Ladies Man

and the Whistler. And I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, hidden in the hearts of men and women, who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.

And now the Whistler's strange story. Ladies, man, the mountain lodge is almost obscured by the fury of the snowstorm. and the car heading toward the lodge up the narrow winding lane finds the going precarious.

But now with one last lurching crunch the driver brings the car to a stop in front of the steps leading to the lives. Two men alike brace themselves against the wind and snow and hurry up to the door.

One man, the doctor, carries a small black bag. The other, a younger man, anxiously leads the way into the house to the quiet bedroom at the back. and waits while the doctor examines the figure in the bed.

The room is chilled with cold and quiet, deathly quiet. After a time the doctor looks up at the younger man. Well, I'm afraid your friend is gone, Mr. Cole. Oh, no. I'm afraid so. I'm sorry.

Oh, it can be, Doctor. I came for you the moment I found him. Oh, if only I... There, there, there now, Mr. Cole. You mustn't blame yourself. I know, but... Your friend must have been very ill for some time before you got here.

You say you came as soon as you could. You could do no more than that. I might have come up here yesterday. I thought about it, but the storm, I thought it'd clear up. I had no idea he was ill.