"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 and fro, like a leaf in a strong wind; but he steadied her by holding her down on her seat, both of her hands caught in his. "I had scarcely pushed out into midstream ere I fancied I heard a low, choking cry. The woman had wrenched one of her hands free, and like a flash she had torn off her thick veil, and then I saw a sight that made the blood run cold in my veins, for over her mouth a thick scarf was wound, which she was trying to tear off with her disengaged hand. "Her companion caught her hand with a fierce imprecation on his lips, and the struggle that ensued between them made the boat rock like a cradle. In an instant he had forced her back into her seat, and drawn the veil down over her face again. "But in that brief instant, by the bright light of the moon, I had caught a glimpse of a face so wondrous in its loveliness and its haughtiness that I was fairly dazed. I did not know what to do or say, I was so bewildered. "'You must make quicker time!' cried the gentleman, turning to me. "At last we reached the island, and despite her struggles, he lifted her out of the boat. Then he thrust a bill into my hand, saying grimly, 'You can return now.' "But while he was speaking, never for an instant did his hold relax upon the girl's arm, though she writhed under his grasp. "I hesitated a moment, and he turned to me with the look of a fiend on his dark, handsome face. "'I said you might _go_,' he repeated. "'I will double that sum if you know how to keep your tongue still,' the man said, thrusting another bill into my hand.