"Did you hear that noise, Miss Anna?" she said, as another sound came,
that was vastly like the shivering of glass.
"What was it, Mrs. Ordilinier?"
I gave her the question to gain information. I sought it,--but she, not
disposed to gratify me at the moment, slowly ascended to ascertain the
state of mirrors above. She met my father's silver hairs coming down. He
did not say one word to her. He met me in the hall, took me back to the
room, and, reseating me in my olden place, put his hand upon my head,
and said,--
"This must help me, Anna."
"It will, papa; what is it?"
"I've a crazy man up-stairs. He can't do very much harm, for he is badly
injured."
"How?" I asked.
"Railroad accident. Four days ago, locomotive and two passenger-cars off
the track, down forty feet upon the rocks and stones, and all there was
of a river," my father replied, with evident regret that the company had
been so unfortunate, as well as his individual self.
"Who is it?" was my next question.
"Don't know, darling; haven't the least idea. He has the softest brown,
curling hair of his own, with a wig over it.
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