Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-10-27

her even more skillfully than her old father
by her side, and off they went
Through the crowded streets, through
the less crowded suburbs, out into the quiet
country, Normandy all the while chatting
merrily, a startling contrast to his real feel
ings. But when once they were out of the
reach of the din of the great city, his man
ner changed entirely. Turning his dark,
searching eyes full upon his companions
beautiful face, he asked, earnestly, almost
beseechingiy y:
Miss Blenchford, can you trust me 2
Surprised and somewhat annoyed, she
hardly knew what to answer, But she saw
that he was in earnest, and in the brief time,
she thought of all her acquaintances, ana
not one of them would she trust sooner.
why do you ask, Mr.. Normandy"
"If l should tell you" said he, that
those whom you hold most dear, yourself in
cluded, were in great peril and a peril that
you never could guess, and that | had the
power to save you all, would you believe
me? Would you trust me? Would you be
guided by me for brief timer
Startled 10y his manner, and convinced by
his earnestness, she replied as earnestly,
Yes, Mr. Normandy can and do trust
you But why do you ask ?"
''Do not ask NE. 1t will be enough to
| tell you that you and your father and broth
er are truly in great danger, and if you will
place implicit confidence in me, | can save
you Drop your veil if you please. Thank
you"
Almost tenderly he wrapped the robes a.
round her, yet uttering no word. Then
! gathering the reins, he gave the horse a
/ light blow, and away they went at a pace
that soon left the city far out Of sight. AN
extraordinary ride, surely" thought Grace,
/ as they sped over the crisp snow; and there
was wonder how it would end But she
| felt no fear, no regret, that she had placed
| herself in his hands.
For hours they rode, he doing all in his
power to entertain her, succeeding so well
/ that she almost forgot the singular position
in listening to his brilliant talk and varied
experience. About dark hey drew up at
a farm house, where Normandy ordered
after the comforS of his horse, rubbing him
/ down with his own hand and feeding him ::
| for the ride was not yet over.
'We have four hours yet TO ride. !" said
be to Grace. Shall we go on?''
Il trust you, Mr. Normandy Let me
! help you if | can.
Thank you! Thank you, Miss Blench,
ford he said gratefully. ~ Iou shall not
repent it.
Out into the night they started again.
He procured additional robes at the farm
house, and wrapped his fair companion SC
closely that she did not feel the biting cold
He needed no covering; his blood was at s
fever hight, defying the cold north winc
more effectually than the warmest furs.
On they drove through the still keen air
past farmhouses, over hills, across rivers,
through dense woods and damp valleys, anC
yet the eud of that ride was not yet.
Could it be that John Normandy was
playing false? Did he know that the of
licers of the law were searching for him ia
and near? That his name and description
had been flashed over the wires in all direc
tions? That his name was whispered upol
the street as defaulter-a robber? Tha
he was already charged with the abduction
of Jonas Blenchford's 5 fair daughter? III
could not have driven faster had he known
all Of these, nor have seemed more impa
tient to get over the ground. 1t looked
very dark, yet Grace Blenchford truste
him.
I'VE are almost there" said he, haltin
the steaming horse. and pointing to ligh
ahead Are you sorry that you truste
me? 1t is not too late yet. ]"
Your conduct is very strange, yet
have no fear replied Grace.
''You are one among a thousand b
| said, honestly.
He stepped out and taking the bells frou
, the horse. slowed them away in the sleigh
Then ne drove on cautiously toward th
, light
1T is our beacon" said he. 'It tells U
that am in time
He stopped again when within few hui
dred yards Of the house. Securing and we
, blanketing the horse, he helped Grace I
. alight, and together they walked toward tt
: building
1--WE must be very cautious, else our rid
I will be for naught.
ri He drew a revolver from his breast, an
I placed it in his great-eoat pocket, where
: could reach it without waste of time.
Il have come prepared, he Whispered
feeling his companions arm tremble with
r his own. ''Do not fear l would rath'
: lose my life than that one hair of your hea
should be harmed
They stopped in the shadow, just befo
= the door.
"Now, Miss Blenchford, you will ha'
need of all your courage and fortitude,'
S whispered. Within this house you see s
. that which will be agony to you, but 1t C;
: not be avoided By no other means could
c save the Blenchford name from disgrae
Follow me"
{ Revolver in hand, he burst open Il