Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1884-04-22

home.
1t was daring step, but the only
chance; lonely and isolated, we were
miles from any town, and no help was
possible,
1 should have to ride hard, and, to
avoid being discovered and stopped, I
must make a long round, which would
take me many miles out of my way.
At last the time to act had arrived.
Delaney must have started long ere
this, and the servants would be at sup
per.
The clock was Just striking 9 as I left
the room.
Going upstairs quickly, I put on my
habit and stepped out. .-..-- ~ ,
1t was clear, bright night, with the
pale moon rising over the dark tree
tops, and shining coldly on the glossy
green evergreens, casting ghostly, weird
shadows across the path. l reached the
yard, and saw, to my alarm, light in
the harness-room. Without taking time
to hesitate or think, l advanced softly,
and, peeping in, saw, to my great relief,
that it was only the stable-boy busily
engaged rubbing up the harness. Open
ing the door, stood before the aston
ished lad. who gazed with wide-open
eyes as though 1 had been an appari-
ton.
Christie" I said, "saddle Rlfeman
as quickly as possible. I want him."
"Sure, ma'am, you're never going
out tonight"
eyes, 1 am. Quick-don't stand
talking there, but do as I tell you.
Burning with impatience, I watched
him getting out Rifenlan, 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, 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 / was out of the gate
and cantering swiftly down the avenue
and out on the open road. Rifle
man." I said, stroking his glossy neck,
it tests with you to save your master.
You must do your best for the time is
short"
Away we went, keeping well in the
shadow of the trees which skirted the
road; the soft grass muffied the sound
of the horses hoofs, and faster, yet fast
er, urged Rifeman to his topmos
speed, for what if 1 were already toe
lateP The moon was nearly high il
the heavens, and I knew the hour was
rapidly approaching. 1t was a ride fol
life, and on we flew with fearful rapidity.
What if Lionel were on his way al
ready. Oh for strength to keep up 0
little longerl
The entrance gates at COL Arbuth'
not's stood wide open, and, with hope il
my heart, 1 galloped up to the house.
The door was opened by the Colonel
himself, who hurried out in great alarm.
"My husbands he heroP" Igasped.
"No; he has just left-not more thar
ten minutes ago, think but what has
happened"
"Too late too late |" I cried
"They have killed him Oh, Lionel
Lionel p
They tried to stop me, but I broke
away; there might be time yet, if 1 rodt
hard and fast. lily horse might die il
the attempt-what mattered it? II wal
life or death, now and away again
laundering down the avenue I went
needless of cries and entreaties to CONE
back.
Stopping one moment to listen,
heard, far ahead, the rumbling sound o
wheels; it seemed to endow me will
new life and strength to keep up, Il
struggle little longer; but poor Rife
man was almost done for. Breathin,
hard, he still labored on, answering whil
and rein to the last.
Gathering up I'll my energies for
last effort, 1 urged Rifeman once NOR
to gallop, and, sweeping round cor
ner, saw, with wild CLEAN of JOY ant
hope, my husbands dog. cart slowly as
cending a long steep hill, right in front
the foot of which on the other side wa
the spot where the murderers were il
waiting. Every yard OF ground was Q
value now.
I tried to call out, but only feebl
cry escaped my lips J.; and, still runnin.
with kind of strength and determi
nation born of despair, I pushed OF
till suddenly all grew dim and indistinct
I was conscious only of great an
terrible darkness rising and hiding In
husband from my sight; struggling o
blindly with outstretched hands I stag
gered few steps, and then, with las
wild wall of "Lionel-LJonel p fe