The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-07-07

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gate.
Alma was there nursing her better
feelings over Gerard's non appearance :.
'.Ah I am glad you are outs de, Al
ma" he said hurriedly. Il will leave
you to-day but my trip to Europe must
be necessarily postponed for a few
weeks"
Il do not understand" she said.
This will explain. I received it at
the village this morning."
He placed a paper, with q printed
telegram heading at the top. in her
hand. She read it in silence.
Paul, remember your promise. am going
to marry the heiress June 18th, and expec,
you TO stand a. best man. GERARD
Alma did not faint She was made
of sterner stuff She seemed very
white and troubled. however, as she
handed back the bit of paper.
''You see. it is as suspected"
paul don't 60 today" she articuIat-
ed, hoarsely.
Tomorrow will do" he answered.
Then she went swiftly back to the
house and to her own room. That last
letter from his treacherous hand she
tore to fragments. and set her heel on
them in the fierceness of her indigna-
ton. Her eyes were dry. and the full
red lips burning with fever.
Il will show Gerard that I am not
disconsolate over his treachery."
With this uttered resolution Alma
Dane went once more to meet her
cousin. They were together for long
hour, under the shadow of the trees on
the lawn. Before they parted he bent
and kissed her. while glow of tri-
umph lit up the dark face. and light
ened the glow in his eyes.
II will remain for your sake. dear.
est" he whispered low. Il must ex-
cuse myself to Gerard. and will 90
there today and return tomorrow, when
we will be married.
Eyes, Paul"
Her eyes were dry and a feverish
glow filled her cheeks. parched her
throat rendering her voice husky and
unnatur al.
He left her, mounted his horse and
rode swiftly to the railway station.
''If I can possibly return tonight I
WILL" he said at parting from Alma.
Remember. you are not to 60 near the
Folly" for something might happen
to you. For my sake want you to
obey me in this"
She gave silent assent, and then
paced along under the trees. The hours
of that day were the longest Alma had
ever experienced. Unrest worried her
SOUL and her heart was leaden in its
sullen beating She kept her room most
of the day. Everything that belonged
to Gerard she sacrificed, the sight of
them rendering her miserable. Was
ever woman so sore distressed on the
eve of her wedding as she ?
The squire, her father. marveled at
the strange gloom that had suddenly
come over his daughter. but he did
not question her that day-on the next
day it was not necessary.
Night was once more threatening
and Alma sought solace without the
heated atmosphere of her room. In
stinctively she turned her steps toward
Fenlow's Folly. She did not pause on
the hill, but went down the narrow,
long unused road. which was short
cut from the village to the farm of
Squire Dane. She paused only when
she stood in the gloomy shadow of the
great stone building.
Paul said I must not come here"
she unused. "Why should he care I
made no promise. I am reckless to-
night I will learn the mysteries of
the old mill"
Boldly she advanced through the
open door that time had loosened from
its hinges. and stood on the Uttered
floor. 1t was almost dark here. and
there was damp smell to everything
Even in that summer night the air was
chill, and Alma drew her shawl more
closely. At that moment she started
and trembled in every joint.
An awful groan assailed her ears.
For some moments she stood petri-
fed. with terror stealing her senses
away.
The groan was repeated. followed
Immediately by muffied voice calling
for help. Surely that could not be a
spirit.
"Who callsp" cried Alma, gaining
courage in spite of her terrible sur
roundings.
1T is Gerard Manningr'
The voice was muffied as though
half smothered, yet it was plain enough
to startle Alma into activity. She
followed the sound and soon stood
over the opening to dry well, over
which a. heavy iron pulley, a part of
the ancient machinery. was cast
81 am here. pretty weak from long
fasting" said the occupant of the
strange prison. when he knew that
Alma was above. 'Tve been here
several days, I judge. and began to
think death alone would end my suf-
ferings. He and I came together OH
the Goth OF June. We followed the
short cut from the station, and at his
request we entered here to examine
the old factory.
II stepped on some rotten planks
and was precipitated into this old well.
I was hurt by the fall. He promised
to 60 for rope. He did not return.
Once I climbed 10 the surface but
could not lift the wheel. and fell back.
I have called and called until exhaust
ed"
Alma trembling with agitation and
strange inward joy, promised to