Herman Sisk

“ No voice bade me enter, and with an effort I pushed open the door and staggered into the house. Almost immediately my weary legs crumpled under me, and I toppled and struck heavily on my face.
When I regained consciousness, a rough room, scantily furnished, greeted my eye. There was an ill-looking table, the top of which was warped and rectangular in shape, standing in the center. To one side was a rustic chair. Beyond the table was a bunk built into the wall; and on this lay a man with shining eyes and a long, white beard. ”

“ You can see the room if you open the door behind me."
I looked at him a moment, hesitating. Then I went to the door and pushed it open. Cautiously glancing into the other room, I saw there was nothing there but a bunk similar to the one the old man occupied.
"Don't be afraid," he said, evidently sensing my fear. "Nothing will hurt you now. It's after midnight when it happens."
"What happens?" I asked.
"I don't know. No two men have the same experience. It all depends on one's state of mind." ”

“ There was something so weird in the way he looked at me out of those big, watery eyes that I involuntarily shuddered.
"What anniversary?" I asked.
"The murder of my father," he answered. "It happened many years ago. A strange man came to this cabin just as you have done."
He paused. I said nothing.
"You wish to stay all night?" he asked. ”