The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1877-04-12
Sara uttcrs a little scream of dismay


then there is n silence among the trio
which lasts until Walter Crosbie hastily
breaks it,
every unexpected" he exclaims
"and yet, after all, scarcely inoppol
tune. for one am glad it has happened
1t gives me, at least, the opportunity o.
asking you in Mr.. Curtis presence, Mis-
Sara, how much longer you desire this
absurd masquerade shall continue
With whom--to make a sort of epigran
out of the situation " (while he laughs 4
low, discordant laugh)-"do you wish
to walk home with, Mr.. Curtis or my
self"
And then Ralph Curtis speaks
promptly;
"I echo Mr.. Crosbie's question"
Whe.eupon poor weak Sara burstsintc
tears.
"Pleasc 90 away" she murmurs
brokenly. 81 can walk home just as
well alone by myself"
This time il is a silence that Ralph
Curtis ends.
"That is no answer, Miss Sara"
Right" states Walter Crosbie, with
stern emphasis. at is no answer"
"I-I can't help it," laments Sara.
"Plcase go-both of you."'
Suddenly fierce flash shoots from the
night-like eyes of Ralph.
"Let there be some decision," he cries
addressing Walter. "If Miss Prescott
will not make it herself, it is for us to dc
So"
81 don t understand" replies Walter
Ralph draws near him.
al beg your PARDON" he commences
speaking to Sara; and then there follows
between the two men an inaudible whis
pered conference, which she, who wit
messed it, watches and wonders at. The
conference continues for nearly five min
utes; and at last Ralph Curtis turns to
wards Sara.
"Miss Prescott, Mr.. Crosbie and | have
formed compact together. DO you see
where yonder road emerges from these
clumps of shrubbery?"
" Yes" answered the puzzled girl ia
right puzzled tones.
every we'll. We desire you to wait
here. We will disappear, When you
next see either of us it will be as he ad-
vances toward you, doubtless at fullest
speed along the race course. One will in
all probability win the race which we pro
pose to run, but if it proves a rcck-and
neck race, then-then-'
"Then," Walter Closbie here breaks
in, "you must walk home alone. Do you
quite understand, Miss Sara? Think, FOL
a moment, and feel sure that further
explanation will be useless"
m-I-have thought" quivers Sara
"and-and-I think am sure, indeed
that understand"
Very WE'LL" exclaimed Walter. "Dc
you consent to such an arrangement
strange and wild as it seems? Reflect fo
a moment before replying"
Sara covers her face, impulsively
with both hands, and remains in thi
attitude for while. Then she cover
her face again with an equal impuIsive
| HISS, anu CTltS OUJ, III lUItS dluluSI lclCt
from intense excitement
81 have reflected, and consent"
Sara is standing quite alone now, il
the clear, perfect moonlight. Around
her gleam the shadowy lawns, broker
with their great, dark masses of foliage
Her ewes are fixed intently upon that
fragment of opposite road which it,
skirting shrubbries allow her to see. Sh,
| is listening--li listening with strained snx
ious ear, and with every nerve on tn,
qui uire of expectancy.
Presently there was sound, at wha
seems u considerable distance, of rapid
advancing feet. Sara's eyes fairly dilatc
and her head stretches itself forward il
the wild eagcrness of her feelings.
The steps come nearer, nearer-hcav
decisive thuds of vigorous feet agains
hard unyielding gravel.
And now, without moments warn
ing, the steps cease. Then there is
mans wild, fierce cry; after that, wha
seems a second silence; and then tn