Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-12-06

love Miss Alma Penderleith passionate
Iyr answered Gerard, so Outspokenly
that it put the young gamekeeper con-
considerably at his ease. But may 1
ask who you are, who seem so cognizant
of the affairs of Penderleith?'
4 am Richard May one of Lady
Penderleith's under-gamekeepers; and,
Sir Gerard, because of that affair four
years ago, at the risk of loosing my
place, Tve come to London, TO tell you
all know, and much that suspect,
about Miss Alma; though it'sso horrible
so unnatural, that tremble to think
it's true.'
rWhatn cried the Baronet, starting
to his feet; does your news cOnceren
Miss Penderleith?'
1T does, Sir Gerard
Then, for heavens sake, speak, man,
and tell me its nature! Do you know
where she is?'
4 think so, can't say for certain, Sir
Gerard. But, if yod please. I'd rather
tell you my story, and let you judge for
YOURSELF j.
Proceed quickly, in mercy! If you
can only give me information, 1 will re-
ward you handsomely
1t amt for that Pve done it, Sir Ger
ard.
No my honest fellow. 1 am aware Of
it. 1t is for that almost obsolete coin,
the currency of which is so little that it
might well be called in and restamped
gratitude But if you aid me to find
Miss PenderIeith, you have repaid me
hundred-fold.
know it, Sir Gerard. 1 can tell how
I should feel if it were Susan PinueT-
fold; you'll excuse my saping sO,' re-
Joined Richard N[aybrook, warmly. 4
grasping the gamekeeper's hUnd. Fear
nothing, my honest fellow; if hurt come
to you, look upon Roseden as your
home. But when can We return? We
must do so at once
What Is the time now, Sir Gerard?'
Eight. -
Then the last train, an express, starts
in half an hour. 1t was by that in
tended to return
So you shall, but not alone. Come
along! a cab will speedily take US to the
station. Tll never forget this, May
brook, be assured
An hour after, the Baronet and the
gamekeeper were flying through the
night-covered English counties; past
dark lines of hedgerows; past rich aIlu-
vial meadows, clear and sharp in out
line; and past others, deep down in hOl-
lows enveloped by a sea of white mist,
out of which the trees loomed, magni-
fled into startling proportions.
It was with difficulty that Gerard
could keep cessitated by the presence of
other passengers. These, however, at
the last station but one, had all melted
away, leaving the two together, when
the Baronet asked, 'Maybrook, does my
mother know anything of this?
Not word, Sir Gerard. thought it
best, till had seen you, not to let it be
known to any one.
Quite right. Your caution is much to
be commended. Heavens, how slowly
we are going!. Shall we never be there?
Yes. At last, the station, with its
few blinking lights, cleaned out through
the darkness. A few seconds after, the |
train stopped, when the two, springing
on the platform, thrust their tickets in
to the collectors hand, and, at a quick |
pace, almost a run, were rapidly trav-I
ersing the road to Penderleith.
The rain had for some while ceased, |
yet the night was remarkably dark; for
the moon, though risen, was unable to
pierce the heavy mist that hung over
the saturated earth. But the young
men could have walked the path blind
fold; and thus, needless of the obscurity, |
continued that even, swinging pace
which covers more ground in less time
than aquick, uncertain run.
Now, sir, said Richard Maybrook, as
they reached a narrow side-lane, if you
don't mind, Well turn offhere. It's the
longest way; but I'd like first to call
home.'
Why? asked the Baronet, impatiently.
To get a lantern, Sir Gerard. We'd
better have light. won't take Snip
this time, though; he hOwls so plaguiIy.
Gerard agreeing perforce, they turned
off down the fOOtpath, and speedily ar
rived at a small cottage, shaded by an
alcove of scented lines, and surrounded
by little garden.
A feeble light cleaned through one of
the easements.
Wait here, Sir Gerard. said the game
keeper. I'll join yod in a second.
Passing rapidly down the path, he
into the cottage; and the
Baronet, from where he stood, fuming
at the delay, heard voice call to him
from an upper room.
So you've come back, Dick? How
late you are ladp
Yes,mOther. came by the last train
from Lestring, and am only just in time
to go my rounds. Good night, mother.
I'll put out the candle. No Snip; back,
old chap; not to-night-not tonight.
The next instant, the cottage window
was darkened; and Richard Maybrook
soon after reioined the BarOnet. when