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

N"lIcyst -"uu ycL lhc Gnu " that tiucM
not yet.
Gould II be that John Normandy was
playing false? Did he know that the
officers of the law were searching for
him far aud near2 That his name and
description had been flashed over the
wires in all directiousY That his name
was whispered upon the street as a de-
fsulter--a robberY That he WIS already
charged with tho abduction Of Jonas
Blenchford'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 Ii looked
very dark, yet Grace Bleuchford trusted
him.
1--WE are almost there" said he, halt
ing the steaming horse, aud pointing to
light ahead. Are you sorry that you
trusted mci II 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, aud taking the bells
from the horse, slowed them away in
the sleigh. Then he drove on cautiously
toward the light.
It is oar beacon" said he. at
tells me that | am in time"
He stopped again, When within few
hundred yards of the house. Securing
aud well blanketing the horse, he helped
Grace to alight, and together they walked
toward the building
ave must be very cautious, else our
ride will be for Taught"
He drew revolver from his breast,
and placed it in his grcatcoat pocket,
where he could reach il without waste
Of time.
II have come prepared" he whis
pered, feeling his companions arm
tremble within 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 be-
fore the door.
snow, Miss Blenchford, you will
have need of all your courage and forti-
tude," he whispered. "within this
house you will see all that which will
be agony to you, but it eau not be avoid.
ed. BY no other means could save the
Blenchford name from disgrace. Fol
low me-"
Revolver ia hand, he burst upen the
door, and entered quickly, followed
closely by Grace.
With cry of fierce anger, the ouly
occupant of the room spraug up to meet
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.
"0h God Lost, lost"
Grace Bleuehford recognized her only
brother, James; and, seeing his distress,
she sprang to his side to comfort him,
+" Dou't touch me, Gracs@ he OK.
claimed, in terror. Normandy, take
her away Don't let her come near
me! Why did you bring her herel--
Oh, my sister! l. il possibls7 Grea.
Godl Ishall 80 msdI I can oot en-
dure it! Why did you ever bring her
here?"
"To save you" replied Normandy
He had closed ADD bolted the door,
but still retained the. -evolyer in his
hand, BE rsyed oeirer to the CON.
science stricken mai, y ~
james Blanchford, calm YOURSELF
said he. eve have como, not 10 harm
but to save you. The presence Of your
sister should tell you that"
Young Blenchford raised his head
with a hopeful look.
sGod bless you, John Normandy I
You know not what l have suffered, but
dared not come back. And now you
will keep il from my dear fatherl
81 will" said Normandy, solcmDly
"No one shall ever know il, save our.
selves.p
"But Grace " said James BIsnch-
ford.
@She need know no more, . said Nor.
mandy. = brought her here that the
sight Of her might giso her courage to
return TO u.s.
"Johu, l shall tell her an said
james. Il shall tell you everything,
but not now
"Spare her the paia, James,
"No, John. Il Is my duty. But
not now"
where is you accomplish r.
" He will arrive By the next traia, =
said Blenchford, with q shudder. II
was waiting FOR him.