Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-12-20

Banging about, as he might-should he
seek to hinder you carrying out my
will, as he would-shoot him! There is
a weapOn--it is loaded! Do not fear!
svill take all the consequences! And if
you aim well, thousand pounds shall
by yours
But that's murder, my, lady, said the
man.
No; manslaughter at the most. And
a thousand pounds to such as you is
endless wealth, was the calm, almost
eontemptuous rejoinder. But steady
your trembling nerves, man, there will
be no need of such work, He is far
from here at this moment.
They had now descended the steps,
and Lady Penderleith with her COM
paniOn, broad, thick-set, dOltish look
ing individual, approached the door.
The BarOnet's pulse beat rapidly. He
held his breath; each muscle was knit
by the tension placed on it. The mo-
ment for action had arrived. The open
ing Ofthe door, and the two entering
was the signal for him to start.
The key seemed difficult to turn.
Had he hampered it, If 50, and they
'retraced their steps, they must see him.
No; finally, with a rustic cry as of
warning, it turned, the door opened and
Lady Penderlieth and her companion
disappeared.
At the same moment the Baronet
had leaped to his feet and to the stairs.
Hardly, however, was his feet on the
first step, than he knew all was dis.
covered. He heard Lady Penderleith's
cry Of surprise, followed by the words,
She has escaped (! She has been stolen
from here3 Quick, After them! Lose
not moment
Then the lamp flashed upon the dark
ness, and no was aware he was pur-
sued. It gave him renewed strength
and speed, Onward be ran, stumbling
here and there, for the stairs made
sharp turns, aud were strange to him.
The mans clumsy tread still sounded
behind, accompanied by the lighter one
of the woman. Then mingling with
them rang her ladyship's voice, hoarse
with trenzied passion.
I see him! There-thcre! Fire! COM
mand you, fire ! exclaimed her lady
ship. Kill him Kill her! and five
thousand pounds are yours!
It was golden reward, too great for
human nature to resist. The report of
the pistol instantly rang out, filling the
confined space between the walls with
deafening echoes and smoke.
The Baronet reeled, staggered, and
only by supreme effort saved himself
from being precipitated down the steps
upon his enemies. The sharp peculiar
blow he had experienced on his should
er told him where heshad been hit, and
soon he felt the warm blood flowing
from his wound.
But the dread of capture, of having to
surrender Alma, now so nearly rescued,
supported him, and with unslaeked
pace he hastened on. Then the thought
flashed across him, was the panel still
open ? TfnOt, he was ignorant of the
spring, and must yield at last. His
blood was at fever heat with excited
anxiety as he sprang on, and reached
the top. -
Eagerly he felt the WALL The panel
was OPEN He shouted back at his
pursuers with a wild, exultant joy,
bounded through, and slid it fast after
him. Then, uncovering his lantern, it
was but a matter Of time, not difficulty,
to find the door, rush down the other
stairs into the open air, where Riclard
MaybrOOk and Susan were anxiously
awaiting him. macs
What success, Sir Gerard /? exclaimed
the gameleeper. H T-ss u
Oh, Oh he has got her-n1y -nnistress-my
dear young mistress! CALCULATED the
lady's maid, elasping one of A1ma's
hands in ecstacy, She is saved
saved -s-s ss-z Bee s sss fe
As yet, gasped the Baronet, his voice
hOarse and tremulous; butWe. have been
discovered We are pursued
Didn'tI hear a. pistol, Sir Gerard P.
asked Richard AIayBfook, as they moved
from the place.
Yes-I am hit in the shoulder, Ny
strength, fear, fails me u 90
EHetme carry the young lady, Sir
Gerard. &-~ - se---
do so, and hasten. You are fresher
and stronger than am, besides know
ing the place well. Garry her quickly |
to the carriage, my good fellow. III /
will follow as well as am able, but if
if 1 don't soon come upto YOU start off
for Reseden without me-
No, Sir Gerard, I'm blest if leave
you to her ladyship's tender mereies
cried the young gamekeeper, .resolutely.
Come on, Sir; Miss AIma's no weight.
Lean on nay arm; and 1 know a shortt
cut through the woods, which will soon
distance them. y-.Ez- -As-7 /
So saying, compelling the Baronet to
do as he'bade him, Richard Ma ybrook
plunged in among tie frs, followed by
Susan, who, her delight blended with
alarm, laughed and cried in turn.
Down among the ferns, through the
brushwood, they went, theyoung game.
keeper keeping up manfuIly, and by
CHEEKY words, giving strenth to the |.
tagging spirits of the Bhronet, whose
head began to swim from the fainness
consequent on loss of blood.
We shall soon be tlfere now, Sir Ger
arc, cOuntiDued Richard Maybrook;t
and the cold air is bringing Miss Alma
to1herself. She'll speedily be all right,