The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-08-18
7 am not compelled to enlighten

one. I am not compelled to enlighten q
stranger respecting my private affairs; but
this gentleman has just risked his life in
state to drive me on to the next town, even
if it were not so late. | beg of you as a
man-if you have any manhood in you
and for humanity's sake accede to his re-
quest. pledge you my word, my honor
as a LADY," she continued, proudly and
passionately, and with short, scornful
laugh, ''that you incur no risk. We are
not burglars, that you should dread us so. y
The moment Miss Wintock threw aside
her bonnet and began to speak, the land
lady fixed upon her an earnest scrutinizing
look, bending forward with parted lips and
scanning her features narrowly. "Why-
surely-can it be p she exclaimed in won
derment, eagerly Selling the young lady by
both hands. "Why, Bob, It's Miss Win
took, as I'm alive! Don't you remember
my dear young mistress that used to be at
the Hall? Oh my dear young lady, who
could have dreamed of seeing you in such
pickle! Whatever has happened? Where
have you been so long? They said you
left the Hall and went abroad, after your
poor pas death. Stay here a.? Yes that
you shall-for twelvemonth if you like,
and have the best bed in the house, too. y
The sudden outburst of the landlady
took Miss Wintock by surprise, and the
warm-hearted creature ratified on in such
voluble style as to admit of no reply.
Bob Simpson had returned to the bar
parlor, after bawling out his orders to the
hostler from the passage, and had stood as
if stupefed during Miss Wintock's trans
formation and passionate appeal. 1t was
more than his very limited stock of brains
could cope with. He had half turned
away again, possibly with the intention of
fastening the hostler's movements. But
his wife's EXPLANATIONS brought him to a
sudden halt, and he remained staring and
gaping with open mouth, as the mutual
recognition took place, Mrs. Simpson, in
her delight, almost forcing Miss Wintock
back into the chair from which she had
risen.
"Eh! What? Bless me Miss Win
took Jump O my wig, who d ha' thought
it, How dye do, miss Glad to see We,
and thank'e kindly and he took her tiny
hand in both his great rough clumsy ones,
and moved it up and down, as if he were
slowly plying a pump-handle. Off he
started again into the passage and to the
backdoor which led into the yard BEN
he shouted, ''take that ere mare out agen.
Gle her rub down and feed her we'll
Lady and gen'Iman amt a-goin on agen. y
1t was lucky hit our turning off from
the high-road, for the landlady proved to
have been an attached servant of Miss
WintOcks parents, who had lived with
them first when quite girl, had grown to
wOmanhOod in their service, and afterwards
married comfortable though not very
intellectual partner. The numerous kind
nesses she had received from her dear young
mistress, as she still fondly termed her, and
whose special attendant she had been, now
bore grateful fruit; aud she was most as
siduOus in her kind attentions to us both,
though it was evident that her curiosity
was excited to the highest pitch by Miss
Wintock's sudden appearance at such a
time alone, in such company as mine, and
above all in such strange attire.
"Yere safe housed for the rest O this
night, miss, at least" said our host, as,
posing his glass to drink the young lady's
very good health, he glanced up at the old
fashioned blunderbuss suspended over the
mantel-piece, and to which was appended
card with LOADED, y inscribed upon it in
legible characters. II shu'd like to see
any little half-dozen on EN- try to git you
out O Bob Simpsons house I'd make
ENID make 'em''-but here the action
of his brain did not keep pace with the
warmth Of his feelings, and he was at
loss for simile. "Ah!' he blurted out
at last; I'D make every one on EN- grin
like monkey with his head on chopin
block
bravo my worthy friend; you're a
Briton to the bone,' | replied, grasping
his hand. "Once safe in London, we do
not fear. 1t is the getting there. l don't
think it likely we shall be traced till day
light. Then no doubt the Wintocks will
be on the alert, and scour the neighbor-
hood far and near. A thousand unlucky
chances may happen to bring us together;
or they may even now have procured fresh
horses and proceeded to Raleigh, and in
tercept us when we arrive in the morning,
as we enter the suburbs"
Now, listen to me minute, Bob, in
terrupted his better-half. 1T is only five
miles across country by the byroads to
Slowham station. This [ did not pre-
viously know.] The train passes through
on its way to London about eight in the
morning. will lend Miss Wintock an
other dress and bonnet and cloak. You
let Mr.. Meredith have your loose great
coat, and the broad brimmed low-crowned
hat you drive to market in 1t is too
large for him; but We can easily pad it.
Ralph shall drive the pony and cart over
with them the first thing in the morning,
so as to be in good time. He needs to
know nothing. As soon as they are fairly
on the road, let Ben start with the mare
and gig for Briteleigh Hall. 1t won't do
for them to be found on our premises; that
might get us into an awkward mess. Should
he meet any of the Wintocks' people on
the road, he can speak the truth, and say
that a lady and gentleman left them here
tonight, desiring them to be sent back in
the morning. And if not, let him drive
them on to the Hall, and leave them in the
yard with the same message Tomorrow
being market-day, he is sure to get lift
part Of the way back at anyrate.'
Shortly after settling our plan of action,
we retired to our several rooms, but only
for short space, for We were astir again
before daylight. Bob and his spouse in
sisted upon giving up their bed to Miss
Wintock; whilst | lay down in a spare one.
Punctual to the minute agreed upon,
Ralph was at the inn-door with the pony
and cart; and We took a grateful and at
fectionate leave of our host and hostess.
We reached Slowham just in time to catch
the train, and by noon we were safe within
the precincts of the metropolis.
CHAPTER V