Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1869-12-23

-. 20 ~ -
DO nst - -. IRWIN II snossA I.
tell you 1T yoa end yoaf lhtAe: "a
bro ase truly h grsst daaese, and 4
you wnl place Implicit eonAdsaes in ne
I een ave you. Dsop your Va n yog
please. Thank You.
Almost tsnderly he vrspped the robs1
around her, yet uttsring no VOID. The
gathering the reins. he gave The hoc,e Z
light blow, and away they went, ct . pcs
that soon left the city far ont Of sieht
"Al extraordinary ride, surely" tAouahi
Grace. ms they -ped over the crisp snev
and there was wonder how Il would
end. But she felt no fear, NO regret, thai
she had plae. :. herself in his hands.
For hours they rode, he doing al in hi,
power to entertain her, succeeding % vel
that she almost forgot the singular
position, in listening u his brilliant tall
and varied experience. About dark they
drew up at farm house, where Nomandy
ordered supper. While it was preparing
he looked after the comfort of his horss
rubbing him down with his own hand
and feeding him for the ride was not yet
over.
1--WE have four hours yet to ride" said
he to Grace. "Shall We go on?'
81 trust you, Mr.. Normandy. Let me
help you If can"
Thank you thank you, Miss Blench'
ford" he said gravely. "You shall moi
repent it."
Out into the night they started again
He procured additional robes at the
farmhouse, and wrapped his companion %
closely that she did not feel the biting
cold. He needed no covering; his blood
was at fever heat, defying the cold north
wind more effectuaily than the warmesi
furs.
On they drove through the still keen
air; past farmhouses, over hills, across
rivers, through dense woods and damp
valleys, and yet the end of the ride wa
not yet.
Could it be that John Normandy wa
playing false? Did he know that the
officers of the law were searching for him
far and near? That his name and de.
scription had been flashed over the wires
in all directions
That his name was whispered upon the
street as 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
impatient to get over the ground. Ii
looked very dark, yet Grace Blenchford
trusted him.
I'VE are almost there said he, halting
the steaming horse, and pointing to q
light ahead. "Are you sorry that you
trusted me? 1t is not too late yet"
"Your conduct is very strange, yet l
have no fear" replied Grace.
You are one among thousand, SAID
he, honestly.
He stepped out and taking the bells
from the horse, slowed them away in the
sleigh. Then he drove on cautiously to-
ward the light.
ut 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 well blanketing the horse, he helped
Grace to alight, and together th y walked
toward the building.
I'VE must be very cautious, else our
ride will be naught.'
He. drew a revolver from his brea st and
pla ced it in his great coat pocket, where
he could reach it without waste OF time.
II have come prepared" he whispered,
feeling his companions arm tremble with
in his own. "Do not fear. would sooner
lose my own life than that one hair OF
your head should be harmed"
They stopped in the shadow, just before
the door.
Now, Miss BIenchford, you will have
need of all your courage and fstitude,' be
whispered. within this house you will
Il III -
but il cannot be avoided. By no other
means could save the Blenchford name
from digrace. Follow me-"
Revolver in hand he burst the door. and
entered quickly, closely followed by
Grace.
With q cry of fierce anger, the only
the intruders; but the moment the light
fell upon their faces he sank back into
the chair with a groan, and buried his
face in his hands.
.Oh God Lost, Lostw
Grace Blenchford recognized her only
brother, James and, seeing his distress
she sprang TO his side to comfort him.
Don't touch me Grace ~ he exclaimed,
in horror Normandy, take her away !,
Don Z let her come near me. Why did
you bring her here Oh, my sister! Is
il possible? Great God, / shall 20 mad !.
| cannot endure it. Why did you ever
bring her here =
10 save you," replied Normandy.
He had closed and bo.ted the door, but
still retained the revolver in his hand
He moved nearer the conscience stricken
man.
flames Blenchford. calm yourself
said he. ave have come. not TO hs rm,
but to save you. The presence Of your
sister should tell you that
Young Blenchfvrd raised his he ad with
q hopeful look.
God bless yon. John Normandy, You
know not what l have suffered, hut
ared no, come back. And now yoia will
keep j, from my dear father y
IL will laid Normandy. solem My.
NO one shall ever know II, save o ar
selves"
'"But Grace Z" said James Bienchford.
''She need know no more" said Nor
mandy. II brought her here that the
light Of her might give you coursge to
return 10 Us.
John. shall tell her all" said James
shall TIL her everything. but no. now"
.'Spare her the psin, James"
"No, John 1t is my duty. But not
now.
"Whers. il your accomplice 2"
..He will arrive by the next tro in" said
with a shudder. Il was wait
ing for hiu.'
.And tha. j. due in thirty minutes"
said Norm ,ndy, looking at HIS watch
"Giye me the money. jams. and We will