San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-06-03
CHAPTER V.

"Yes, am coming. said Dolly, in an
swer to Jasper ON the following morning
A little later. the pair went down the road
towards Culverton Royal. just as they had
gone ten years before-just the same,
Dolly thought; only there was such ass diff
ference-alOng the sandy, dusty road, I'M
der the fierce glare of the sun, which
shone down on Dolly's white dress and
golden hair, as if it would fain turn her
from her purpose.
sOh, am so tiredm said Dolly plain
lively, when they got about half way to
the Coppice.
Gan you keep upa little longer" asked
Jasper doubtfully, turning face as white
as Dolly's own towards her.
81 must" she answered. Jasper, what
is that in front-there pas the CLEAN of
a yellow gown SHOW ed for moment in the
opening of the trees; for they were off
the road then and in the meadows skirt
ing the two parks. docs she always
wear yellow, Jasperr
"To suit her black hair. Black and yell
low-his Satanic Maiesty's own colors,"
answered Jasper bitterly.
They plodded on little farther in ST.
lence.
"Is it getting near the time 2" she asked
at length.
"Ten minutes to eleven" he answered.
"Are you almost done, little oneY"
"Almost"-with a gasp; "but l must
keep up"
She struggled on under the burning sun,
and at last they reached hedge, from
behind which they could see into the Cop
pice. Yes he was there leaning against q
tree with cigar in his mouth.
A bitter pang went through DOlly's
faithful heart when she saw the look of
happiness on his face.
'There she is" said Jasper in loud
whisper.
They saw Miss Fox enter the shade Of
the COppiCe, with her open umbrella on
her shoulder, and walk straight up to
Lord Culverton. They just saw him lift
his hat, and then the umbrella shut the
two'from view.
"Kissing her, l suppose" said Jasper
scornfully, and putting Dolly's tortured
thought into plain language.
A moment later the yellow robes moved
a little and Lord CulvertOn's face came
once more into view. He appeared to be
speaking very gravely, and Miss Fox was
listening with bent head, an idly moving
foot peeping out below the hem Of her
gown.
Il am faintingw said Dolly despairing-
ly, turning to Jasper.
To her horror. he drew a pistol from
his breast and took deliberate aim at the
Earl. She tried to catch his arm; but an
instant later report rang out upon the
still autumn air. and Lord CulvcrtGn fell
to the ground. Dolly sank half-faintinS
upon her knees; a second report was
heard, and dull thud behind her told
her that the second bullet had found its
mark as surely as the first.
Then a great darkness closed in upon
her, sound Of strange noises was above
more.
lying in the next field, her head pillowed
on the knee of a woman who had been at
work among the corn, and who rushed
forward on hearing the pistol Shots
There were one or two harvest-laborers
near, and CulvertOn was bending over
her, with some water in tin mug.
IL thought you were killedW she said,
as well as her trembling lips could frame
the words. "Was it all fancyT
"Not quite. l shall be all right direct
~. bTluh some Ol tnlS WdttI. MY ucaI-
est" he answered.
Dolly struggled up into sitting posi-
ton.
"What made me faint2 Why do you all
look so distressedi Oh, l remember-dear
Heaven, remember-Jaspern
She rose to her feet; but Culverton
caught her with his right hand and held
her back.
"You must not 60" he said firmly.
"Let me goT" she cried, struggling TO re-
lease herself.
''Oh, Miss Dolly DEAR" said the woman,
"his arm is broke and you'll hurt himp
Broken repeated Dolly, ceasing her
struggles instantly. "Did Jasper do itf'
Culverton did not speak; he was fast
turning faint himself; and only his great
love for her kept him up.
'Is he dead ~. she asked.
"Quite dead, dead, my darling. Shot
through the BRAIN" he answered.
He let her go then, and leaned upon one
Of the men; for his strength was fast de-
serting him.
slave some of this whisky, my lord"
said one Of the laborers, with rough kind
ness.
Culverton took long draught of the
coarse raw spirit, and, though il burnt his
mouth, il gave him sufficient strength to
follow Dolly, who had gone in search of
Jasper.