The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-08-10

the light of my torch. Pressing heav
lily against the jagged edges Of thu
opening another and another piec,
gave way, till with the last fall Of sof
rock, fairy palace seemed stretching
before me.
Instantly entering the portals thus
thrown wide as by magic, large
chamber Of stalagmites and stalactite,
burst upon my view. Waters trickled
down the damp sides, while from the
roof depended myriads Of crystals ex.
quisite even in that hour Of fright aud
peril.
The penetrating smoke followed fast
and still louder sounded footsteps from
without. My nerves were strung to
the highest pitch when a grinning
chuckle arrested my eyes, and there
at the new opening, her hands aloft in
establishment, and her face distorted
with a laugh of delight at the shining
treasures, was my tormentor. l scarce
ly breathed. As her eyes fell upon
me she started in, | screamed with re-
newell horror, loud EXPLANATIONS SCUM
ded in the entrance, torches flashed
and | had only time to see the tall
form Of my guardian dash aside the
lunatic and spring towards me, when
my senses again reeled and all was
darkness.
When the first dawning conscious
ness came felt the fond clasp of the
arms about me and heard the low
tones of my guardian soothing my
senses back to life.
Thank God you are safe," was his
fervent ejaculation as l arose and look
ed perplexed at the torches about me
and saw the faces o. my rescuers. Jo-
seph Mant instantly turned away and
took possession of Old Peg whom he
had bound with ropes, while Major
Hadyn assisted me to mount the horse
that still waited. He had borne me
Immediately outside of the cave and
rested there till was strong enough
to return to the Hall.
Throwing himself upon Joseph's
horse he rode slowly beside me in the
now dying moonlight. Little was
said but felt the glowing indignation
that animated my protector.
"Helen, if that scoundrel had a
hand in this, / will thrash him within
an inch Of his cowar;ly life. / can
refrain no longer! / must tell you
that he is a cold.blooded, mercenary
villain"
81 do not suspect him. Unworthy
as he is l think Guy Garnet is alone
concerned in this plot"
l shivered as spoke and grew faint
again.
"You are i'll, my Darling" he anx.
iously exclaimed, II will not harrass
you tonight
Tell me how you came-what de.
tanned your"
mot now. Tomorrow. Here are
the gates"
The dancers had dispersed. 1t was
near midnight, but there was some
commotion at the house. as we could
see from the approach.
Mrs. Garnet met us anxiously AT
the doors. "Here you are at last
and Major Hadyn! My dear sir,
where did you come from? Where
are Guy and Mr.. Beverly? We have
been so uneasy"
Major Hadyn's look was stern as he
said, MADAM, | should like to see
you and your family alone, it posi-
ble."
Certainly" she replied, totally un
suspicious, "Our guests have all re
tired | think. Come into the parlors
l was only waiting for the missing
ones to appear"
Myra was lying asleep on a sofi
looking white and wan as death. AID
elaide stood in the doorway, but en-
tered with US, and was profuse il
graceful compliments to Major Ha
dyn.
He paid little heed to her, but ask
ed for Guy. Mrs. Garnet said sh,
and Mr.. Beverly had not been seeI
since eleven o'clock, and she feared
Guy had been imprudent enough t.
go off upon some moonlight jaunt.
My guardian reflected deeply, still
standing, while ], from sheer exhaus
ton reclined upon the sofa where
had sat when we all assembled ON tin
cold midnight meeting that introduced
me into that house. Ages seemed to