Western cyclone. [volume] (Nicodemus, Kan.) 1886-1887, 1886-12-23

Arthur Lennox smiled satisfactorily to
himself.
He was quite sure the answer would
not be ''Nor' And, after all, one day
was not great length of time to wait.
II am so glad met Arthur" Laurel
was thinking. HE shall 60 to the mill
with me. and prevent a possible con-
versation with presumptuous Clarke
Hawthorne"
Just as Laurel had surmised, the first
person she met, upon entering the door
of the mill, was Clarke Hawthorne, a
handsome, genial young fellow, good
looking, even in the work-clothes he
wore.
A glad, happy light broke over his
face as he caught sight of his employers
daughter, only to die away again upon
beholding her companion, while he re-
specially touched his cap as they passed
him on the stairway, toward the private
Office beyond.
Owing to repairing in the main office,
a small room in the rear, accessible only
by narrow, unprotected stairs, had been
set apart for the transaction Of private
business. Yet the close proximity of i'm
mense wheels in constant motion, the
liberal display Of numerous placards-
"Dangerr' keep Awayr'-prevented
many from venturing in the direction of
the narrow stairway to the private of
flee, save the cautious employees used to
threading narrow passages where death
lurked in single misstep.
The village bell had chimed the hour
of six. The ponderous wheels were still,
as Laurel, followed by her companion,
nimbly climbed the stairway.
At the end of a narrow ledge, about
midway, stood a window, which from
its dusty panes commanded view of
the steep rocky bank far down below,
over which the white-foamed water
dashed furiously.
Both stopped Involuntary to admire
the fine panorama which nature had
spread out before them.
Suppose, whispered Laurel archly,
II was to fall from the window to the
rocks down below. Would you stretch
out yotf arms
"You well know my life would be
nothing without you. would certain
ly stretch out my arms" he answered
promptly, suiting the action to the word.
and clasping his pretty companion as II
to prevent such possibility.
Laurel Mayne laughed pretty, bright,
sparkling laugh. that sounded strangely
through the silent, deserted mill, and
brought the bitterness of hope crushed
out to a lonely man sitting with his
head bent on his clasped hands below.
At that instant Laurel laughingly
freed herself from her companions en-
brace. She had brought the message
too late. Her fathers partner had gone
home.
So the lovers retraced their steps leiS-
urely, not noticing that the golden sun
set had deepened into the dull, misty
shadows of twilight. It was so sweet to
be assured over and over again how
much she was to him.
Il would give my very life to serve
you, and deem 1t well spent" he said
tenderly; and Laurel. looking up into
his handsome face, believed his love and
watchful care the greatest happiness of
her young life, so soon to enter his keep
ing for ever.
Little did either dream, in retracing
their steps, of the terrible moment fast
approaching, which should prove that
devotion.
The pair had descended but q few
steps through the deepening shadows
when sound that froze the very blood
in their veins fell upon their ears-a low
dull, rumbling sound, followed by a
grating noise.
Then the great ponderous wheels.
between which they must pass in the
uncertain light, began slowly to revolve,
gaining in velocity with every revolu-
ton.
MY Godr' The Words prayer,
not scarcely audible. burst from Laurel
Mayne's pale lips.
Then suddenly she remembered, ow-
ing to the press of orders, the night-work
had been. resumed.
The great wheels deadened every
sound. Arthur Lennox took in the stu
alton with paling brow. Great beads of
perspiration stood on his forehead. He
dared neither advance nor retreat. A
step in any direction might prove fatal
He shrieked aloud in horror for help.
ARTHUR, Arthur" moaned Laurel,
piteously, but he neither saw nor heard
her.
Another startling discovery had burst
upon him. The great belt which held
the wheels above their heads was slowly
giving way.
At any moment the instrument of
death might como whirling, crushing
down upon them, 1t could stand the
strain but few moments more.
Lenox saw the white, Mortified gaze of
man looking up at them. one who
had taken in the full horror of the situa-
ton at single glance.
In a hOarSe voice he shouted up above
the din:
1T is madness to attempt to stop the
wheel! The belt is giving way! Hold
Laurel firm, and drop her over the ledge
to me- Quick! In Heavens name,
man,
But all thoughts, save of self-preserva-
ton, had fed from the lover of short