The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-09-29

knows what the consequences may be.
Come, we have no time TO lose; be brave. it
is your only chance"
''gery well. Will trust YOU she said, as
she handed the little packet to him. and
closed the window. 1t was the work of
moment 10 clothe herself in her thickest
cloak, and darkest plainest bonnet; then she
hurriedly disaranged the bed and left the
room. She was trembling violently, and
crying like child She paused at the door
of the room where her mother and father
were sleeping; aud, kneeling there, prayed
10 God to forgive her for what she was about
TO do. Even then. she paused and hung
back; but George Redruth, growing impa-
tent entered the kitchen and took her forci-
bly, away.
1t was midnight, and pitch dark; there was
not soul abroad. Holding the parcel with
one hand, and clutching the girl firmly with
the other, George Redruth hurried her of.
Where they went she could not tell. but they
soon came upon dog-cart and high-step-
ping bay. Annie learned afterwapd that
this had been driven out from Falmouth that
evening by johnson, who stood there wait
ing for her now. George Redruth addressed
him:
rs all ready?" ana the answer was YES
Sir"
That's all right Remember my inStruc-
tons, and carry them out to the letter."
He tossed up the little bundle; kissed An
ME and lifted her in, then, before she could
utter a syllable, johnson sprung in, and they
were off, leaving George Redruth behind
them. Now, in all his conversations with
Annie, George Redruth had said nothing OF
this plan of sending her away with Johnson,
fearing, no doubt, that if she knew her lover
was not to accompany her, all her courage
would go. When, therefore, she found her
self in this plight, poor Annie's distress in
creased, and she asked some explanation of
her companion.
Its all right" he answered, kindly
enough. HE can't come tonight, but he'll
Join us in London
Meantime, the horse, a very fast trotter,
was speeding along like lightning, covering
mile after mile, and plunging further and
further into the darkness.
About six o'clock in the morning they
drove into Falmouth, and pulled up the
steaming horse before the door of the best
inn. The travellers were evidently expected,
for there was a porter and groom sitting
up for them; and while the groom took pos
session of the horse, johnson himself con-
Quoted Annie to her room and left her at the
door.
you have only few hours for rest" he
said; 1--WE must catch the eleven O'Clock boat
for Portsmouth"
Left to herself Annie threw off her cloak
and hat and looked round the room. 1t was
pretty chamber, much grander than any
thing she had ever been accustomed to be-
fore. There were dainty hangings to the
bed, and pretty dimity curtains TO the win
dows. Moreover there was a cheerful fire
burning in the CRATE. Beside the hearth
there was q large, comfortable-looking easy
chair, into which she threw herself.
She had not closed her eyes for two nights
and was utterly weary both in mind and
body; and as her head fell back upon the
soft cushions of the chair, she fell into a
sound sleep.
She was awakened by loud knocking at
the door. She started up; it was broad day
light, the fire was out and the room looked
cold and cheerless. She opened the door.
and found the chamber-maid, standing out
side with jug of hot water in her hand.
Its ten o'clock, miss, said the girl The
gentleman says you shall have your break
fast here in a quarter of an hour"
DaZed and half s:upefied, Annie took the
jug from the girls hands, and, closing the
bedroom door again, began to arrange her
self for the day.
At the end of the fifteen minutes the
chamber-naid returned with the breakfast.
temptingly arranged on a tray: few min
utes later johnson made his appearance. In
stead of standing at the door as the chamber
maid had done, he entered the room and
closed the door behind him.
''All ready?' be began, ,cheerfully. That's
all rightr' Then his quick eye fell upon the
bed and the breakfast, and he gave a pecu--
liar whistle. "Come, this won't do,'' he
said; mo sleep and no food, you'll wear
yourself out, my deari'
These words, spoken rather kindly, touch
ed Annie's heart. and she began to cry.
Il can't 90 on, Mr. ohnson,' she said. Il
know my coming away has been a mistake.
l should like to 20 back again!'
After his first surprise was over, johnson
pointed out to her the utter impracticability of
any such attempt; and, after a good deal
more crying, Annie saw the force of his argu-
ment and yielded. Yes; the fatal step had
been taken-it was too late to think of re-
turning now; the only thing to do now was
10 make the best of matters and go right on
So Annie again put ON her cloak and bonnet
and announced herself ready to go.
You had better put on veil, said the
practical johnson. I'VE may be seen, and
that would be awkward for me. Haven't
got one! Well, upon my word, you are
little simpleton; but we must make the best
of it, j suppose. Here, take my arm and
hang your head bit; We'll get on board as
quick as possible, and perhaps will escape
scot-free."
They passed down the stairs, entered
closed cab which stood at the door and were
rapidly driven away.