Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-27

some confusion.
''They might say that I was remaining
behind to take advantage of the heiress of
Eversleigh, and that would never do. I
mean to return later if you Will allow me. +"
You know shall be pleased to see you
again. Miss Eversleigh said.
"You have been very good. But please
don't hint at that. I shall never marry"
and her eyes dropped as she breathed sigh
for the absent Ralph.
Eric fattered himself that he had too
much experience of the sex to be dismayed
by this announcement. The 'Squire's death
J was too recent; and the trouble about the
missing will was pressing too heavily upon
her for Gwendoline to have thoughts of
marriage in her mind. That was Eric's
Interpretation of the declaration of celibacy.
He was confident that he had made good
running since he came down to Eversleigh,
and now that Ralph was out of the way he
was too astute campaigner to press his
advantage permaturely. He would trust to
time and absence to ripen matters.
Eric decided to leave by the last train
that left Bemerton for London. Bemerton
is connected with the main line by loop
line, some 15 miles from the famous West
! ern junction. Gwendoline proposed that
dinner should be served at an earlier hour
to suit Eric's arrangements.
There was look of sadness on Gwendo-
lines face as the hour of parting drew near,
from which Eric drew rapid conclusions in
favor of his suit when the time came for
him to urge it. His spirits rose, and helin-
gered over dinner, partaking freely of wine,
until he broke off with a start.
Bennett" he cried, as he pulled out his
watch and noted the time, "hasn't Jenkins
brought round the dog-cart yet?"
81 will inquire, sir, the butler replied,
demurely. He returned with the announce
ment that Jenkins had been waiting with
the dog-cart full quarter of an hour.
"Why didn't the fellow send in?" asked
Eric. "This is cutting it fine with ven
geance. There is barely time to catch the
train"
"You will come back if you miss it?''
Gwendoline exclaimed.
"No, think not. We must drive to the
junction in that case and catch the express, -
Eric replied, But let us hope we shall
catch the train"
Eric's farewells were hastily said, and
in moment more he was seated by Jenk-
ms side driving rapidly in the direction of
Bemerton.
But jenkins had reasons of his own for
desiring that Eric's progress to Bemerton
should be delayed. There was heavy fog
on, and though jenkins was wont to declare
that he could drive for 20 miles round Ever
sleigh blindfold, he managed to take a
wrong turn that carried them some miles out
of their track.
"Well, I'm blowed if we haven't taken
the road to Shenton," he cried.
"Hang it, madman," exclaimed Eric,
wrathfully, ''what do you mean by playing
me trick like that?"
I,gk -, = - .
I'm this ERE fog you can see nothing"
When Eric arrived at Bemerton station
he found the train had gone.
mo matter" he cried, "you must drive
me to the Junction" y
Meanwhile Doggett was engaged at the
Junction, where Eric was bound, in close
conversation with an official.
81 hope make my meaning quite clear"
he was saying. eve don't want to arrest
him here. In fact we cannot do it. because
the warrant is at the other end. All the
same, we cannot afford to lose sight of our
man until we are met at Paddineton, We
must travel with him."
"We are always glad to be able to serve
you, gentlemen" said the official smiling,
'tand if it can be done it shall be. j..
"It must be done, " said Doggett. Slipping
a sovereign into the mans hands. sit is as
much as my berth is worth to let him slip. .
''You are sure he will make for this sta
ton? asked the man.
"Quite sure" replied Doggett; "unless
he is delayed by this fog He will come
driving up in dog-cart drawn by blue
roam. Can't mistake the color. But nv
mate will point him out. All YOU have to
do is to choose your own man to meet him.
He will want carriage to himself, and his
luggage with him. Let the porter see he
has all he wants, and lock him in. Then at
the last moment you come and fetch me and
hustle, me aud my mate into the carriage
with him, and trust us to hand him over all
right at the other end.'
The plan thus sketched out was agreed
upon, and when Eric arrived at the juno
tion, the burly porter needed no hint from
Doggett's mate to tell him that this was
the man whose coming was so eagerly looked
for.
: 'Here, porter. take these two portman-
teaus for the up express" cried Eric