South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1883-07-06

The sound was ontside the window.
and Lima paused to listen. The FIRST
word that caught her ear startled her.
"a thousand pounds, and all the
old womans jewelry and plate,' said
mans voice in \ husky undertone.
Yes was the reply, in a woman's
voice-the voice, Lima knew. OF Par.
kins, Mrs. Harrington's model, soft
voiced, lajy-li<e nurse, and there
won't be any trouble about it
because have let the women 90 a.
way to stay all night. ond sent the
gardener on fools GRAND 10 Mlssus'
brothers. twenty miles off,
But this girl that came Tonight
what about her 2 asked the man.
ooh, she will go to home presently.
and stay there if she is wise. She'd
be no hindrance anyway silly TIM
id little thing. But it is as we'll to let
her get out OF the way said Parkins,
cody.
But see here, Molly, why not do it
now? Then we'll have more tine TO
get away before daylight said the
man.
Il tell you it is not safe before II
o'clock. Parkins said positively. .Peo
pie may come in. Sir Robert don't
like her out of his sight for long, and
that idiotic young Marsden may come
incoming in. Wait Till hali-past ii !,
and the west door here will be open.
And jim, look here, when YOU get
this swag you are to take me with YOU
your wife mind
The voice grew fainter. Eyidents
~ the speakers were moving away
from the house. But Lima had heard
enough. Sick with terror she leaned
against the pantry wall moment and
tried to think What did it all mean?
Robbery, murderl And no help
near. Her first instinct was to fiy out
OF the house and across The fields to
the hall. But her absence would be
instantly discovered, she knew. and
then poor Aunt Margaret would be
alone with these wretches. No she
must not go-but 10 stand there idle
would do no good. She flew ike a
bird along the halls and up stairs, Leo
painting by her side. At Aunt Mar,
garet's door che paused, and u sudden
thought came 10 her She would
send Leo home for help
Where is the spoon, child? How
long you stayed, Good Heavens (!
What is the matter?' cried the old
lady rs she saw the girls terrified
face. Lima began some evasiye an.
swer, but instantly remembered that
Aunt Margaret must be told the
whole story, or nothing could DC done
TO save her. She did tell it, and Aunt
Margaret listened in silent consterna-
ton and then burst ont impetuously
with:
Good Heavens, child Why dou't
you run right homer
Because know Parkins would he
up here in q few minutes and find I
was gone and then
'Ah well So you stayed to save
the old woman If you could? What
are you doing child? Why don't YOU
lock the door and pile things against
il? Good God if was Just able to
rise out of this bed =
But Lima did not speak for mo.
ment. She had found pencil and
paper, and was rapidly writing a few
words. When she had finished
Now she said, when Parkins
comes, tell her l am to sleep on her
couch here in her room, and She must
go somewhere else. | will be back in
u moment. .Leon'
Out Of the room she darted. and
down to the hall door, which she un
barred and passed through. Then
knccling in the shadow OF q pillar on
the portico, she tied the note tioh,ly
in her handkerchief round Leo neck
She pat her arms around his neck af.
ter that, kissed his forehead and a half
sob escaped her.
Is that you, Miss? said smooth
voice from the hall why, whatever
are you doing in the dark there 2
Lima sprang W as If she had been
shot.
i am sending the dog home she
SAID, speaking quietly, though tie
throbs Of her heart shoot; her whole
frame. lie is restless here without
his master. Go home, Lco-slraigLt
home, sirr
TIE dog, with one farewell lick OF
her hand, bounded down the steps
aud vanished IN the dewy darkness OF
tho summer NIGHT.
oh, God let him 60 safely and
swiftly : prayed The girl in her heart.
Then che went in anu helped Par.
l<ins bar tic door, and they went 70.
gctheT ~ stairs.
Aunt Margaret lay very quietly ON
her pillow, but with her black ewes
cleaning.
Parkins.' she said steadily. az 'hey
entered, Miss Leigh IS kind enough,
10 oifer to stay with me here tonight
She Will sleep on your couch. and
YOU, my poor soul, can 20 and get q
GOOD uirhHs rpst i'm another ry..,..,