The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-09-13

Still l could do nothing till Delaney
left the house aud started on his deadly
errand.
My plan was this.
When he had gone I intended to go
down to the stable, get horse and ride
to Col. Arbuthnot's trying to reach it
before Lionel had started on his way
home.
1t was q daring step. but the only
chance; lonely and isolated, we were
miles from any town, and no help was
possible.
I should have to ride hard, and to
avoid being discovered and stopped, l
must make a long round, which would
take me many miles out of the way.
At last the time to act hnd arrived.
Delaney must have started long ere
this, and the servant would be at supper.
The clock was just striking nine as l
left tho room.
Going upstairs quickly, I put on my
habit and stepped ont.
It was y clear, bright night, with the
pale moon rising over the dark tree tops,
and shining coldly on the glossy green
evergreens, casting ghcstly, weird shad-.
ows across the path. Preached the yard,
and saw, to my alarm, light in the har-
ness. room. Without taking time to hes
itate or think, advanced softly, and,
peeping in, saw, to my great relief, that
it was only the stable-boy engaged in
rubbing up the harness. Opening the
door, stood before the astonished lad,
who gazed with wide open eyes as though
l had been an apparrition.
"Christie, said, saddle Rit1eman
as quickly as possible. I want him"
''Sure, ma'am, you're never going out
tonight"
yes, 1 am. Quick. Don't stand
talking there, but do as tell you"
Burning with impatience, watched
him getting out RiAeman, and then, as
was about to mount, catching sight OF
the wonder and surprise ON Christie's
face, an idea seized me, and, sending
him back into the stable on some pre-
text, 1 locked the door and took the key.
No one knew where was; it would be
long before he could make himself heard,
no matter how loudly he called. for the
yard was long way from the house. In
another minute I was out of the gate
and cantering swiftly down the avenue
and out on the open road. "Riheman,"
1 said, stroking his glossy neck. lit rests
with you to save your master. You must
do your best, for the time is short
Away he went, keeping we'll in the
shadow of the trees which skirted the
road; the soft grass muflled the sound OF
the horses hoofs, and faster, yet faster,
1 urged Riheman to his topmost speed,
for what if I we're already too late? The
moon was nearly high in the heavens,
and knew the hour was rapidly ap-
preaching. 1t was ride for life, and on
we flew with fearful rapidity.
What if Lionel were on his way al.
ready. Oh for strength to keep up lit
tie longer!
The entrance. gates at Col. Arbuthnot's
stood wide open, and, with hope in my
heart, galloped up to the house. The
door was opened by the colonel himself,
who hurried out in great alarm.
INV husbands he here?" gasped.
"No; he has inst left-not more than
ten minutes ago, l think; but what has
hapPened?" .,r
have killed himl Oh, Lionel. Lionel!'
They tried to stop me. but I broke
away; there might be time yet, if rode
hard and fast. My horse might die in
the attempt-whst mattered it2 1t was
life or death. now; and away again.
laundering down the avenue went,
needless of cries and entreaties to come
back.
Stopping one moment to listen,
heard, far ahead, the rumbling sound of
wheels; it seemed to endow me with new
life and strength to keep up the struggle
little longer; but poor Riheman was all
most done for. Breathing hard, he still
lsbored on, answering whip and rein TO
the last
Gathering up all my energies for last
effort, urged RiAemsn once moro to .
gallop, and, sweeping round . corner,
saw. with . wild CLEAN Of JOY and hope,
my husbands dog cart slowly ascending
long, steep hill, right in froAt. the foot
Of which on the other side was the spot
where the murderers we're in waiting.
Every yard Of ground IVES Of value now.
tried TO call out, but only feeble
CRY escaped my lips; and, still running
With . kind Of strength. and determine
ton born OF despair, pushed ON. till
suddenly oil grew dim and indistinct. !
was conscious only of great and terri
BILE darkness rising and hiding my hus-
band from my sight; struggling on
blindly With outstretched hands I stag.
gered few steps, and then, with . last
Wild vail Of "Lionel-Lionell" fell sense
lees upon the earth-my last thought, my
last desire being to save HIM. Was all in