Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1869-12-03

I Hiss A9lchgHiotui eau you trust me
! Surprised aud somewhat annoyed, she
hardly knew how to answer. But she saw
that be was in earnest, aud in the brief
time, she thought Of all her acquaintance,
and not one Of them would she trust soon
er
Why do you ask, Mr.. Normandy ?''
If | should tell you, said be, fthat
those whom you hold most dear. yourself
included, were in great peril, and peril
that You never could guess, and had the
power to save you all, would you believe
me? Would you trust ne? Would you be
guided by me for brief time?"
Startled BY 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 me. It viii be enough to
tell yon that you and your father and broth
or are truly in great danger, and if you viii
place implicit confidence in me, | can save
you Drop your vail if you please. Thank
you.
Almost tenderly he wrapped the robes
around her yet uttering no word. Then
gathering the reins, he gave the horse a
| Ggh blow, and away they went, at 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 bad
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 bis brilliant talk aud varied
experience. About dark, they drew up at
farm house, where Normandy ordered
/ supper. While it was preparing, he looked
after the comfort of his horse, rubbing him
down with his own band and feeding him
for the ride was not yet over.
we have four hours yet to ride, said
he to grace. Shall we go on
Il trust you Mr. Normandy. Let me
help you if can
Thank you Thank you, Miss Bleneh.
ford, be said, gratefully. ''You shall not
repent it.
Out into the night they started again.
4 He procured additional robes at the farm
house. and wrapped his fair companion so
closely that she did not feel the biting cold.
I He needed no covering; his blood was at a
fever height, delying the cold north wind
more edectualy than the warmest furs.
On they drove through the stiI keen air,
past farmhouses, over hills, across rivers,
through dense woods and damp valleys, and
yet the end Of that ride was not yet.
1 Could it be that John Normandy was
/ playing false? Did be know that the officers
Of the law were searching for him far and
near2 That his name aud description had
been flashed over the wires 10 all directions?
! That his name was whispered upon the
atlcot JofaulyeI---a4 robbvT2 That he
was already charged with the abduction OF
Jonas BIenchford' S fair daughter? Heeould
not have driven faster had he known all of
these, nor have seemed more impatient to
get over the ground. 1t looked very dark,
yet Grace Blenchlord trusted him.
We are almost there, said he, hating
the steaming horse, and pointing to a light
ahead Are you sorry that you trusted
me ? 1t is not too late yet "
Your conduct Is very strange, yet [ 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 he drove on cautiously toward the
4 light.
1T is our beacon, said he. "It tells
me that am in time. F"
He stopped again, when within few
hundred yards of the house. Securing and
well Marketing the horse, he helped Grace
to alight, and together they walked toward
the building
We must be very cautious, else our ride
wiz be for naught- F"
lie drew q revolver from his breast and
placed it in his great-coat pocket, where he
could reach it without waste Of time.
Il have come prepared, F" he whispered,
feeling his companions arm tremble within
his own DO not fear. would sooner
Hose my own life than that one hair of your
Ihead should be harmed
They stopped in the shadow, just before
the door.
Now, Miss Blenchlord, you viii have
lneed Of all your courage and fortitude, - he
Whispered. Within this house you will
see al that which will be agony to you, but
it can not be avoided. BY no other means
could save the Blenchiord name from dis
grace. Follow me. !"
Revolver in hand, be burst the door, and
entered quickly, followed closely by Grace.
With cry of fierce anger, the only oc-
5tpant Of the room sprqng up TO meet the
iHlruders; but the moment the light fell
Upon their faces he sank back into the
clair with a groan, and buried his face in
lis hands
"Oh God Lost, lost!"
Grace Blenchford recognized her only
irother, James; and, seeing his distress, sic
prang to bis side to comfort him.
Don't touch me, Grace be exclaimed,
N terror. Normandy, take her away
Don't let her come near mel Why did you
bling her here? Oh, my sister Is it pos
.iblo Great God ! shallgo mad can
not endure it Why did you ever bring her
here ?"
To save you, replied Normandy.
He had closed aad bolted the door, but
still retained the revolver in his hand He
moved nearer to the eouscience-stricken
man.
James Blenchford calm yourself
said be. we have come, not to harm, but
to save you The presence Of your sister
should tell you that
Young Bieuchford raised his lead with a