Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-05-17
GaIes ano Sketfkfs.
uUea pARRELE,s REvESGE.
CONTINUED from Yesterday

to see It once more ere it should be de-
stroyed. Why not? He could do it at q
slight risk. Many time had he climbed
M that wall and into the window for a
bovish freak.
Though daring he was not foolhardy.
lie threw coil OF rope over his arm and
began the ascent. How hot the air was !
He had not known the fire was so close
upon him. But now that he had nearly
reached the window, he could at least
look In.
What was this? Helen Ashley lay on
the floor insensible Every one thought
her safe How had the terrible mistake
arisen!
A deep groan burst from Darrell's lips.
The sound seemed to partially awaken
her from her swoon. He swung himself
into the room and lifted her in his arms.
The great gray eyes opened slowly-the
color crept back to the white cheek.
II thought you would come" she
murmured. family.
Her voice did not seem strange TO him
then.
IL am only Just in time. If there is
anything you want to save, throw it from
the window while make fast this rope"
He placed her gently upon the couch.
His very presence seemed to restore her
strength and courage. A brass-bound
writing desk stood upon the table. Helen
lifted It with considerable effort, and threw
it from the window.
Your aunt's desk. She charged me
to take care of it," she said.
The fire was gaining upon them fast:
but Darrell worked on steadily. cheered
by the crowd below, who doubted not
that his reckless ascent had been occa-
stoned by some cry or glimpse of the
young lady. He had fastened the rope
TO the window sill. He made Helen sit
outside of the window on the broad sill
then he swung himself out on the rope.
Now bend enough to take firm hold of
the rope with one hand. put the other arm
tightly around my neck now let your
self drop. Don't be afraid; will catch
you"
He braced himself to receive her
weight
Helen hesitated. but one glance back
showed her the room in flames behind
them.
II implore you to lose no time"
She let herself fall into the strong arms
upheld to receive her.
Hugh's was not an easy task. 1t took
all his great strength and sailor agility to
accomplish it. One arm held the girl, the
other, with the aid of his feet, supported
their joint weight, and slowly lowered
them through fame and smoke toward
the ground. Halt way down voice
from the excited crowd shouted out their
rope had caught fire. Darrell set his
teeth.
"Cling fast to me with both hands,"
Helen Obeyed, and felt HIM withdraw
the arm that was her chief support He
grasped the rope with both hands and let
II slide rapidly through them, tearing them
cruelty. They neared the ground. Eager
Outstretched arms relieved him OF his
precious burden and Hugh dropped like
log.
The next day Darrell found himself
haunting the house to which Helen had
been carried. His feet seemed to carry
him thither against his will and after
all. why should he not inquire after the
girl whose life he had saved although she
was the mistress of Dangerfield. whom he
had sworn never to forgive? As, reason
ing thus. he approached the door. he heard
Miss Ashley's voice say, wearily:~
mo. MIR. Green, have no idea how ii
originated"
Then gruffer tones.
Then Helen's again. very clear and
naughty: 1T is not possible that I I'M
derstand yon Alright P"
1.-The young Squire was capable OF it,
Miss. You don't know them 'dour Oar
rells.' Us in the village was sure he'd
have his revenge"
There was hush of sheer astopishment
Then Helen's voice of concentrated scorn
Leave my presence! l would not insult
Mr.. Darrell by defending him from such
charge. Do you know that he saved my
life?"
Like enough, like enough" grumbled
her interlocutor, obstinately. There's
naught he fears, and I'm not saying he
wanted your death. When he were but
q lad he vowed he'd sooner burn Danger
field to the ground than see it in strangers
hands. and now"
Cor broke in Helen. stormily. losing
all her self-command.
An imperious white hand flung the
house door wide. and the discomfited
couptryman shambled down the steps.
Darrell came forward and said. gravely
Thank youri
Miss Ashley was leaning. painting and
flushing against the door post. The color
came into her white face and she begged
him to enter.
Darrell hesitated.
This is not Dangerfield: this is neutral
ground" she said. with tinge of bitter
ness. II must speak to you. and am
not able to stand"
Indeed she was not When Darrell fol-
lowed her into the house she sank into a
chair, unable to speak for few minutes,
and he noticed with q pang the fragile
character of her loneliness.
"How can thank you for saving my
lifeP" she said. presently. lifting the great
gray eyes Hugh had always found so elo-
quent.
THAT account was squared by your
defence Of me Just now" he replied, has,
lily.
There was no defence needed the idea
was too preposterous.
at would have seemed altogether pre-
posterous to me the night first returned.
have learned to do you justice since then.
even If we can never be friends"
"Why not? Hugh, dear Hugh" she
ALTERED, II do not believe you hate me as
much rs you think. Will you not share
Dangerfield with me ?"
For a vnouneut the room SWAN hefora