The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-09-26

looked very dark, yet Grace Blenchford
trusted him.
"We are almost there" said he, halting
the steaming horse, and pointing to light
ahead. Are you sorry you trusted me {?
1t is not too late yet"
"Your conduct is very strange, yet I
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 off cautiously toward the
light.
"It is our beacon" said he. "It tells
me that am in time"
He stopped again, when within few
hundred yards of the house. Securing and
well blanketing the horse, he helped Grace
to alight, and together they walked toward
the building.
"We must be very cautious, else our
ride will be for naught."
He drew revolver from his breast, and
placed it in his greatcoat-pocket, where he
could reach it without waste of time.
81 have come prepared" he whispered
feeling his companions arm tremble
within 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 that which will be agony to you, but
it cannot be avoided. By no other means
could save the Blenchford name from
disgrace. Follow me-"
Revolver in hand, he burst the door, and
entered quickly, followed closely by Grace.
With 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 sunk back into the
chair with groan, and buried his face in
his hands.
ooh, 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 terror. Normandy, take her away !!
Don't let her come near me Why did you
bring her here? Oh, my sister Is it pos
sible? Great God l shall 60 mad
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 e-stricken
man.
"James Blenchford, calm yourself" said
he. "We have come, not to harm, but to
save you. The presence of your sister
should tell you that"
Young Blenchford 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 ?''
81 will" said Normandy, solemnly.-
No one shall ever know it, save our
selves"
But Grace?" said James Blenchford.
She need know no more" said Norman
dy. brought her that the sight of her
might give you courage to return to us.'
John, shall tell her ALL" said James
81 shall tell her everything but not now."
"Spare the pain, James.
NO, John. 1t is my duty But not
now."
"Where is your accomplice ?''
He will arrive by the next train" said
Blenchford, with shudder. "I 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
thoy had withdrawn to the other side of
the room, that she might not be panied !;
but great fear was weighing upon her
heart-a dread Of some approaching ca
lamity. When they came back she looked
from one to the other for some explanation,
but very little they gave her. Normandy
spoke first.
"Miss Blenchford, you are puzzled at my
words and actions, but you viii pardon me,
know, when tell you that it is better for
all of us to say but little about it. Your
brother has been led into an error that
threatened to be almost serious. Fortu-
nately, everything is now arranged quite
satisfactorily. thanks To vour Dresenca aud