Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-05-09

man, with grimace.
''Don Benitc."
+" A half-crazed fellow" explained Fingal.
I met him a few days since. He seems to
be harmless, usually. I suppose he mag
med you were about to imprison him. he
seems to have a dread of such a fate. Think
likely he has escaped from some asylum"
Then he ought to be looked after"
perhaps; although I regard hum as q
harmless lunatic."
81 don't them" asserted the officer, still
grimacing. "I'n lock him up if can lay
hands on him."
Again Offering apologies the officers with
drew.
!" Now whatr queried Wentword. Flngal
closed the door, turned the key once more
and then sat down.
That was an unlucky interruption,
Austin.''
sit would be foolish to deny it," admit
ted the young mechanic.
81 am convinced that Don Benito is no
ordinary person. His hatred of Captain
Starbright convlnccs me that the Captain
has injured the old man at some date in the
past"
cit may be So"
"Where could he have obtained that villa
I am puzzled about that"
sDo you imagine that it was genuine?"
eI am not prepared to say. But for that
interruption I should have soon learned
more about it."
"Perhaps we can find the old man in the
morning."
eyes, that will be easy enough, provid-
ing he doesn't fall into the clutches of the
law" answered Fingal. 81 must sec that
will, and you must sec Grace. It will never
do for you to permit the willy Captain to
poison her mind against you. happen to
know that you still have fast hold upon her
heart"
81 wish I had such assurance" said
Wentword, modify. "Money is bar to
my success. She is an heiress, while am
but poor mechanic"
Nonsense. I've no patience with you,
Austin Wentword," uttered Fingal, shortly.
" Faint heart never won wife. Go in to
win and thwart this Captain Starbright.
tell you the battle is to the vigilant and
brave. Would you see Grace fall victim
to a wicked fortune-hunters"
"Never-"
"Then visit her at once Be man and
stumble at nothing will help you to win"
"You!'
"Certainly."
The young hunters small, brown hand
went out, and there in the dim light the two
clasped palms in token Of mutual regard
captain Clinton Starbrlght has planned
to win the Vandible millions, and he has
planned well, stopping at nothing, not even
human life, to gain point He has made
one mismove, however, and if you will
work with me believe we shall thwart the
sconndrel in the end"
The speakers face was aglow with feel
ing, and Austin Wentword was glad indeed
to have such brave youth for his friend.
On their first meeting he had saved him
from staining his hands with blood; surely,
such friend was worth the possessing.
81 am with you, Louis Fingal, to the BIT
ter end in this battle for the right"
Thus was the alliance sealed.
y y y
1t was evening The wind moaned through
the trees and sighed mournfuuy about the
walls of Lone Hollow.
Nearly q month had passed since the
death of Morgan Vandible, and the poign-
ancy of Grace Penroy's grief was dulled,
yet she had not regained her old, sweet
smile, nor the healthy, happy glow of cheek
and eye.
The Captain was permanently located at
LoneHollow now, and vibrated constantly be-
tween the old mansion and Stonefeld. There
was troubled look ON his brow that did not
escape the notice of Grace Penroy.
No news from Lura Joyce.
It was this that troubled Grace more
than aught else-the uncertain fate of her
brave cousin.
The heiress stood before the long glass
combing out her long yellow locks, as she
had done on former occasion, when pair
of mischievous, loving eyes were near,
watching and admiring. Grace was think
ing of Lura just now, and wondering if the
mystery of her disappearance would never
be solved.
The face reflected in the glass was pale
and thin, not the one that looked out at her
Il few weeks before.
A slight sound fell on the girls ear, the
creaking of the door. Grace needed it not,
however, deemin3 it but the act of a gust Of
air along the hall.
'sGracel'
The girl before the glass started at the
sound Of a voice pronouncing her name.
There was familiar ring in the voice that
carried her back to other days
Turning quickly she saw vailed female
standing before her.
Twill you permit me to rest here q mo-
mentr" uttered the stranger.
Rest? / do not understand. Who are
yous Surely your voice sounds familiar
cried Grace in bewiIderment.
A low, musical laugh followed from the
visitor, laugh that awakened old echoes in
the heart of Grace Penroy She stood
thrilled, expectant, wildly excited, as a
hand lifted the vail. Grace started for.
ward with a great cry. Before her stood
LURA JOYCE!