The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1881-04-13
not repress shudder as abe saw the sudsci-

not repress shudder as abe saw the audaci-
Gus triumph in his face. Is
Dinner over, Allie threw her shawl about
her and wandered OF on the beach alone.
The sun had set now, and twilight, weird
and uncanny, was gathering. Allie wanted
10 get away from every body, to be alone with
her thoughts. She sat down at the foot Of
the tree and gave way to her bitter rehec-
tions.
A voice aroused her and started her from
her musings. 1t was the voice unmistsk-
ably Of young Mayne-esger, earnest.
"He bit at the bait mighty easyI" Mayne
exclaimed; "won't he be furious though
when he has had his long, hard ride for
nothing, and finds that there has been nc
accident-nocapsizedb Oat-no hslf-drowaed
menP ASyne paused and laughed heartily.
"And you're sure the bridge is unsafe2''
he went on eagerly.
'Oh, yes, sirl" another voice replied; the
high waters and the late storms have just
played the mischief with the old thing No
bodyean pass on horseback without going
through-sure as shootin'p
"And there will be no mistake-no fail
ureY" queried MaFne. "Ansleigh will be
sure to come back that wsy2"
He'll have tot" the other answered,
grimly. "He went by the beach road, it u
true, but he can't come back that way after
night falls, for the tide is in now. No, en-
there amt but one road for DIR. Ansleigh to
come by, and that is over the bridge. And
if he crosses-or tries to cross thst-Uell
you know the restl"
And with a savage chuckle they meved
sway.
Alice sat half stunned at the revelation
to which she had listened. She knew the
whole vile, murderous plot now. This was
Mayne's vengeancel In flash she saw her
own way clearly. She had brought this on
John Ansleigh-she must save his lite,
though she lose her own.
She staggered to her feet, and drawing
her shawl closely about her, turned awVy in
the direction of the bridge, perhaps half a
mile distant from the hotel. To be sure
she did not even know the road he had
taken; but if she could only cross the retten
structure she could then wait his coming on
the other side.
She reached the place at last. Gathering
all her courage together, she stepped apon
the old bridge. It was nearly dark now,
but with an agonized prayer for protection,
she moved onward. Even beneath her light
weight it tottered and shook. She could
see, away down below. the black, angry
water, with its swift awful current, swollen
by recent rains, and choked by driftwood; il
was a wild sight there in the gathering
gloom. Onward she moved, holding her
breath, and with clasped hands and dIlGted
eyes watching the other side.
Thank Godl she Is over-safe at last
She sank down on a messy stump, and,
crouching down, awaited Johns coming.
And darkness gathered and fell on all
things. Sne felt timid and afraid; but she
Gained her fears as best she might, and re-
manned patiently at her post. An hour
passed. What if he we're not coming home
to-night2 The thought made her heart
stand still. But even then she heard away
in the distance, the tramp of horses feet
coming nearer-nearer. She arose and
stepped forward. The moon had arisen
now, and its clear rays showed her plainly
that it was really John.
She stepped into toe road. She forgot
everything-all that had happened that day
and, raising her voice, she cried wildly;
"Johnl Oh, Johnp
DIR. Ansleigheheckedh his horse and paused
irresolute. His heart beat TREMENDOUSLY; he
could not credit his own eyesight.
"Alliel my Godp he gasped, "what is
the matter"
He sprang from his horse and in moment
more she was in his arms, her head on his
breast, while she sobbed out the whole story
John listened with new light in his eyes
his heart full of happiness. And while they
stood there, alone in the midnight, with a
great rush and a roar the old bridge went
down. John shuddered and drew Allie
closer to him, while thankful prayer went
up to Heaven.
"My darling" he muttered, softly, 'you
have saved my life"
At first the problem of how they were to
cross the river seemed too difficult TO be
solved; but after a while John found an old
boat with couple Of rough oars which had
been left there and forgotten; and the way
became clear at once. Tying his horse to a
great tree-to remain until he could send
for it, on the morrow, when the tide would
be out and the beach road passable-John
assisted Allie into the old boat, and they
made the passage in safety.
Home in Mrs. Ansleigh's cozy parlor
where the mother was anxiously awaiting
her sons return (she had not missed Allie
but supposed abe was safely in her own
ROOM, John told her the whole story. And
when he had finished he laid his hand
upon Allies.
"You risked your own life" he said. his
voice all q tremble, "to ssvemine: Why
did you do it, Allie7"
And Allie answered bravely-their quar-
rel thing of the past-snd forgetting the
words she had said that very morning:
because love you, John"