Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1880-12-01

whispered consultation. Then the steps
drew cautiously nearer, and paused be-
side the carriage.
''This is it," affirmed an unfamiliar
voice.
"Make sure,' was answered in low
tone.
There was q moments S pause, then
match was struck, famed up for an in
slant, and was quickly extinguished.
BY its brief light Cherry caught only u
glimpse of several heads; she discov-
cred no one clearly. But the strangers
were apparently satisfied that they had
found the object of their search. There
was muttered "All right" aud the
carriage was slowly turned around.
"Steady now! make no nOiser' was
whispered warningly, and the carriage
was drawn carefully forward, out of the
shop and into the road.
Another momentary pause occurred,
as il some of the party had gone back
to close the door. Cherry, still crouched
low on the seat, discovered that the rain
had ceased, and through the window
caught CLEAN of stars. She feared to
raise her head for any farther observa.
ttOuS lCSt SuC SuOllu Uc uLSCONCICus dSs
frightened and bewildered, she tried
to comprehend her situation. 1t was
particularly unpleasant one. The
carriage had evidently been stolen, and
she was being borne away in it.
she knew not whittier or b.
whom. These persons, aware of its
unwonted presence in Uncle Mats
shop, and coveting its silver trappings,
perhaps, hal seized thu opportunity to
steal it, never dreaming that it had an
occupant. II they should find her
there
Cherry shuddercd as she thought of
it. Those who could commit such a
crime would scarcely hesitate to con-
ceal it at the cost Of one frail life
wholly at their mercy. How utterly in
their power she was she realized more
fully as the carriage rolled on again.
It might be miles before they reached
their destination, but. if nothing be.
trayed her presence before, daylight
must surely reveal it. How many hours
would there be first? Oh it they only
knew! Aunt Barbara. Uncle Nat, or
John-poor John! How he would won
der and search. Would he ever know?
SuC "OuuCICus SuC HUI 1Oi Wv SCiA
in strange pity for HIM. That little
home she had spoken of only last night
could never be now. And she could
Life was very sweet -even the old
homely work and ways that she viewed
so scornfully that day: and ii hers were
to end now-so fearfully-the gilt and
glamour it had missed mattcrcd little,
but the truth and love it might have
held were priceless.
| 1t seemed an interminable time that
passed in that strange ionrneying before
there came another halt, AMI slight
soun rs of taking down bars aud un-
fastening . gate. Ihan. bvsthe uneven
melton. she could tell thai the wheels
had passed from the beaten road on to
roughcr ground; and at last they stool
still. 1t had come now, the supreme
moment. There was breath of prayer,
a wild longing to look into Johns eyes
once more. and then she collected all
| forces OF mind and body to do or bear
as she might.
Again she heard whispered colloquy,
low triumphant laugh, and then all
noise died away. The carriage door
remsined closed. but dim light shone
upon her, an she saw that she was OPP
posite the window OF house "a cur
tanned window, across which shadows
fitted as of persons movinA within. A
sudden hope arose in CbNcry's heart.
1t was possible that her captbrs had all
entered the house, and there might be
4 chance for escape. She could scarcely
increase her peril by the attempt, and
hurrieily but silently she sprang TO the
ground. No one was ne ,rher, and she
lew with such speed as only despera-
ton could lend back in the direction
IRON which she ttAucied she hal come.
AS she reached the gateway and passed
out upon the road another figure unex-
pectedly confronted her, and she drew
back in breathless terror.
"He'loa!' exclaimed q startled but
CHEEKY voice.
With that word she threw herself into
his arms.
"Oh, John! John!''
"Why, Cherryi did I frighten you
so? was only walking up street in a
woful hurry, with no thought of meet
ing anybody. least OF all you, until !
nearly ran over yoa. Have you been
spending the evening with Mrs. MUIR
mrs. Murr.vf. Cherry locked back
at tho honse shS .h.d laff and ;ts nmt-
I;res H. ~ slowly rr~,s S.s.;i;ar M I, cart.;niy A.
vas the narsc-x~e. .Oh. I don't
knowi thonSSk Il mrst be s"mc
drs.dt,, r,scs szssSsv. 49,, sto,e, .rdD
, MT a";,a ~. a.s,.I,.s .s s,,s s' cr;., i hr.-
tericallv Ani Snhn ,;sscn;no to her
seorw crow :. "a. ,ssa.-aS IS sho
al .,,Id 4 .s'se a. ,..,a.s.e ", -: o,,,d
\. - S ;~s.na ~ ~ ..asI ~ ,h.t ~ ~ c.rr;.~e e
lii hn,.s ~ n .s,,,.. [ 3. I arT ~ saIa =
Raw | NJ M Hnrre. a - !. =, rI.cs - - II hssto,. s.
their hootv- -
He n.r.a, -, l..chaa "a . aud, a,,.r
unht tts,'..e !, :, Tss ss- h;.,s !. Char~v ~.
Ail.H,liowaenI
,....s nnalJ~ ns,., AsI sss .''o cus;sr s. oys a,
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