The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-11-25

4 = y
not yet.
Could Il be tina, John Normandy was
playing false? Did he know that tho
officers Of the law were searching for
him far aud nearY That his name and
description had been flashed over the
wires in all directiousy That his name
was whispered upon the street as de.
f.ulter--a robbcr? That he was already
charged with the abduction Of Jonas
Benchford's fair daughter? lie could
not have driven faster had he known all
of these, nor have seemed more impa-
ticnt to get over the ground. IL looked
very dark, yet Grace Bleuchford trusted
him.
ave are almost there" said he, halt
ing the steaming horse, aud pointing to
a light ahead. "Are you sorry that you
trusted mcl Il is not too late yet"
"Your conduct is very strange, yet
have no fear" replied Grace,
"You are one among Thousand" he
said, honestly.
He stepped out, and taking the bells
rom the horse, slowed them away in
the sleigh. Then he drove on cautiously
toward the light.
IL is oar 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, aud together they walked
toward the building.
ave must be very cautious, else our
ride will be for naught."
He drew revolver from his breast,
and placed it in his grcatcoat pocket,
where he could reach il without waste
of time.
al have come prepared" he wills
pered, feeling his companions arm
tremble within his own, "Do not fear.
| would sooner lose my own life than
TINT one hair of your head should be
harmed"
They stopped in the shadow, just be.
| fore the door.
snow, Miss Blench ford, you will
have need Of all your courage aud forti.
tude," he whispered. "Within this
house you will SEQ all that which will
be agony tc you, but it can not be avoid.
ed. By no other means could save the
Bienchford name from disgrace. Fol
low me-"
Revolver in hand, he burst upeu the
door, and entered quickly, followed
closely by Grace.
With a cry Of fierce anger, the only
occupant of the room sprang up to meet
the intruders; but the moment the
light fell upon their faces, he sank back
into the chair with groan, and buried
his face in his hands.
ooh God Lost, lost"
Grace Bleuchford recognized her only
brother, James; aud, seeing his distress,
she sprang to his side to comfort him.
Don't touch me, Gracnw he cx.
claimed, in terror. Normandy, take
her awayl Don't let her come near
me! Why did you bring her here!--
Oh, my sisterl Isit possiblei Great
Godl Ishall 80 mad! 1 can not Gu.
dare it! Why did you ever bring her
herel'
"To save you" replied Normandy
He had closed aud bolted the door,
but still retained the revolver in his
hand. He moved nearer to the con-
science stricken man.
James Blauchford, calm YOURSELF,
said he. eve have come, not to harm
but to save you. The presence of your
sister should tell you that"
Young Blonchford raised his head
with hopeful look.
"God bless you, John Normandy
You know not what have suffered, but
dared not come back Aud now you
will keep it from my dear fatherY
II WILL" said Normandy, solemuly
"No one shall ever know it, save our.
selves"
"But Grace y said James BIench.
ford.
She need know no more, 2 said Nor.
mandy. Il brought her here that the
sight Of her might give her courage to
return TO u.s.
John, ! shall tell her all. said
James Il shall tell you everything,
but not now"
"SPare her the pain, James,
"No, John. Il is my duty. But
not now"
Where is you accomplish r
He will arrive bs the next traiu,o
said Blenchford, with shudder. II
was whiting Tor him.
And that is due in thirty minutes, "
said Norma.a. to,l;.s ~: