The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-04-18
one DARK NlHHT.
BIZ A H. B.


The night was extremely dark, for the
stars that twinkled in the black sky had no
power 10 light the dull earth. Nervously,
with . beating heart young girl hurried
down country lane, parcel in her hands.
She was city bred, and had the town fear OF
country lanes. and, if she did not think
<'every bush an officer" dreaded that every
bush might conceal thief. Eveline Moreton
was employed by large mourning establish
ment and she had been gent down, accord
ing 10 he advertisement 10 eft" a recently
bereaved family. II the way was dark and
gloomy, ETeline's thoughts were dark snd
gloomy, too. The poor child was tired and
hungry, for her train had been detained two
hours By a. accident on the lire. She had
been told to take cab, but there was nc cab
to be had, and North Lodge was "auite a
three-mile walk, tie sleepy porter had in.
formed her Bic directions had been clear
enough. Eveline was 10 keeD straight along
fhe dull, gloomy Isre till she reached the
high road, when North Lodge would
be the third house On, how she
wished the walk at an Ell d; il was so dark
and Ill and lonely. Egsline paused sud.
denly, and looked down the path she had to
pursue with frightened eyes, for she dis.
tiI ely heard footsteps. II he had yielded
to her n1st impulse OF childish terror she
ouid have tn ed TO fLd some hiding plaza
lehlnd the hedge; but ashamed of her fears,
she wall ed en- with a low, nervous laugh.
lie footsteps approached rapidly, and soon
dark figure came in sight. EYeline shrank
back to get cut OF its way, but IL moved also,
80 that il was still right in front of her.
sG0rd r.iOhf - said q II voico
Coed night" repeated Eveline; for as
Charles Dickens said, we are never so polite
"a when We are friehtened.
1t is a dark night for you TO be out in"
went on the man. Have you got such
thing ss copper about you to give poor
fellow2'
TIemblingIy Eveline took out her purss
10 look for penny; IS she did so. it was sud.
denly snstched out of her hands. Eveline
gave little cry Of distress at the loss of the
money; bat she was too much alarmed to
utter single word of remonstrance The
mans burly figure still barred the way
Let ne pass" she pleaded. II have no
jewelry. My purse was the only thing
worth stealing; you have that. so pray LEI
me CO."
Don't be in such hurry, pretty one"
said the man, with hoarse laugh, aud ne
caught hold OF her arm. Il want to speak
10 you"
''Oh. pray-pray-Iet me 60" cried Eve
lire, dropping the parcel, for her poor little
heart was beating almost to suffocation.
Not till I've given you kiss" he said,
inselently. You are q pretty girl"
And he drew her nearer TO him, 50 that
his rough bearded face touched her cheek
Evtiine pushed him from her with all her
force, utteripg scream after scream. Her
terror gave her a sudden strength. and for
quite minute she kept him at arms length.
You little vixen" ne exclaimed, with an
oath. 'Pu have that kiss in spite of all
your struggles; / will, by" he never
finished the sentence, for u well-directed
blow from powerful fist felled him to the
ground.
You cowardly blackguardl" shouted the
Few conner, INDIGNANTLY. How dare you
insult lady! Stand up, and let me knock
you down again"
But this the tramp wisely declined to do.
He rolled over IN abject terror, whining out
an appeal for mercy.
Il am indeed sorry that you shoald have
been frightened by the fellow" said the
stranger, lifting his hat and turning to Eve
line.
The girl tried to thank him, but her emo
ton was too great and putting her hand to
her eyes she cried bitterly, while the young
man locked on alphabetically, scarcely
knowing what 10 do or say.
My psrcelP' she exclaimed suddenly,
thin king Of her employ ers property.
is here" returned her new friend, pick
he added; for in the struggle the tramp had
dropped Eveline's shabby little portemon-
naie.
Eveline took the purse, and then mechari-
cally held out her hand for the parcel: but
Ralph Nernon-such was the name OF the
gentleman who had come to her rescue
shook his head
"l'll carry II" he said, obviously. "You
don't think / am going to leave you in the
lane after what has happened Where are
you goingg"
TO North Lodge faltered Eveline.
"you will find the Thursbys in great
trouble !" said Ralph Vernon. looking at her
curiously.
Il know IL" retained Eveline. coloring:
i bave come from the city to make up their
mourning"
"0hl' cried Ralph, little surprised for
he bad imagined that she vas some p)or
relative, st least
His manner was far more respectful than
before; AID Eveline felt so glad of his com.
pany that abe soon frightened up, even
laughing at the recollection of the tramp
ss ne crswied away on his hands and knees.
and than suddenly sprang to his feet. flying
or like the wind. 1t Was too dark for Ralph
to distinguish the girls features plainly, bat