that island yonder!"

The man dropped his oars.

"If you had told our captain that, he would never have sent out a
life-boat," declared the man. "He thought it was some one drowning near
at hand, for the story of Wau-Winet Island is no news to the people
hereabouts."

"What do you mean?" cried Varrick.

"I can tell you the story in a very few words, sir," returned the man;
"and surely there's no one more competent to relate it than myself. I
can relate it while we are rowing over to Wau-Winet Island:

"Some six months ago a stranger suddenly appeared in our midst. He
purchased Wau-Winet Island, and a few days later a score or more of
workmen appeared one night at Alexandria Bay, and boarded a tug that was
to take them out to the island.

"These workmen were all strangers to the inhabitants around Alexandria
Bay, and they spoke in a different language.

"They lived upon the island for a month or more, never once coming in
contact with the people hereabouts.

"All their food was brought to them. Soon their mysterious manners
became the talk of all the country round.

"In a month's time they had erected a grand stone house--almost a
castle--hidden from any one who might chance to pass the island, by a
net-work of trees.

"At length the gray-stone house was completed, and the strange, uncanny
workmen took their departure as silently as they had come.

"The people were warned to keep away from the place, for the workmen had
left behind them a large, ferocious dog who menaced the life of any one
who attempted to land on Wau-Winet Island.

"Only last night an event happened which I shall never forget if I live
to be the age of Methuselah. I was standing near the dock, when suddenly
some one laid a heavy hand on my shoulder.

"Glancing up with a little start, I saw the man who had so lately bought
Wau-Winet Island standing before me. By his side, leaning heavily upon
his arm, yet swaying strangely to and fro, as though she were scarcely
able to keep her feet, was a woman in a long black cloak, and her face
covered by a thick veil.

"Before I had a chance to speak, the gentleman bent down and whispered
hoarsely in my ear:

"I want you to row us as quickly as possible, to Wau-Winet Island. You
can name your own price.'

"I wish to God I had refused him. I started to help the lady into the
boat, but he thrust me aside and helped her in himself, lifting her by
main strength.

"For an instant she swayed to an