Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-04-25
CHAPTER Xxx.
Under A SPELL

In the meantime Captain Starbfght made
his way to the stables. led out his grays
and with his own hands attached them 70
light vehicle
II have been duped IN tue worst kind of
way he muttered through close-shut
teeth Mother CABRERA lied TO me when she
pointed out that grave in the cellar and as
sured me that there lay the mortal remains
Of my enemy, Lura Joyce. That girl, sharper
than a detective, is determined TO be my
ruin, How did she escape death can only
answer that the ugly twins have entered the
league against me. II was all plot to bring
destruction upon me, but it will not work
Worst Of all, Karl Vandible lives. can not
understand that. Wonders will never cease
in this world, and all of the fates seem just
now TO combine against me, but will defy
the fates and win this game, else go down
with colors at the mast"
Mounting the seat the Captain drove
swiftly away.
1t was late. at night when he reached
Stonefeld-too late TO consult with his law.
yer-so he put up at little public house, re
solved to rest until the dawn of another day.
He was early astir Almost the first per-
son he encountered in the hotel office after
breakfast was Louis Fingai the handsome
young hunter The Captain was not exactly
certain as to the status OF Fingal--on the
whole he set the youth down as not his
friend al least, although he might not be in
active league with his enemies.
Il am glad to see you, Captain
FiIgal held out his hand
Indeed We seem TO meet at unexpected
times and places, returned Starbright
accepting the friendly proffer.
Yes. You came from Lone Hollow late
last night:'
The hour was not early, that's fact"
did YOU meet Miss Joycet"
"Slr?'
Captain Starbright glanced keenly into
the face OF the youth before him.
Il asked il you met Miss Joyce. She IS
friend of mine, and as she set out 10 visit
her cousin Grace thought YOU might have
met her The roads seem dangerous TO
travel these days, and ] tried 10 dissuade
the girl from going, but she insisted on i.
"Indeed You astound me. sir.
How is thar
~ supposed you We're aware Of the fact
that Miss Joyce disappeared mysteriously
some weeks since, and ii was supposed that
she met with an accident,
II heard about II, answered Fingal,
coolly, Offering his cigar case to the Captain,
who selected fragrant roll and proceeded
TO light IT,
Then you viii understand how absurd it
seems 10 me when you speak Of seeing said
young lady," said the Captain, as he sat
down next the window and proceeded 10
pun great clouds Of perfumed smoke up.
ward
Fingal cast a keen glance about the room,
returned his clgar-case TO his pocket with.
taIy al laau ha
Captains shoulder, peered down into his
dark face, and with half smile stirring his
lips, said
II suppose you DO think 1t absurd, my
dear Captain, yet it is, nevertheless, true
that did see Lura joyce, and that She did
20 to Lone Hollow last night. 1t seems that
an attempt was made upon her life by a
couple OF low rufians and that il failed,
thanks TO the interference of an unexpected
friend I haven learned the full particu-
lars yet, but expect 10 when ! see the
yoapg lady again
You surprise me" uttered Starbright.
"I an glad, however, 70 know tbat tue gTi
escaped Why did she remain away 80
long Z.
.Of course you are glad. You aud Mss
Jeyce were such good friends,
Was there sarcastic ring ia the voice
Of the young hunter Csptaln Starbright
imagined so, and the small dark face seemed
to take on mocking smile. The Captain
fdgeted in his seat vet, somehow, seemed
pveted TO the chair
He attempted 10 rise, bat Fingal's hand
pressed gently yet firmly against his shous-
der, and in a low voice he said
mo, no, my dear Captain, keep your seat.
am becoming interested as well as your
SELF
And the Captain remained.
He seemed subject 10 u strong spell, and
faces and objects began 10 float aud be-
/ come indisunci Even the voice Of Fiugal
was but an indistlact murmur.
| And still the Captain pulled ~ his cigar,
! and permitted d gentle laaguor to steal over
/ his senses
rTo BE CONTINUED.