused Tavia how do we know but that we are all kidnapped just then Nat grasped Tom's arm the light he whispered oh Dorothy and Tavia had both seen it too frightened to speak they clung to each other and stood terrified Tom and Nat stepped father out into the hallway for an instant no one uttered a sound the next a noise distinct and welcome fell upon their ears the sound a major day old's voice it's father called Dorothy breaking away from Tavia oh they found us let them in quick no need to tell the boys that for the front door was unbolted and Major Dale rushed in before any of them could actually realise that he had come oh father gasped Dorothy falling into his arms if you had not come you poor foolish babies he said but let the man in he's frozen if I am not Tavia had her arms around the major's neck he was patting both girls affectionately there there he soothed now you are all right dad's here and we will be all right presently Nora sent out the relief stuff you'd be starved and perished he won't come in called Nat referring to the man outside says he's afraid oh the foolish fellow replied the major I had the greatest time to get him here once he found out I was coming to the castle he vowed he saw lights and heard screams he's the fellow who drove the woman out here Abe you know oh yes said Nat that's it well don't come in he'll freeze perhaps if he sees girls I'll go and ask him volunteer Dorothy now somewhat composed although they had passed from the rear hall to the front Tom kept his eye on the end of the long passageway he had seen a light flash back there he could have spawned to it here he is called Dorothy I knew old Abe would come in when I asked him right over here Abe see we have plenty of light as if by magic or some uncanny power no sooner had she uttered the word light the nebrian flash was plainly seen at the rear of the hall the next moment a piercing scream rung out the same they had heard once before only so much more terrible to them now so hideous so fiendish the old colored man tried to move but he stood as if transfixed major Dale was major again there ready to order to command a wreck brave, bold, defiant Nat never seemed to move Tom stood waiting for his orders Dorothy and Tavia fell back terrified that scream came from a human being they spoke the major finally we must investigate at once here Abe you take this lamp trembling as if he had the view the old colored man took the lamp from the mantle Tom you have an axe Nat your gun may be handy now girls don't be alarmed we are too many for anyone here just sit there in that corner while we look about save Abe and the girls there was a fascination about this weird hunt something or someone screamed this was surely a vigorous type of ghost easy now whispered the major as they turned the end of the hall there he exclaimed I saw a light flash back at that double door so did I agreed Tom let's look in the room come on Abe urged the major for Abe quickly fell behind the heavy folding doors were pushed aside with some effort this opened the way into a small room like a butler's pantry what was that? asked Nat as a noise sounded the shutting of a heavy door and the light went with it declared mode to Dale now to find the door Nat took the light from Abe and flushed it up and down the heavily paneled walls at some secret passage likely said the major every old house has one I believe what's this? Nat had come upon adjoining in the woodwork that's it declared the major examining the crack carefully but we're moulded open all even Abe felt the wall up and down covering every inch within reach there exclaimed the major finally I've covered a square it opens from the other side Tom here with your axe Dorothy and Tabby had heard every word now they stopped their ears it was too dreadful blow after blow fell on the heavy woodwork chop chop chop but not a word was spoken then the sound a splintered wood the panel was falling in careful caution major Dale there she goes another screen here now cried the major seizing the lamp and dashing through the opening with the agility of a skill boy just surrender and stop that but he almost fell back Tom's arm saved him never he exclaimed it's old captain Mayberry end of chapter 23 chapter 24 Dorothy Dale's queer holidays this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's queer holidays by Margaret Penrose chapter 24 the rescue the sight that had so suddenly shocked major Dale and his helpers was indeed appalling within the secret room they had found a man not a ghost nor a demon but a sick almost helpless old man the once popular captain Mayberry at a glance it was plain he was in hiding in the wretched place and the surrounding showed he had food and some of life's necessities within reach although the very rats whose presence were painfully evident must have enjoyed a keener advantage in the mansion once proud of the name Mayberry frightened almost into convulsions the decrepit old man fell back into a corner his eyes glaring with the unmistakable gleam of insanity and his teeth chattering terribly a stove barely alive with heat served to shelter him from the intruders that he managed to get behind the old piece of iron and there crouched and shuddered come come said major Dale as quickly as he could command voice don't you know me look I'm Dale of the guards come to save you Kat we have no wish to frighten you save me he's the old man go away I'm crazy crazy not a bit of it answered the major stepping nearer to the stove come along we are snowbound and had to come in uninvited assured that the spectre was a man and nothing more nor less Tom had hurried back to reassure the girls Nat turned his attention to old Dave and between scolding and explaining finally succeeded in quieting the coloured man's fears but the major kept close to the lunatic for such he took captain Mayberry to be and don't you remember me asking satisfied the glean of recognition did pass over the wrinkled face that now peered out into the glare of the lamp from the firebird come we are hungry and you are too old wager let's have mess rations are plenty tonight crawling like some animal the old man was finally persuaded to come out from behind the stove major Dale laid his hand on the arm of captain Mayberry just out here directed the major leading the trembling one you see we have taken possession of your house tell me how you feel how you are major Dale wanted him to talk both to quiet the girls fears and to determine his actual state of mind the captain Mayberry's speech was very slow and decidedly confused I guess I'm alright now he managed to utter where's Jane Jane oh yes Jane repeated the major that's your sister Miss Pumpert was not now she locks me up leaves me to die oh now come isn't it Jane who brings you things to eat asked the major venturing a guess why didn't she send the coal and the bread yes yes answered the old man but she will not let me go she drove me crazy yes and I'm crazy now not a bit of it here sit down on this seat and made your Dale motion to Tom this young man will stay by you in the company while we prepare the mess perhaps she will show us how to get water and have you any way of lighting up a look of intelligence crossed Captain Mayberry's face he shuffled over to a corner and actually pressed a button the chandeliers pulled out a flood of electric light Jane did that he muttered she likes light well I'll be hanged I'm Tom and I'll be jiggered the poor old man whispered Dorothy venturing to take a step toward him and to think we were afraid of him were remarked Tavia significantly I'm just scared to death this very minute suppose he screams again what if he does Dorothy whispered back surely he has more cause to fear him I'm going to help with things Abe stood with wide open mouth surveying the ghost Tom and Nat had brought the relief supplies from the wagon old Abe's strongest carry all which had successfully weathered the snowdrifts between Tanglewood Park and the cedars it stopped snowing announced Nat cheerfully to make it all right by daylight Falling called the major making a place for Captain Mayberry on the end of the seat that served as table and chairs collectively it was a queer meal but a delightful one the relief that Major Dale brought was not in food alone and there's the coffee he announced will one of you boys just let that stand on the stove in the captain's private room Tom jumped to comply he readily found the means of lighting the secret room and soon found other conveniences such as water and cooking utensils Captain Mayberry had not forgotten how to eat he was almost human as Nat whispered to Dorothy here guard called the major fetch that coffee help yourself this to the captain we eat according to rank this time Captain Mayberry seemed to smile he took the cup of coffee then the others raised their cups to drink a toast to the guards proposed the major long life and happiness to the last of them it was a strange sight the cracked and broken cups that Tom had secured raised to drink the honoured toast and a merry Christmas to Captain Mayberry called out Dorothy old Abe dropped his cup spilled his coffee he looked down roofily at the puddle on the floor anymore he asked it was the first word he had spoken since he entered the house Tom refilled the cup take care of that he cautioned Abe it's about all what time asked the major addressing Nat 4 would you believe it it will be daylight soon glad obit replied the major we can't leave here any too quickly it is cleared you say beautifully answered Nat and the sun tomorrow will be a ringer for the moon tonight I'll bet it will be one of those dazzling days likely agreed the major we must take Mayberry back with us he said in a low voice poor old chap to think that I should find him and in such a pitiable condition End of Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings and public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose Chapter 25 Youth and Old Age When the first streak of dawn threw its shadow upon the fleecy blanket that surrounded the Old Mayberry Castle there stood before the door the firebird and the wagon Old Abe called his carry-all into the latter vehicle Captain Mayberry was almost lifted wrapped in every conceivable sort of warm covering that could be found in his strange quarters a heavy and formally handsome fur coat besides thick woolly scarves and great old army boots about from queer hiding places and these were heaped and piled upon the captain until scarcely the outline of his pinch-face was left to the danger of the winter morning On either side of Captain Mayberry sat Major Dale and Tom Scott while Old Abe was directed to drive this party to the railroad station as it had been decided that the sick or insane man should at once be taken to the hospital for treatment to think whispered Dorothy to Tavia as they started off that our hospital play should have enabled us to send the poor old man directly to the institution we never dreamed who would be our first patient Lucky it's not me or you commented Tavia still taking a morbid view of the night's experience and father says he will send for the captain's sister and try to have them reconciled that seems to be what worries the old man so much Jane is angry with him he declares and I wouldn't do a thing to Jane declared Tavia in my opinion Jale would be too good for her the idea of keeping that old scare crow cooped up there but perhaps she did it to get him out of the institutions you know some people have queer ideas about asylums did it to save cash likely look out there Nat, don't dump us in that snow drift no danger call back Nat from the front seat this is all right road good and hard and not so slippery suppose the old fellow should get hilarious suppose Tom and the major could hold him in that trap oh indeed he is too weak to be violent respond to Dorothy and I rather think he will enjoy the ride he said he made it a habit to go out every day just about nightfall he had sense enough to know he must have fresh air or die tired from the night's vigil the occupants of the fire bird soon worried of conversation and the drive behind the stagecoach was made in silence save for the creaking of the snow on the frosty roads and the occasional sounds of an early morning team bound for the town along the old turnpike at the four corners the firebird cut ahead of the coach and with a merry call to the captain the major Tom and even to old Abe the girls of the car soon left behind them the carry-all as well as the road to Tanglewood park arriving at the cedars in spite of all protests Dorothy and Tavia were put to bed while Nora brought from the kitchen great bowls of beef tea declaring a young lady should drink at least a quart to save them from pneumonia and that the hot foot baths they had would be repeated unless the girls were soon sound asleep so it was that now two days before Christmas the cedars were suddenly plunged into a state of subdued excitement what might happen next not even little Roger did speculate about but that afternoon when Major Dale was expected to return from his trip to the hospital and Dorothy and Tavia were sufficiently rested to be down at the station waiting to meet them the appearance of Miss Brooks brought Tavia suddenly back to the realisation of her own predicament the little woman ran into the station just in time to obtain her ticket for a late city train and had not a moment to spare so that there was no opportunity of either Dorothy or Tavia exchanging a word with her wow exclaimed Tavia glancing after the woman what do you suppose it all means did you observe the togs didn't she look pretty comment at Dorothy I never saw a person change so with a new outfit wonder if she found it in somebody's bag Tavia exclaimed Dorothy her voice ringing with indignation again speak that way of Miss Brooks we did wrong to suspect her for a moment she had absolutely nothing to do with the ring oh you know all about it do you of course she says she had absolutely nothing to do with it no she has said nothing of the kind the person who really took it that is the one who put it in my bag who well you really must not ask because Tavia dear I know the person was terribly pressed somehow and it does not seem right for me to spread the story of her misfortune I haven't even told Aunt Winnie oh of course you can keep it to yourself if you have a mind to replied Tavia in injured tones but it strikes me that is rather too interesting a story to be so selfish about Dorothy made no reply to this charge she had not the slightest idea of betraying the confidence Miss Steering had given in her miserable confession further than this tomorrow Dorothy was determined to go to the city and search for Miss Steering even though it would be the day the arrival of the city express from which major Dale alighted stopped further comment I was so afraid you would miss the train exclaimed Dorothy embracing him and I was so worried about you things seemed to be happening so queely these days yes daughter replied the major things are certainly happening you should have seen Captain Maybury quarters did they give him the new bed the one our play paid for indeed they did and what's better they say he is not by any means incurable in fact I am very hopeful with the proper treatment well I hope they won't forget the proper treatment for that sister interrupted Tavia even that we hope to make right replied the major I have sent for Miss Pumford and expect she may arrive at the cedars tonight good exclaimed Tavia with what might be termed unholy glee just let me introduce myself and she made a pretense of showing her muscle there's the Surrey and now Dorothy as Nat drove up we walked down it was so delightful in the snow but Aunt Winnie insisted we should not take out the big sleigh she says the horses are always so skittish when first put to the cutter and she was afraid of some other accident Major Dale exchanged some words with Old Abe before stepping into the vehicle that served in place at the firebird the eight o'clock train Dorothy overheard her father say and be sure to have the light buggy she's coming on the eight whisper Tavia to Nat what do you say if we way lay them and give her a snow bath to cool her off I'd just like to sail into that lady Nat did not reply the major was now in the Surrey and the little horse started off at a lively trot numbers of cutters and sleighs passed them everyone seemed anxious to make sure of the first sleigh ride Tom particularly handsome Rick was just approaching wow exclaimed Nat look at Agnes Sinclair and that's Tom Scott with her it was indeed Agnes and Tom in a new cutter with wading plumes at the dashboard and as the Rick passed along Dorothy noticed that the plumes just matched Agnes's tricks and it may as well be told now that when Agnes Sinclair and Tom Scott stopped at the post office that very evening Tom posted a number of little notes for Agnes an informal key was to be given at Ferndale every single person who got one of these notes knew exactly what it meant the announcement of the engagement of Miss Agnes Sinclair to Thomas Dudley Scott of course Dorothy and Tavia were invited and the card of Agnes's mother came with that of the daughter Mrs Sinclair and Mrs White were close friends I had been wondering why Mrs Sinclair had not called to see Ned commented Mrs White when Dorothy handed her the cards this explains it of course Dorothy what did I tell you see how well trained my eyes are but when Agnes showed plainly she wanted to pose with Ned argued Dorothy that was just to throw you off the scent of course finish Mrs White well I am glad we are going to have an engagement for the holidays it will make a little round of gaiety's for the young folks Dorothy you may give Agnes her first shower and make it something good to eat Ned suggested Nat no fun in giving a girl a lot of dry goods make it ice cream Ned was recovering rapidly and he too joined in suggesting plans for the handing around of Agnes he insisted it was up to him and Nat to give Tom a send-off and finally did obtain Mrs White's permission to give a bachelor dinner in the coach house there would be no objection to either noise or must as Nat put it so the coach house was decided upon plans, plans nothing but plans sung Tavia I wish someone would make plans for me I would like to elope this very evening I am not particular about having a partner in the going away a railroad ticket would answer Dorothy glanced up quickly at Tavia she knew the letter almost meant what she said that is she would really like to run away before Christmas morning and shake me, ask Nat in mock concern now Tavia, you and I have been friends for a long, long time but this was too much for Tavia suddenly she jumped up put her hand to her eyes and dashed from the room whispered Ned then Dorothy too left the room she went to comfort Tavia end of chapter 25 chapter 26 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose chapter 26 the day before Christmas well I never expected to forgive him he was so mean and obstinate the unpleasant treble voice of Miss Jane Pumperett was interrupted by the lower tones of Major Dale my dear woman he said Captain Maybury is not responsible he is sick mentally and physically well I'll see and she arose to go I am not much of a hand at making up anyway but if you could have seen how he begged me to send for you he seemed to fear you would be angry with him for leaving the old place angry more likely to be scared to death I could not believe the old stage driver that you had really brought him to a hospital well I must be going she was almost at the door don't mention my name to him if you please Major Dale was at his wits end he feared the old captain would be beyond consolation if he did not do as he had promised send Miss Pumperett to him at once Dorothy was just on the stairs at a glance she understood that her father had failed to bring about a reconciliation between Captain Maybury and his sister she approached them you are Miss Pumperett I know she begun without waiting for her father's introduction isn't it perfectly splendid the news from Captain Maybury I mean he seemed as pleased as a child when I promised him a merry Christmas and tomorrow morning I am going into the hospital to make sure he gets it won't you come with me he will be delighted to see you I am sure Miss Pumperett looked at the impetuous girl who was going to make sure her brother had a merry Christmas you see hurried on Dorothy further press her request we just had the place ready for him we gave him play and had a new bed at our disposal my brother a charity patient exclaimed the woman why there's plenty of money in the property that I won't touch pinned to paper to sign of course we can take care of him interrupted Dorothy I would like to make him a little Christmas present it is visiting day tomorrow and the day before Christmas little Miss Pumperett glared at Dorothy then she stepped back and sunk down on the hall seat well she exclaimed finally I'm an old fashioned woman never was used to youngsters interference but I like your cheek this was said with evidence my dear are being frivolous I've just a good mind oh do do Miss Pumperett come with me tomorrow and tell him you will sell Tanglewood Park and fix it all up how you do race on but it's getting late perhaps I'll meet you at the 10 o'clock train went on Dorothy while even Major Dale was forced to smile at her impetuousity I have so many places to go but I am going to the hospital first Miss Pumperett put out her hand it shook visibly little girl she said you are right you have said it all for me come tomorrow and say it all over again to Nick tears fell down the old pinch cheeks but Dorothy kissed them away she had found the path to Joan Pumperett's affection it was cheek just plain cheek sometimes called courage yes it was late but Dorothy still had Tavia to console if only she could insist upon Tavia spending Christmas at the cedars Dorothy had unlimited faith in the magic of the day before Christmas Ned called to her as she started up to Tavia's room I said Doro maybe I could help I'd like to tell her it's all right I was mean about it you know Tavia and I went in it together oh replied Dorothy vaguely I really don't know what you mean Ned saw that he was about to betray a secret he thought naturally that Tavia had confided fully in Dorothy I just meant that if I can say anything to make Tavia feel more at home you know don't hesitate to ask me Tavia was at the head of the stairs looking straight at him thanks she spoke up all the tears evidently gone but if it's all the same to both of you I would prefer that you keep your pretty saying for Christmas dead tired and fully expect to be asleep in exactly 10 minutes Dorothy saw that the sudden burst of gloom had been overcome and knew that Tavia would actually be as good as her word and asleep in 10 minutes good night then called Ned and don't forget that tomorrow is the day before Christmas good night at a Dorothy and don't forget you are to attend to everything tomorrow while I am in the city see what it is to be on a charity committee I'll have to have the substitute help with all the most important things there's heaps to be done yet good night draw Tavia with a forced yawn I'm not sure that I will wake up until the day after Christmas to there to there everyone called Mrs White in both troubles and pleasant anticipations for a happy ending to the queer holiday became hopelessly tangled in the dreams of the young folks at the cedars Dorothy's last clear thought was something must happen to make it all right for tomorrow is the day before Christmas the sun was streaming in a window when she opened her eyes she jumped up with a start for she was to get an early train go first to the hospital then search out that wretched mystery I could never be happy on Christmas and think perhaps she might be starving when I find her I will but how can I tell what I may have to do hurriedly she partook a breakfast and jumped into the depot cart that Nat had driven up to the door take care that Tabia does not worry Dorothy cautioned the young man I know she has a trouble and I am sure somehow it will be all adjusted by tonight I depend upon the witches of Christmas Eve Nat laughed and assured her he would keep track of Tabia then the train steamed in and Dorothy was gone suppose she fails to meet me she used the girl whose very red cheeks were the source of some remarks from a lady in the opposite seat Dorothy always looked pretty but she looked charming when the clear red blood rose to her cheeks and made her deep blue eyes flash like stars actually ignited with the torch of anticipation but I am sure she will be there Miss Pumford is the sort I should think would never break her word nor was she disappointed in her estimate Jane Pumford waited even had a cab ready to drive with Dorothy to the hospital there to see the new patient Captain Nick Mabry perhaps I had better go first and prepare him suggest to Dorothy as they reached the door of the private room and saw the one spotless van of the young lady's auxiliary no need dear objected Miss Pumford now that I've made up my mind to it I actually can't wait the next moment Dorothy drew back to allow brother and sister their own happy moment Jane Pumford had the old white head man in her arms was embracing him like a child and the nurse smiled in complete satisfaction as she too stepped aside with Dorothy that is all he wants she said he has worried constantly and I was so afraid she would not come I know Miss Pumford just then the telephone rung the nurse picked up the receiver she listened to the call from the office then she answered I'm awfully sorry but I cannot see how we can take her we have in a single public bed unoccupied she waited a moment then resumed poor thing I hate to have you turn her away but what can we do a bed thought Dorothy why of course Miss Pumford will provide a private one for her brother and perhaps but she did not wait to think further nurse she interrupted her voice carrying through the phone perhaps that patient could have our bed is to go to the private wing in a few words the nurse gathered Dorothy's meaning then she told the matron speaking through the transmitter to hold the applicant would you like to come with me she asked Dorothy as she prepared to interview the prospective patient Miss Pumford will be here for some time yet down the broad marble steps that seem to exude everything antiseptic and sterilized Dorothy hurried along after the head nurse into a large hall then across this into a small waiting room they passed the patient is only ill from neglect and nervous exhaustion explain the nurse or I would not invite you down a second white capped and white robed attendant open the door Dorothy stepped in first a woman sat on a leather chair in the far corner of the room she is very weak explain the second nurse to the first and I really was afraid to let her go the woman raised her head Miss Steering exclaimed Dorothy tries to suppress her astonishment why? I am so glad I have found you the woman tried to open her lips but a sudden movement of her head showed that she had fainted and you know her asked the nurses quickly restoring the woman to consciousness with simple restoratives slightly replied Dorothy I will wait to see how she gets along from the scene in the waiting room Dorothy hurried back to the side of Captain Maverick she wanted to ask Miss Pumford about the bed oh here you are exclaimed the little woman pleasantly I was just telling Nick what a girl you are perhaps you can tell us how to go about getting him into the private ward he left at first rate here she hurried to explain there's no sense in keeping this bed from someone who may need it Dorothy touched the button at the door to call an attendant it was the head nurse who answered we can have this bed stammered Dorothy scarcely able to speak through her excitement Miss Pumford wishes Captain Maverick removed to the private wing that will do nicely answered the nurse your friend has been taken into the observation ward she will remain there until her case is diagnosed it was provincial that she spoke when you did or she might have fainted in the street if we had turned her away and we are not allowed to take patients who apply as she did unless they are vouchful you see it was all well you happened to know her could I speak with her ask Dorothy timidly that is precisely what I came up for she wants very much to speak with you End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Penrose Chapter 27 all is well No I'm not a bit excited pleaded me steering when the nurse cautioned her to keep quiet I'm only happy I was dying long before I came here and now I can rest in a bed and perhaps I will have the courage to get well again of course you will in sister Dorothy delighted that she had been instrumental in actually saving a life and perhaps Christmas will bring you peace and courage No that you have brought it when I look at your fair face don't you know that was why I put the ring in your bag she asked suddenly I knew your face would clear you before any accuser in the world Dorothy put her finger to her lips she did not want miss steering to discuss the painful subject but the sick woman was persistent and from that moment some evil genius followed me I did it because other detectives had been praised for making arrests and I had made none I could not afford to lose my place for my mother was dying she died thank God before she knew her daughter had lied for her had herself actually been accused of stealing stealing to earn a die now please big Dorothy do not talk anymore about it when you get well I will come in and see you my aunt will want a great deal of sewing done perhaps she may be able to come to her it was actually noontime and Dorothy had to hurry back to the cedars miss comfort and the captain was still talking about old family affairs and seemed supremely happy as she left them the captain explained the nurse was suffering more from neglect than any specific ailment and he had already responded remarkably to treatment isn't it a queer holiday Dorothy asked herself once more in the train getting back to the cedars and now for Tavia's troubles nap met her at the station all smiles but otherwise provokingly uncommunicative he simply would not tell her a word of what might have occurred in her absence and she finally gave up asking him to do so alright she assured him if Tavia's gone I'll blame you that's all Roger met her at the door someone's waiting for you in the parlour Dorot he said without waiting to digest his sister's greetings Dorothy opened the parlour door there sat miss Brooks and little Mary Mann we came in to wish you a merry Christmas said miss Brooks with her arm about Mary this is my niece my sister's only child and I found her through your hospital play in a few words miss Brooks made it all clear to Dorothy and repeated the story told Tavia some time before she's not very strong and I'm going to take her south at once went on miss Brooks while Mary fairly themed with delight she was so splendid in her new fur coat and to think she really had a relative Aunt Stella she ventured you never would have found me if Dorothy had not given me that peace it was because I acted like mama and there is something else said miss Brooks the matter about miss Travis I received a letter this morning from the firm refunding her money of course I had urged them to do so I would not even address envelopes for a house that would deliberately rob young girls miss Brooks offered to slip the paper to Dorothy wouldn't you rather give it to miss Travis ask Dorothy oh yes replied the other remembering that Dorothy had refused to listen to the explanation of Tavia's difficulties Tavia was in the hall and Dorothy called her her eyes showed she had been weeping at the sight of miss Brooks she turned as if to leave the room Dorothy put a detaining hand on her arm she has good news for you I'm going to leave you alone to hear it you know in sister Tavia now conscious that there was good news in the air stay and listen Doro I did not tell you because I was up now stop in sister Dorothy no calling of names you take too serious a view of it interrupted miss Brooks she simply did what hundreds do every day risked five dollars to make ten it is nothing in the world but gambling declared Tavia almost fiercely I agree with you answered miss Brooks that you did not go into it with that understanding neither did I offer to address their envelopes with a thorough understanding of their methods I simply was trying to find an address and I made use of every means I considered legitimate here is your money and your friends the address I was looking for came in person and once more she folded her arms about Mary the money exclaimed Tavia looking at the check in a dazed sort of way this is your money Dorothy she said reading the check yours and that's I gambled mothers and spent yours then I bought Christmas presents the check called for 15 dollars and was made out to bearer Tavia offered it to Dorothy who did not take it miss Brooks insisted upon going she felt she had finished her business at the Seeders Tavia drew Dorothy into the library as the door closed upon the visitors her eyes were blazing although her hands seemed cold as they touched Dorothy's arm you know I gambled she stammered I deliberately bought a ticket in a lottery I know you made a mistake insisted Dorothy I could never call that gambling then take the check if you are not afraid of it went on Tavia part of it belongs to Nat the other five is what I borrowed from you borrowed from me why outright it was my Christmas in advance just jump into your things and come down to send a telegram home send them five dollars by wire they will get it in the morning there is no present like the one that comes on Christmas morning you know Dorothy exclaimed Tavia I can't oppose you this time I know that five dollars will make my father and my mother know that I but it would be deceiving them she broke off I'm not fit to even send the gift hurry hurry big Dorothy I want to send some Christmas greetings by wire and they will be too busy to take our messages if you wait later Tavia threw her arms about Dorothy you dear old nuisance she exclaimed I wonder you could not leave some little thing for the angels to do tomorrow oh I expect them to give me their undivided attention declared Dorothy I have had such a clear holiday up to this time that I have simply asked for a great big lump of peace in my stocking you deserve it Doro dear and Tavia to hide the tears that would come into her eyes place their arms about Dorothy and hit her face on her shoulder Dorothy did get peace and great happiness too yet there were many happenings still in store for her and what some of them were will be told in another book to be called Dorothy Dale's Camping Days it was a never to be forgotten outing and one that produced some astonishing results and tomorrow is Christmas said Dorothy softly I feel just like the carol singers when they used to chant God rest you Mary gentlemen only you're not begun Tavia looking up no I'm not a gentleman but I'm Mary quite happy now and I certainly need a rest I guess you do too I certainly do agreed Tavia come on let's hurry to the telegraph office and here we will say goodbye to Dorothy Dale for a while leaving her and her friends at the cedars to enjoy their Christmas in their own delightful way for after all and in spite of the many queer happenings connected with them the holidays were most happy ones end of Dorothy Dale's Queer Holidays by Margaret Pinrose


Hall of Mirrors by Frederick Brown. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Dale Groothman. It is a tough decision to make, whether to give up your life so that you can live it over again. Hall of Mirrors by Frederick Brown. For an instant you think it's temporary blindness, this sudden dark that comes in the middle of a bright afternoon. It must be blindness, you think.  Then the nerves of your body tell you that you are standing, whereas only a second ago you were sitting comfortably, almost reclining, in a canvas chair, in the patio of a friend's house in Beverly Hills, talking to Barbara, your fiancé, looking at Barbara. Barbara in a swimsuit, her skin golden tan in the brilliant sunshine. You wore swimming trunks. Now you do not feel them on you. The slight pressure of the elastic waistband is no longer there against your waist. You touch your hands to your hips.  Whatever has happened to you is more than a change to sudden darkness or to sudden blindness.  They touch a plain, smooth surface, a wall. You spread them apart and each hand reaches a corner.  You are in a closet about four feet square. Your hand finds the knob of the door. It turns and you push the door open. There is light now. The door has opened to a lighted room, a room that you have never seen before. It is not large, but it is pleasantly furnished, although the furniture is of a style that is strange to you. Modesty makes you open the door cautiously the rest of the way, but the room is empty of people. You step into the room, turning to look behind you into the closet, which is now illuminated by the light from the room. The closet is and is not a closet. It is the size and shape of one, but it contains nothing, not a single hook, no rod for hanging clothes, no shelf. It is an empty, blank, walled four by four foot space. You close the door to it and stand looking around the room. It is about twelve by sixteen feet. There is one door, but it is closed. There are no windows. Five pieces of furniture, four of them you recognize, more or less. One looks like a very functional desk. One is obviously a chair, a comfortable looking one. There is a table, although its top is on several levels instead of only one. Another is a bed or couch. Something shimmering is lying across it, and you walk over and pick the shimmering something up and examine it. It is a garment. You are naked, so you put it on. Slippers are partway under the bed or couch, and you slide your feet into them.  You are dressed now. You look at the door, the only door of the room except that of the closet, closet, from which you entered. You walk to the door and before you try the knob you see a small, typewritten sign posted just above it that reads, This door has a time lock set to open in one hour. For a reason you will soon understand it is better that you do not leave this room before then. There is a letter for you on the desk. Please read it. It is not signed. You look at the desk and see that there is an envelope lying on it. You do not yet take the envelope from the desk and read the letter that must be in it. Why not? Because you are frightened. You see other things about the room. The lighting has no source that you can discover. It comes from nowhere. It is not indirect lighting. The ceiling and walls are not reflecting it at all. They don't have lighting like that back where you come from. What do you mean back where you come from? You close your eyes and tell yourself, I am Norman Hastings. I am an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Southern California. I am 25 years old and this is the year 1954. You open your eyes and look again. They don't use that style of furniture in Los Angeles or anywhere else you know of in 1954. That thing over in the corner you can't even guess what it is. So might your grandfather at your age have looked at a television set. You look down at yourself at the shimmering garment that you have found waiting for you. With thumb and forefinger you feel its texture.  I am Norman Hastings. This is 1954. Suddenly you must know, and at once.  Your name is typed on the outside, Norman Hastings. Your hands shake a little as you open it. Do you blame them? There are several pages, type written. Dear Norman, it starts, you turn quickly to the end to look for the signature. It is unsigned. You turn back and start reading. Do not be afraid. There is nothing to fear but much to explain. Much that you must understand before the time lock opens that door. Much that you must accept and obey. You have already guessed that you are in the future, in what, to you, seems to be the future. The clothes and the room must have told you that. I planned it that way so the shock would not be too sudden, so that you would realize it over the course of several minutes, rather than read it here, and quite probably disbelieve what you read. The closet from which you have just stepped is, as you have now realized, a time machine. From it you stepped into the world of 2004. The date is April 7, just fifty years from the time you last remember. You cannot return.  I do not know. That is up to you to decide. But it does not matter. What does matter, and not to you alone, is another decision which you must make. I am incapable of making it. Who is writing this to you? I would rather not tell you just yet. By the time you have finished reading this, even though it is not signed, for I knew you would look first for the signature, I will not need to tell you who I am. You will know. I am seventy-five years of age. I have, in this year, 2004, been studying time for thirty of those years. I have completed the first time machine ever built, and thus far its construction, even the fact that it has been constructed, is my own secret. You have just participated in the first major experiment. It will be your responsibility to decide whether there shall ever be any more experiments with it, whether it should be given to the world, or whether it should be destroyed and never used again. The end of the first page you look up for a moment, hesitating to turn the next page. Already you suspect what is coming. You turn the page. I constructed the first time machine a week ago. My calculations had told me it would work, but not how it would work. I had expected to send an object back in time. It works backwards in time only, not forward. Physically unchanged and intact. My first experiment showed me my error. I placed a cube of metal in the machine. It was a miniature of the one you just walked out of, and set the machine to go backward ten years. I flicked the switch and opened the door, expecting to find the cube vanished. Instead I found it had been crumbled to powder. I put in another cube and sent it two years back. The second cube came back unchanged, except that it was newer, shinier. That gave me the answer. I had been expecting the cubes to go back in time, and they had done so, but not in the sense I had expected them to. Those metal cubes had been fabricated about three years previously. I had sent the first one back years before it had existed in its fabricated form. Ten years ago it had been ore. The machine returned it to that state. Do you see how our previous theories of time travel have been wrong? We expected to be able to step into a time machine in, say, 2004, set it for fifty years back, then step out in the year 1954. But it doesn't work that way. The machine does not move in time. Only whatever is within the machine is affected, and then just with relation to itself and not to the rest of the universe. I confirmed this with guinea pigs by sending one six weeks old five weeks back, and it came out a baby. I need not outline all my experiments here. You will find a record of them in the desk, and you can study it later. Do you understand now what has happened to you, Norman? You begin to understand, and you begin to sweat. The I who wrote that letter you are now reading is you, yourself, at the age of seventy-five, in this year of 2004. You are that seventy-five-year-old man, with your body returned to what it had been fifty years ago, with all the memories of fifty years of living wiped out. You invented the time machine. And before you used it on yourself, you made these arrangements to help you orient yourself. You wrote yourself the letter which you are now reading.  What of all your friends, those you loved? What of your parents? What of the girl you are going—were going—to marry? You read on. Yes, you will want to know what has happened. Mom died in nineteen-sixty-three. Dad in nineteen-sixty-eight. You married Barbara in nineteen-fifty-six. I'm sorry to tell you that she died only three years later, in a plane crash. You have one son. He is still living. His name is Walter. He is now forty-six years old and is an accountant in Kansas City. Tears come into your eyes for a moment you can no longer read. Barbara dead. Dead for forty-five years. And only minutes ago, in subjective time, you were sitting next to her, sitting in the bright sun, in a Beverly Hills patio. You forced yourself to read again. But, back to the discovery, you begin to see some of its implications. You will need time to think, to see all of them. It does not permit time travel, as we have thought of time travel. But it gives us immortality of a sort. Immortality of the kind I have temporarily given us. Is it good? Is it worthwhile to lose the memory of fifty years of one's life, in order to return one's body to relative youth? The only way I can find out is to try, as soon as I have finished writing this, and made my other preparations. You will know the answer. But before you decide, remember that there is another problem, more important than the psychological one. I mean overpopulation. If our discovery is given to the world, if all who are old or dying can make themselves young again, the population will almost double every generation. Nor would the world, not even our own relatively enlightened country, be willing to accept compulsory birth control as a solution. Give this to the world, as the world is today, in 2004, and within a generation there will be famine, suffering, war, perhaps a complete collapse of civilization. Yes, we have reached other planets, but they are not suitable for colonization. The stars may be our answer, but we are a long way from reaching them. When we do, someday, the billions of inhabitable planets that must be out there will be our answer, our living room. But until then, what is the answer? Destroy the machine? But think of the countless lives it can save, the suffering it can prevent. Think of what it would mean to a man dying of cancer. Think. You finish the letter and put it down.  Fifty years lost.  Bitterly you know what the decision must be.  Damn him, he should have known. Too valuable to destroy, too dangerous to give. The other answer is painfully obvious. You must be custodian of this discovery and keep it secret until it is safe to give, until mankind has expanded to the stars and has new worlds to populate, or until, even without that, he has reached a state of civilization where he can avoid overpopulation by rationing births to the number of accidental or voluntary deaths. If neither of these things has happened in another fifty years, and are they likely so soon, then you at seventy-five will be writing another letter like this one. You will be undergoing another experience similar to the one you're going through now, and making the same decision, of course. Why not? You'll be the same person again. Time and again to prevent this secret until man is ready for it. How often will you again sit at a desk like this one, thinking the thoughts you are thinking now, feeling the grief you feel now? There is a click at the door and you know that the time lock has opened, that you are now free to leave this room, free to start a new life for yourself, in place of the one you have already lived and lost. But you are in no hurry now to walk directly through that door. You sit there, staring straight ahead of you, blindly, seeing in your mind's eye the vista of a set of facing mirrors, like those in an old-fashioned barber shop, reflecting the same thing over and over again, diminishing into far distance. The End of Hall of Mirrors by Frederick Brown


I have an empty bowl and some water and I have this coin. I will place this coin at the bottom of this bowl and now the coin right now is not visible. I will now pour this water into this bowl. At this point, can you predict if you will be able to see the coin after I pour all the water or if you would not be able to see the coin? Like if you will continue not being able to see the coin if even if I pour the water, make a prediction. Alright, let's see. Well, here I pour the water and yes, I can see the coin now. Wow, that's amazing. Well, the coin wasn't visible at first but now we can see the coin. How is that possible? Think about it.