The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-08-18
[cnNrINrrn IRON FIRsT PACE. /

llOC Suailu lO1S journey WICHOuG TeSG
The station was still many miles distant
In her present state she must knock up
long ere we could reach it. Indeed, l was
far from feeling sure that | could myself
hold out during such a journey. There
was, too, just chance that Mr.. Wintock,
being well acquainted with the locality,
might, by disappearing the case, or by
bribery, or by an admixture of both, pro-
cure fresh horses and aid, without return
inc to Briteleigh Hall, and then recon-
mcnce the pursuit. 1t was an ugly fact
| had literally stolen his mare and gig. |
had also eloped with his ward; for so he
might term it, though she was no longer a
minor. These, on the face of things, were
plausible pretexts by which he might al
most command assistance from any reason
able person Before us stretched a long
dreary common, which we must cross.
There might be other dangers from tramps
or from gangs Of gipsies, who not unfre-
quently encamped in that locality. In my
present state, could be but of little use to
my fair companion as a defender.
Miss Wintock seemed to share my I'M
spoken thoughts. Turning to me, she said:
Mr.. Mededith, you have been brought
into sad trouble on my account 1t would
have been better, perhaps, for you to have
left me to my fate.
My dear young lady, do not pain me
by indulging such thought for moment.
If occasion demanded it, would gladly do
the same again. The risk to me is nothing.
[ only wish | could see my way clearly
what next to do for the best. But [ con-
fess myself totally at loss" [ spoke
family and despondingly.
E'Can we not seek shelter for awhile, at
least at the first inn we happen upon :?
Your wound could be looked to, and the
mare might rest a little"
II fear that would not do. The Win
tocks, knowing that we are on the high
road, will probably guess that we shall make
all haste to the metropolis. Depend upon
it, they will not part with you without
another effort. It is now getting very late.
If we stop at all, we must put up till the
morning; for | do not see how we could
start again from a strange inn till earl y
dawn. No doubt our pursuers will make
every inquiry in following us, and will be
quickly on our track What if they should
overtake us, and give me in charge of a
constable for stealing the horse and gig
Not that care for myself, but you would
be left without a protector, and entirel y at
their mercy. And yet | fear that [ could
do but little in that way just now. Indeed,
[ am at my wits end; for it is plain that
we cannot travel much further in our pres
ent plight"
''Then why not leave the high-road at
once? See there are lights in that val
ley yonder 20 the left, and there is turn
ing little farther on, which apparently
leads that way. Let us try it. Possibly,
we may find safe refuge They will not
dream that we dare stay so near the Hall.
If they hunt for us at all, it will be farther
away"
The suggestion struck me as a capital
one; and in fact, there seemed to be no al
tentative, "Good !'' / said; every good
A lady's wit excels mans invention, any
time" So saying, | turned the mares
head, and leaving the high-road across the
common, drove steadily down to the spot
where the lights appeared.
At about two miles distance we found
a scattered village. The lights we had
seen were reflected from the windows of
the only inn in the place. The house was
just about to be closed for the night; for
the one or two who always stay to the latest
minute to drain an extra glass were de-
parting, some of them with rather an I'M
steady gait Ringing the yard bell | gave
the mare and gig into the sleepy hostler's
keeping, and, with Miss Wintock on my
arm, walked into the house. Boniface was
seated in the bar-parlor, taking it very
costly. Making myself quite at home, |
handed my companion to chair and called
for refreshments. While he was serving
us | said : Landlord | want a sleeping
apartment for this young lady"
The fellow was a mere clod, sheepish,
carroty-haired and bloated; apparently a
good-tempered kind of calf, yet sufficiently
astute where his own interest was concerned
He eyed us both for a moment very sus-
piciously. Truly, neither of us cut very
respectable figure. Miss Wintock in her
plain, dark dress, surmounted by old
Marthas horribly Anticipated bonnet and
threadbare shawl; and | with my wounded
head bound up in bloodstained handker-
chief. There was sufficient reason for the
mans distrust. very sorry, sir very
sorry, indeed can't have it. Never let
beds to strange folks this time o. night"
"Well, but my good man, you sec
commenced demonstrating.
He grufiy cut my speech short ''Noa,
| don't, and | doan't want to. You can't
have any beds here, and that's fat.
Just then the landlady entered the room.
She seemed to be rather genteel sort of
person compared with her spouse, and to be
about retiring to rest | at once appealed
to her
Madam, | am requesting the landlord
to obige me with nights accommodation
for this young lady. We have been at
tackled on the road, and compelled to turn
out of our way: and we cannot possibly
reach our destination tonight am agree
able to make any shift myself-a shake
down in your hayloft, or a stretch on the
settle by the fire here. Put me anywhere
you please, so that you make the lad COM
Portable. You have our mare in the stable
and our gig in the yard; put them under
lock and key as security, if you like We
are willing to pay to the full any reasonable
charge as well, in advance. What more
can you require ?" As spoke l took out
my purse, not very heavily lined, truly, but
sufficiently so fer present need. Money,
Miss WintOck had none.
The landlady glanced suspiciously at
Miss Wintock She could not make her
out at all. Her costume was decidedly not
that of lady; but the word attacked"
awakened her curiosity.
''Deary me attacked by them tramps.
| am glad they did not rob you, for l see
you have still your purse. How did you
manage to get away from them?'' And
then she hurriedly proceeded with string
of eager questions scarcely waiting for a