Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1911-Jan 1912)

THE GHOST'S WARNING 101 verted his ready resources into cash and went to Nice as fast as a transatlantic steamer and the chemin de fer could carry him, taking along the Sombra Cross as a possible clue. With Nice as a center, Trevor swiftly searched the western Riviera by rail from Hyeres, France, to Genoa, Italy, utilizing guides and books devoted to travel, without finding a trace of Castle Sombra. He then made occasional excursions up into the surrounding hills and valleys for the unlocated habitation. From the beautiful city he set out every day to explore the clusters of houses thousands of feet above the sea, now traversing dark gorges, now wandering among orange groves; now meditating at the blackened ruins of some Knights Templar castle, now refreshing his soul with the tints and inspirations of nature, with an occasional far glimpse of the blue Mediterranean, until he one day penetrated the town of Vence, picturesquely situated on a hill amidst mountains clothed with olive trees, and visited an old cathedral, where the Lords and Bishops of Vence had been buried. Behind the chancel he found several stones with Latin inscriptions and interesting devices, among them a Cross Estoille in the exact design of that he carried as a clue to Count Sombra 's habitation. Inquiry revealed that there was only one person who could enlighten him as to the story of the man buried beneath the sign, a venerable Sacristan long retired and devoted to the cultivation of double violets near Rocher-Noir, some three miles north of Vence. Trevor started at once and soon passed Rocher-Blanche, with its walled village and castle on the summit, and strode along — he had undertaken this part of the exploration on foot — until he reached a cave called the "Riou," containing a large basin of water, from which flowed a copious stream. Near an artificial lake formed from this stream, stood a villa of melancholy aspect, apparently deserted, but not in ruins. It stood out in the lake a short distance from shore and was reached over an arched bridge of roughly-dressed stones leading into the second story of the structure. Near the bridge entrance stood a column of stone supporting a hexagonal vase bearing carved designs and inscriptions. Among these was the Cross Estoille and a Latin motto signifying "The Death of Love." On the Sombra Cross was the same motto. Trevor sat down at the foot of the stone column to meditate. The chateau was not occupied at present — that was plain — but it corresponded in all particulars to the description given by Stephanie's cousin and bore the distinguishing marks that were on the token he carried. He had undoubtedly reached his destination ahead of the visiting party. In confirmation of this he -was soon approached by an old man in peasant's costume, whose face was far above that of the average farmer in quality — he was confronted by the former Sacristan of Vence Cathedral. Careful inquiry developed the fact that the chateau was commonly known as "Mort d 'Amour," tho a castle had once stood on its site many generations before. Part of the ancient edifice remained, a ruined tower on the side opposite to that where Trevor was sitting, and a famed grotto, once the water-gate of the fortress. The older building had been destroyed by fire, and the modern chateau constructed from the materials remaining, but the name, ' ' Castle Sombra, ' ' had not been preserved. Count Sombra had been absent for some months; none knew his whereabouts nor when he would return, tho the Sacristan should have had some information on the subject — the bunch of keys at his girdle showed that he was in charge of the place. It was all very plain that Trevor, in spite of weeks running into months spent in finding their supposed destination, had arrived in advance of the visiting party. His head drooped in thoughtful consideration of the situation, while the Sacristan was giving his scant information in detail,