The Iola register., 1882-10-06

- Mr.. Anderson took it up and carried
it to the west window where the sunset
light could tall on this eyes were get
ting to be little treacherous. The orig
inal post-mark was altogether indistin-
gu;shable from being crossed and re-
crossed with other post-marks, and the
envelope was fretted and worn on the
edges.
Il don't know how happened to go
into the Rock Island Post-Office, unless
twas because H always has glori-
GUS cigars with which to regale his
friends, of whom / have the happiness
to be one," Arnold continued, as Ben
Anderson drew the letter from the en-
velope. "Well, what should be the first
thing my eyes fell on but your name
heading list of advertised letters. /
asked H. for the letter Immediately, and
he gave it to me very gladly, saying
that it had been to the Dead Letter OF
flee and been sent back again; had been
sent down to Rockdale and returned;
and he had an impression it had been to
Rockford, but he might be mistaken.
He thought it must be nearly a year
since it first came there. The last time
it came back he put it in drawer. and
hadn't thought of it since, and the
"List" which it headed was an old
one. which he had neglected to take
down."
"Myra," broke in Ben Anderson,
sharply, ''come here"
She came and took the letter from his
hand, glanced at it, and gave a little
quick cry.
80 Bent is from Gordonr' and
she sank into chair, white and tremb-
ling. the letter falling from her nerve
less fingers.
Ralph sprang forward and caught it
before it scarcely touched the floor.
"Read it." she said, with an eager
gesture, but he had begun almost before
sne spoke.
"MR. ANDERsON-Dear Sir: I feel as If l
must write word to congratulate you on the
safety of the little girl whose disappearance
caused US all SO much uneasiness and alarm,
and you so much pain. She came back the
third day after your departure, and put her
on board the train for Michigan City the next
morning; and trust she reached you in safe
to come back for her. but she declared she
wouldn't wait. BY the way, I'll trust her to
make her way through the world. She is the
most indOmftable little thing ever saw-a lit
tie compressed tornado. There is mystery
about the way she was spirited of, and as to
where she has been kept all this time, and
more than all, the reason of the abduction. l
think she has been drugged heavily for there
are dark lines under the flashing eyes which
it is not natural to see In child. She seems,
too, to think she has been away but a day on
two. But she has doubtless told you all about
it. as well as the way she escaped and found
her way back here, and so will only add that
it gives me more satisfaction than l can tell,
this happy solution of your trouble.
very truly aud sincerely yours,
"CHAs. GORDON"
"And this was a year ago-O my
poor darling!" Mrs. Anderson cried,
sharply. "Who could be cruel enough
to wish to harm her? o Ben, what shall
we dds there no way to find out any
thing about her?''
"1f this Gordon was as careless about
the child as he was about the direction
of his letter, she might have been for
warded to New Zealandr' exclaimed
Arnold. impatiently.
'But Viola knew where we were
coming. and she would tell that, her.
SELF" Mrs. Anderson said, quickly.
"Yes, 1 suppose SO. But l don't see
what you are going to do at this late
day. It's my opinion that somebody
has an interest in the child, and l think
you had better let the whole thing
drop"
90 Tom! And never know whether
she is living or dead?' Mrs. Anderson
cried, in Q distressed voice.
ITO BE CONTINUED.