Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-12-20
PENDERLEITH.
BY THE AUTHOR OF FLORENCE BRAND
on 'wBoNGED AND RIGHTED, ETC.
CHAPTER KI

on THE wATCH-FRUSTRAIE
THE hour was scarcely eight, when
Susan Pinnerfold slipped nOiselessly from
her bedroom. where, on the plea Ofput-
ting things to rights, she had manag-
ed to pass the entire evening, and timid-
". with no little trembling, traversing
the gloomy, disused rooms, lighted only
nv the dull antumn twilight, hastened
swiftly down the narrow staircase, and
opsning the little door leading into the
6r-wood, passed out. It would have re-
ouired a treble amount Of courage tC
that which the girl possessed, to have re-
mained inside in a darkness filled viii
noises and shadows suggestive Of such
numberless terrors to superstition
mind.
No one had yet come, but she was no
kent long waiting. A few moments
and she heard the sound Of mems fee
treading stealthily among the brush
wood. then, through the fir-tree trunks
she perceived Gerard Penderleith an'
the gamekeeper rapidly approaching
Where is Mrs. Lyle? she whispered
as they reached her.
On second thoughts, answered th'
Baronet, in the same tone, she thinks
II better that I should take the place
she allotted for herself, as, if ther'
chance to be pursuit, the fewer her
the better.
That's true. But should you find Mis-
Alma?
Ido not leave the place without her
reioined the Baronet, resolutely. "A
( carriage is waiting with out the park
to carry her away from this wretehe'
place; let Lady Penderleith do what sh'
may to prevent it.
Then, oh, please, sir, take me witt
YOU exclaimed the gizl, with an i'm
ploring gesture. For if her ladyshil
were only to suspect had hand il
this. she'd kill mel know she would
Indeed, I couldn't stop; and please, sir
Miss Alma. will be sure to want a maid
after being days in them nasty places.
Don't be frightened, answered Ger
ard, reassuringly; you may aceOmpan!
rs, if you Ike, The carriage is at tn
west gate, down the lane. II there j
any alarm or pursuit, make at once f
lit. Now lead the way a moment los
may ruin our plan entirely.
Come on, sir, then. Oh, what bless
ing it is such a dark night; though how
you've got. courage enough to remain
alone in them hOrrid, ghOstly rooms
sir, can't tell!
It was, indeed, dark, entirely preciud
ing any danger of their being seen; fO
as the three figures, quitting the fir
wood, stole across the open space, the
black night envelOped them like a pail
On reaching the door, the girl said
you remain to watch here, Richard
while 1 show Sir Gerard the way. II
come back soon. haven't got any
light, as it wouldn't be safe, so for graci
Gus sake, sir, come quiet. Here's thu
first stair
Do not fear me, my girl with such I
prize at stake, a mouse should not pro
ceed more noiselessly, Go on; 1 car
Just descry your figure, and viii follow
it. Do not risk speaking, replied thI
Baronet.
{. Susan complied, going on tiptoe; and
groping her way with her hands, as die
her companion, soon reached the doc
at the top of the stairs. Having frs
listened intently, cautiously she pushed
i open, and whispering the Baronet t.
come on, entered. The light admitted
through five high, marrow, dust-encrust
ed windows on one side of the room
kom which the draperies hung in tat
ers, was barely sufficient to show the
apartment was of some extent, anC
nearly destitute Of furniture, save for {
large, carved oak press embedded IN the
wall, and looming out from the darkness
in gigantic proportions.
Beckoning her companion, the gir
approached this, and opened one of the
doors.
It went back with dry, hard screech
which elected a scream Of alarm from
Susan.
Oh, she whispered recovering herself
'at's only the door! I thought it wa,
one Of the ghOsteses! But lOr," sir
what viii you do if it makes that vexa.
tiOus noise again? It's certain sure tC
betray you?