Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-12-26
NO. 3o5

through dense woods and damp valleys,
and yet the end of the ride was not yet.
Could it be that John Normandy was
playing false? Did he know that the Off
GERS of the law were searching for him far
and near! That his name was whispered
upon the street as a defaulter-a robber?
That he was already charged with the abb
duction of Jonas Blenchford's fair dangh-
ter? He could 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 Blenchford
trusted him.
1--WE are almost there,n said he, hating
the steaming horse and pointing to a light
ahead. care you sorry that You trusted
mep 1t is not too late yet"
''Your conduct is very strange, yet
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
towards the light.
ut is our beacon" said he. ut tells
me that am in time"
He stopped again when within a few
hundred yards of the house. Securing
and we'll blanketing the horse. he helped
Grace to alight, and together they walked
toward the building 1--WE must be very
cautious. else our ride will be naught."
He drew revolver from his breast, and
placed it in his great coat pocket, where
| he could reach It without waste of time.
Through the crowded streets, through
the less crowded suburbs, out in the quiet
country Normandy all the while chatting
merrily, startling contrast to his real
feeling. But when once they were out of
the reach~of the great city, his manner
changed entirely. Turning his dark
searching eyes upon his companions beau
tiful face, he asked earnestly, almost
beseechiamgly: Miss Blenchford, can you
Surprised and somewhat annoyed, she
hardly knew how to answer. But she
saw that.he was in earnest, and in the
brief time, she thought of all her acquaint-
ance, and not one of them would she
| trust sooner,
"Why do you ask, Mr.. Normandyp"
"If should tell you," said he. "that
those you hold most dear, yourself inclu-
ded, were in great peril, and peril that
you never could guess, and that had the
power to save you all, would you believe
me? Would you be guided by me for
brief time?n
Startled by his manner, and convinced
by his earnestness, she replied as earn
estly:
"Yes, Mr.. Normandy; can and do
trust you. But why do you askp"
"Do not ask me. 1t will be enough to
tell you that you and your father and
brother are in great danger, and If YOU
will place implicit confidence, can save
you. Drop your veil, if you please.
Thank you"
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 Blenchford, you will have
need of all your courage and fortitude,"
he whispered. within this house you
will see all that which will be agony to
you, but it cannot be avoided. By no
other means could l save the Blenchford
name from disgrace. Follow me-"
Revolver in hand he burst the door and
entered quickly, closely followed by Grace.
With a cry of fierce anger, the only oc-
cupant 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 a groan, and buried his face
in his hands.
"Oh God, Lost Lost.''
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't let her come near me. Why did
! hr,, csc Sc
possible? Great God, shall 60 mad! l
cannot endure it! why did you ever bring
her here?"
"To save YOU" replied Normandy.
He had closed and bolted the door, but
still retained the revolver in his hand.
He moved nearer to the conscience
stricken man.
| "James Blenchford, calm yourself" said
he. 1--WE have come not to harm, but to
save you. The presence of your sister
should tell you that"
Yeung BIenchford raised his head with.
a hopeful look.
God bless you. John Normandy. You
know not what have suffered, but dared
not come back And now you will keep
it from my dear father"
II will" said Normandy, solemnly.
mo one shall ever know it save our
selves"
"But Grace?" said James Blenchford.
"She need know no more" said Nor
mandy. II brought her here that the
sight of her might give you courage to
return to us.
John, shall tell her ALL" said James,
II shall tell her everything, but not now"
.Spare her the pain, James,"
mo, John. 1t is my duty. But not
now"
"Where is your accomplice?"
"He will arrive by the next train,'' said
Blenchford with a shudder II was wait
ing for him."
"And that is due in thirty minutes"
said Normandy, looking at his watch.
"Give me the money James, and we
will leave this place before the william
arrives
. Grace saw all, but heard nothing. for
they had withdrawn to the other side OF
the room, that she might not be panied;
but great fear was weighing upon her