Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1885-12-24

/ OF the message so Tar from the station.
The boy galloped away. congratulating
himself on having been spared long
ride. and Miss Rowan tore open the
envelope left in her hands.
The message was brief. "Mr Carr Is
seriously i'll. Come at once. You will
be met in London"
Madeline did not scream or faint.
She gave one low moan Of pain, set her
toeth. and with the face Of one in n
dream drove as quickly rs she could to
Calendar, straight 10 tho railway sta
tion.
Fortunately, or rather unfortunately,
she had money with her, so she did not
waste time in going to Mr.. Douglas In
spite of the crushing blow she had re-
ccived, the girl had all her wits about
hor. A train would start in ten min
utes' time. She took her ticket, then
found an idler outside the station, and
paid him to take the pony carriage back
to the farm, with the message rs repeat
ed to Carriston.
The journey passed like a long
dream. The girl could think of moth
ing but her lover. dying. dying per
haps dead before she could rcacn HIM.
The miles flew by unnoticcd; twill ght
crcpt on; the carriage grew dark; at
last-London at lastl Miss Rowan
! stepped out on the broad platform, not
knowing wha, TO do or where TO turn.
Presently tall, well-drcssed man came
up TO her. and removing his hat,
addressed her by name The promise
as to her being met had been kept
She clasped her hands. "'rell me
| ~. III l.. l.. i. Il.
"Mr Carr is not dead. lie is III,
very i'll delrious, and calling for you. y
"Whcre is he? Oh. take me 10 him.
"Ile is miles aud miles from here at
friends house. have been deputed
to meet you and 20 accompany you. II
you feel strong enough 10 continue the
journey at once"
Come" said Madeline Take me
to him"
your luggagoP" asked the gentle
man.
"l have none Gomez
"You must take some re'reshment
Il need nothing. Comet"
Tho gentleman glanced at his watch.
There is just tIme." nc said. lie
called cab. told the driver to 20 at
top speed. They reached Paddington
Just in time TO cat ch the mail
During the drive across London
Madeline asked many questions, and
learned from her companion that Mr..
Carr had been staying for n day or two
at friends house in the west Of En-
| gland. That yesterday he had fallen
from his horse and sustained such in
iuries that his life was despaired of. lie
had en- continually calling for Made
line. They had found her address on a
letter, and had telegraphed as soon as
! possiblc-for which act Hiss Rowan
thanked her companion with tears in
her eyes.
Her conductor did not say m uch ol
his own accord. but in replying TO her
questions he was politely sympathetic.
She thought of little outside the fear
ful picture which filed every corner OF
her brain. but from her conductor {
manuer received the impression that he
was a medical adviser, who had seen
the sufferer, and assisted in the treat.
men Of the case. She did not ask his
name, nor did be reveal it.
At Paddington he placed her in q
ladies carriage and left her. lie was
a smoker, he said. She wondered some
what at his desertion. Then the train
sped down west At the large stations
tho gentleman came TO her and offered
her refreshments. Hunger seemed to
have left her but she accepted a cup OF
tea once or twice. At last sorrow, IA
tigue and the weakness produced by
such prolonged fast had their natural
effect With the tears still on her
lashes the girl fell asleep, and must
have slept for many miles: sleep un-
broken by stoppagcs at stations.
Her conductor at last aroused her
lie stood at the door Of the carriage
I'VE must get out here" he said. All
the momentarily forgotten anguish
came back to her as she stood beside
him on the almost unoccupied plat
| form.
care we there at lastp'' she asked
II am sorry to- saywe have still n
long drives would you Ike 10 rest
frst?n
mo. no. Come on. II you please E"
She spoke with fevcrsh eagerncss.
The man bowed. "a carriage waits, "
he said.
Outside the station was a carriage OF
some sort, drawn by one horse, aud
driven by a man muil'e up 10 the eyes.
1t was still night, but Madeline fanced
dawn could not be far of. Hes con-
ductor opened the door OF the carriage
and waited for her to enter.
She paused. "Ask him-that man
must know if"
81 am most remiss." said the gentle
man. He exchanged few words with
the diver, and coming back, told Made
| line thai Mr.. Carr was still alive, sensi-
be and expecting her eagerly.
''Oh, please, please drive fast" said
the poor girl, springing into the car
riagc. The gentleman seated himself
beside her, and for long time they
drove on in silence. At last they
stopped. The dawn was Just glimmer-
ing. They alighted in front Of house.
The door was open Madeline entered
] swiftly (Which way-which way?n
she asked. She was too agtated to
notice any surroundings; her one wish
was to reach her lover.
"Allow me. said the conductor.
passing her "This way; please follow
me. lie went up short flight Of
stairs. then paused. and opened door
quietly. lie stood aside for the Girl to
enter. The room WAS dimly lit. and
contained a bed with drawn curtains.
Madeline flew past her travelling COM
panion. and she threw herself ON her
knees beside the bel upon which she
expected to SEQ the helpless and shat
tered form of the man she loved, heard
or fancied she heard, the door locked
behind her.
VII.
Carriston slept on late into the next
day Knowing that every moment Of
bodily and mental rest was precious
boon 10 him, left him undisturbed He
was still fast asleep when. about mid
day, a gentleman called upon me. He
sent up NJ card, and ] supposed he