Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-05-16

went a little apart, and folding his arms, stood
gazing upon the distant peak which rose like
sheeted ghost against background Of pur.
plish-dun clouds.
ri wonder if that portends storm" Kate
whispered to her companion.
Count Hugo now called the guide who lin
gered near as if loath to leave them.
"What does that peculiarly-colored sky in
dicate ?" he asked.
"Your excellenza, l fear it foretellsa snow
perhaps wind"
The whole party shuddered.
"This is very unfortunate" Count Hugo
muttered. He folded the fur closer around
Kate's shoulders, and endeavored to conceal
his anxiety.
II wish we were safely down in the valley"
Henriette observed in her matter-of.fact way"
I never did like snow and ice, and am in ia
vor now of going back to tho inn and getting
warm"
At that moment the figures were seen ap-
preaching and voice called out-"Mildred" !"
1t echoed again and again in the still, fro
zen atmosphere till hundred spirit-voices
seemed family calling, mildred"
They came nearer-the absentees who had
been searching for the lost ring.
"Have you found it ?" some one asked.
EYES," Jack replied; but Miss Ninon is not
yet satisfied With her part of this tour. She
insists upon seeing the Aahorn from the top
of that rock. Will you go?"
He held outhi hand to Mildred as if to in.
vite her.
"Your excellenza," the guide interrupted
coming up hastily, "that rock is very steep
and dangerous. hope the young lady will
not attempt to reach it."
Ninon turned her lovely face full upon the
swarthy italian, and smiled as she only could
smile-softly, alluringly.
"Will you not assist US ?" she asked in his
own liquid tongue; II am very anxious to
view the scene from thence, and it will only
be for few moments"
The man looked steadily at her.
LADY, will guide you as safely as posi-
BILE, but the attempt is hazardous"
"AAons {" she cried, reckless, sneering
expression in her eyes, and Offering her hand
to Jack as she moved forward.
Excuse me" he said, bowing gravely, "but
you have heard what the guide says. l must
beg you to desist"
A mocking smile played over her beautiful
lips. She looked like an evil spirit enticing
the traveller to destruction.
"Absurd! Does love make towards of US
too! Then I will go alone"
She went forward a few steps.
"surely you will not let her 60 alone" Mil
dred whispered to Jack, but he shook his
head.
my first duty is to you," he said, "and
that is but foolish threat of hers"
Kate and Count Hugo had now turned and
were walking toward the inn, Colonel Mere
dith and Henriette following.
"Signor," the guide said earnestly, "can
you not persuade the signora not to venture?"
II can do nothing" Jack replied, "only do
you keep near her."
"The man bowed and followed the light
figure which fitted before him up the steep
mountain path.
"Achille," Jack called, "your sister is in
danger. You had better watch her."
"Wheref Where?" the young man cried,
starting from his abstraction and approaching
hastily.
"She has gone towards that rock, deter
mined to see the Aarhorn from thence, and
the guide thinks it very rash and dangerous
undertaking. You may perhaps induce her
to return: besides it is very late."
Achille scarcely waited to hear the last
words, but hastened after his sister. The
clouds were thickening, and a low, roaring,
distant sound told of rising wind.
"Let us return" Jack said, drawing Mil
dred's arm through his.
"Oh no, I cannot bear to leave Nnon.
Wait a few minutes, and she will see how fool
ish is her design and return"
"Never!" returned her companion. "She
is wonderfully persevering and tenacious.
That is what renders her so dangerous"
"Dangerousl" Mildred exclaimed, "Whst
do you mean%
"Only," he said, dropping his voice, "that
she is your greatest enemy, and has compassed
terrible revenge. Mildred, the ring she lost
tonight was-your topaz
Mildred trembled violently.
dearest" he murmured, holding her closer
in his arms, and urging her steps gently to-
wards the inn, II should not have told you,
but it is best you knew it. When I saw the
familiar stone 1 exclaimed involuntarily-
Mildreds ring that she lost at the Mardigras
balll The consummate dissembler answered
quietly it was but she gave it to Waldemar
when they were engaged, and he bestowed it
as a marriage-seal upon his wife-Rose Col.
lier. When the poor girl was drowned her
cousin Gilbert brought it to me, knowing
and then for the first time in her life l saw
Ninon Pignolet of her guard. Her falsehood
was so evident that she could say no more
But we will know the truth some day, and all
will be clear, my darling"
A shrek rang out upon the silent night-a
mans voice in the widest terror. The two
stopped as if struck dumb. Another moment
and the guide came running towards them.
He was ringing his hands.
"What is it ?" Jack cried as he came near
er. But he only made gesture with his
head backward, and ran on to the inn. In
the pale light of the mist-shrouded moon Jack