The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-10-23

SNiH' 'S hoouou ho Oo'eiluS Ills plopu
was at fever height, detying the cold north
wind more efectually than the warmest
On they drove through the still keen air;
past farmhouses, over hills, across rivers,
through dense woods and damp valleys, and
yet the cpd of that ride was not yet.
Could it be that John Normandy was
playing false ? Did he know that the Of
6cers of the law we're searching for him far
and near? That his name and description
had been flashed over the wires in all drec.
tions? That his name was whispered upon
the street as a defaulter-a robber? That
he was already charged with the abduction
of Jonas Blenchford's fair daughter? He
could not have driven faster had he known
all of these, nor have seemed more impa.
tiept to get over the ground. 1t looked very
dark. yet Grace Blanchford trusted him.
ave are almost there" said he, hating
the steaming horse, and pointang to a light
ahead "Are you sorry that you trusted
me? 1t is not too late YETI
Your conductls very strange, yet I have
no fear" replied Grace.
"You are one among a thousand" he
said, honestly.
He stepped out, and taking the bells from
the horse, slowed them away in the sleigh,
Then be drove on cautiously toward the
light.
at Is our beacon" said he. at tells me
that am in time"
He stopped again, when within few
hundred yards of the house, Securing and
blanketiug the horse, he helped Grace to
alight, and together they walked toward the
building.
owe must be very cautious, else our ride
will be for naught'
He drew revolver from his breast, and
placed it in his greatcoat>pocket, where he
could reach it without waste of time.
4 have come prepared" he whispered
feeling his companions arm tremble within
his own. "Do not fear. | would soone
lose my own life than that one hair Of you
head should be harmed" ".---'-- i'
They stepped in the shadow, just before
the door
"Now, Miss Dlenchford, you will hav'
need Of al your courage and tortitude, b
whispered. "Within this house you wi
see all that which will be agony to you bu
it can not be avoided. BY 10 other mean
could | save the Dlenchiord name iror
Disgrace. Follow me"
Revolver iu hand, he burst the doc
and entered quickly, followed closely b
Grace.
| With a cry ol herce anger, the only occr
pant OF the room sprang up to meet the in
trudcGs but the moment the ligh. fell up
on their faces he sank back into the chai
with groan, and buried his face in h
hands.
"Oh God! Lost, lost. ~
Grace Blanchford recognized her onl
brother, James and, seeing his dstres
she sprang TO his side to comfort him
Don't touch me, Glace !" he exclaime
in terror. Normandy, take her away
Don't let her come near me Why di
you bring her here? Oh, my sister.
it possible Great God Il shell go mad.
1 cannot endure it! Why did you evt
} bring her here?"
TO save you" replied Normandy.
E He had closed and bolted the door, "
still retained the revolver in his hand. h
moved nearer to the conscience strickt
man.
"Jame5 Blenchford, calm yourself
} said he. "We have come, not to harr
but to save you. The presence of 20,
sister should tell you that"
Young Blenchford raised his head vii
hopeful look.
! "God bless you, John Normandy! Yc
know not what have suffered, but | dare
, not come back. And now you will keep
from my dear father?"
81 WILL" said Normandy, solemn,
mo one shall ever know it, save ou
selves"
"But Grace ?" said james Blanchfor
! "She needed know no more," said Nc
mandy. 81 brought her here that ii
sight of her might give you courage to r
turn to u.s."
"Johp, shall tell her all" said Jane
~ shall tell her everything, but not now
"Spare her the pain, James"
. "No, John. 1t is my duty. But n