Citadel of Fear

Book Excerpt: ...shman's dusty boot. Foreseeing trouble for the young lady, he stooped and gently disengaged her."I've a little sister at home, colleen," he said, "that's the spit and image of yourself, save she's the eyes like blue corn-flowers. Don't you be crying, now. We'll see each other again."As she still clung, her father stooped, lifted her and faced her about in the desired direction. "Go--in!" he commanded, with a gentle sternness that this time won obedience. Boots looked at her regretfully, for he liked children. He was, indeed, to see her again, as he had promised; but not to know her--not though that recognition would have saved him terrible and bitter pain. But now she was to him only a small girl-child, who went at her father's insistence, and going turned to wave a chubby and reluctant farewell. Upon her disappearance the fathers manner relaxed."You took me by surprise," he explained. "We are seldom favored with guests here, but I meant no inhospitality. You come from --Close...