Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-01-14
A STRANGE DESIRE
THE DYING REQUEST.
BY ARTHUR J. BRANDT,
AUTHOR OF ''THE SHADOW ON THE Snow"
"FROM FALSE TO TRUE 'EABY
BELLE" ETC.
CHAPTER XII.
OR

| CHAPTER XII.
| Sir Wilfred understood what had taken
place in an instant, and he stepped towards
Dreyfus with the evident intention of
knocking him down; but that gentleman
lodged cleverly, though with apparent
carslessness, out of his way.
"What are you doing here?'' cried the
Baronet, sternly. "Your presence is evil
IDENTIFY unwelcome to Miss Mason"
81 do not think l am comp elled to an
swer vour question, sir" replied Dreyfus,
coolly.
"Indeed"' said Sir Wilfred; 81 would
not advise you to be too certain. Possibly
may find means to make you.'
'Not here, at any rate" answered DIey-
fus, maintaining the same manner Gas
you seem inclined to be disagreeable, in
tend to make my adieux.''
GAS soon as you please replied the
Baronet, turning his back on the speaker,
but the action did not in the least discon-
cert Dreyfus.
Bowing to Janet, as if nothing had ta-
ken place, he said, quite quietly, "Fare-
well, Miss Mason; we shall meet again!"
| 'Indeed hope not" murmured Janet.
Sydney Dreyfus smiled-a strange smile,
which haunted Janet for a long tims-and
left the room without further remark.
Sir Wilfred Pearson heard the key plac-
ed in the lock with astonishment.
"What!' cried he, as soon as dreyfus had
disappeared. "Were matters SO bad as
that?''
eyes," said Janet; and she told him all
that had happened.
The Baronet paced the room impatiently.
"What has become of John?" asked he.
at last. "Why did he not prevent that fell
low coming into the house3"
"Johnv' echoed Janet, starting. 81
have quite forgotten in my surprise and
fright He asked permission to go out this
evening, and, now that l think of 1t, he
went to see Mr.. Dreyfus, who said he
wanted to entrust hin with message to
deliver to me from Mr.. Maryland; for of
course would not see him again after his
behavior"
"Ohr' calculated the Baronet, apparent
. ly full of thought; '.Where was the meet.
ing to be?''
CAT the Rose and Crown " replied ia
net. 'Mr. Dreyfus is staying there.''
"He won't be staying there long," NUT
tered the Baronet. "Where is John now?''
II don't know, really answered the
housekeeper; "but fancy he has not re-
tured We will inquire"
The inquiry was made, and the answe,
was in the negative.
''rll tell you what, Miss Mason" said
Sir Wilfred, after a pause. Il don't like
the look of things; so, if you have no OBJ
lection, I'll see afaer John. He is either &
great seoundrel or the victim of this schem
| ing man; and we had better find out which
appellation suits bin bsfore he passes
another night under this roof. Ny mar
shall put his horse in the stable and sit il
the kitchen while 1 am going, SO you will
not be alone"
Janet could not find words to express
her thanks, but her beautiful eyes uttered
her thoughts so eloquently that Sir Wilfret
turned hastily away, and left the room
with an agitated heart.
When halfway downstairs he determin
ed to leave his own horse also in che sta
bles, and go on foot to the "Rose ant
Crown"
"It will be easier to avoid seeing the fel
low" thought the young Baronet, ''if b
is in the neighborhood of the inn. l mus
speak to John without his knowledge, if
is possible
With this object in view, he chose by
. paths which were not much frequented in
e stead of the high road, and determined t.
|: wait at the last turning, on the chance Q
5 arresting some pedestrian who could b
e sent to fetch the landlord without susp
: cion.
g Fortune favored him, so he had not lon
e to wait.
d A boy living on his own estate cam
|
with pencilled note, which brought bac
q the receiver to the stile upon which 81
u Wilfred sat smoking cigar in very shol
time.
"That's good, Salmonsp' remarked til
IS Baronet, as soon as the landlord Of th
# "Rose and Crown" was within hearin,
81 suppose you paid the urchin for delive
l. ing his message, as told YOU in my not
s. and sent him round home another ways"
y Certainly did, sir, replied Salmon
bowing low, for he was Sir Wilfred's to-
- ant
"All righi. /" answered the Baronet; ''ar
, now war1H. little private conversatit
with u think we are safe from Liz
echoed the landlord. ''WI
Wilfred, l don't suppo
within fur bun.