The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-10-05
NO.

woman met my eyes. recognized her
as one of tribe of gypsies that were
encamped on my unele's estate.
What right have you to interfere
with me p'' l said fiercely. ''Is il any
of your business what do with myself9
My life is of no account in the world,
and If 1 choose to dispose of it, no one
need trouble himself about it.'
She looked at me shrewdly, with her
sharp black eyes that indicated an intel
llgence above her condition.
II know, my young lady, what the
trouble is. saw it all as I was gather
ing leaves behind the hedge"
She drew close to me, and in a whis-
per that startled me to horror, said,-
Do you want her to disappear and
never cross your path again Gold will
do it, young lady. Say but the word,
and you shall have him all to your
self p"
Wretch Do you think I would
lend hand to murderp Begone, or /
will order the keeper to driveyour whole
tribe off. Begone out of my sight, old
hagl"
She glared at me while spoke with
the fury of a wild animal, but in a mo-
ment she had resumed her former insin-
uating tones.
"Did l say the word murder? My
meaning was this. Tomorrow night
we strike our tents and start for the
north. If yonder young lady goes with
us no harm will come to her, you will
be happy once more, and no trace of her
will ever be found for you will be the
only white witness of the deed, and no
gypsy ever betrays his tribel"
reflected moment. 1t seemed to
my deluded mind too fortunate chance
to throw aside. Once rid of her, my
rival, felt that could win back Her
bert's love. My mind was made up.
81 consent" replied firmly.
" 1t will take gold," cried my COM
panion. I caught my watch from my
belt, and handed 1t to her.
That is not enough" she added,
pointing her lean forefnger to the pin
that confined my collar.
tore 1t off. The brilliant gems that
flashed from it seemed to scorch my
throat, as thought of the tender words
that accompanied Herbert's last gift to
me.
How shall we arrange it ?" 1 asked.
Leave all to me-" replied the bold
gypsy. "The young lady will follow
me fast enough when offer to read her
fortune for her. When once out of
hearing the rest is easy. But 1t is not
safe for us to talk longer. L hear steps
approaching"
Putting her finger on her lip to pre-
vent me from replying, she was out of
sight in an instant. Several seconds
elapsed before my duller ear detected
the sound that had warned her of dan
ger. Some of my aunt's guests were
approaching, and not wishing to en-
counter them l slipped back to the house
by path known only to members of
the household.
The next morning there was vacant
seat at the breakfast table, and servant
was sent to inquire if Miss Lee was
unwell. His repeated knock brought
no answer, and trying the door he found
it unlocked.
The room was empty, the bed had not
been slept in, and not a trace of the
missing girl was to be found
In moment the whole household
was in commotion. Every corner was
searched, and guests and servants sent
in all directions. Her mothers groans
and Mysteries failed to excite sympathy
in me. I believe took fiendish de-
light in witnessing them.
At last servant brought back a
shawl that was at once recognized as
belonging to Minnie. He found it
hanging to a bush that grew on the
bank where the river ran fastest and the
water was deepest. At once orders to
drag the river were given, bu. of course
1t was useless. o treacherous gypsy, you
made your precautions doubly.sure
1 shall pass over the first days and
months that elapsed after Minnie's dis
appearance. Instead of winning back
the love had lost, found, to my dis
may, that Herbert avoided me. Some
times fancied that he even regarded me
with horror, as If he suspected the part
had played. Meanwhile his health
declined. A settled melancholy fell
upon him, the proud beauty that had
once delighted all beholders disappeared,
and kta faoa orauu nala and ho 0oord