The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-05-24

ure the young editor, was growing des-
perate, frequently driving her victim to the
solitude of the forests where, free from her
sickening nonsense, he could commune with
nature at his own sweet will.
In no place was he more secure from in
trusion than on the quiet hilltop where the
old mansion, like some vast castle, was set
up as a guard for the village. Allen went
straight up the hill to the front gate, in
tending to sit down on the stone steps and
enjoy few moments reflection free from
the cares and annOyances Of the world.
But when he reached the gate and
glanced through the iron bars, he was
astonished at the transformation. The
moon was bathing the scene in flood of
mellow light. All signs of neglect were re-
moved, and flowers were blooming and
fountains so long dry and silent had found
their voices again and were laughingly gush-
ing out the brightest sparkling water. The
eir seemed full of life and gladness.
From an open window came the strains of
piano. Allen was entranced at the French
air that foated on the evening breeze from
the window of the house. Even as he list
ened enraptured the music ceased, tho
door opened, and slight form, with a light
shawl thrown over her shoulders, came
down the white-pebbled walk to the gate.
Allen instinctively shrunk back so as not to
be seen.
CrOuched in the shadow of the wall he
WIS again thrilled at sight Of that angelic
being who had seemed to become part of
himself. Bertha opened the gate, and,
drawing the silk shawl about her shoulders,
passed down the old turnpike humming a
plaintive air. Her head was uncovered, and,
her wealth of golden hair hung loosely about
her shoulders, was made the sport of the
breeze.
"Where is she goings" he asked himself.
Slowly he rose. following her. He could not
give any reason for his course, save that he
was impelled by some inward impulse.
Had he conquered his hearts Certainly
not, for now that he was near her again
those same strange wild emotions which
had so completely taken possession of him
before were all revived with ten-fold power.
Still humming the plaintive French air,
she wandered down the old long-deserted
road, until she came to the path which led
to the spring. Following, Allen soon saw
her seated upon the old rustic seat Behind
large square stone, which ages ago had
tumbled down from the bluff above, he
stood and gazed at the lovely creature who
seemed to be a domesticated dryad, that
had stolen away for few moments to her
native haunts.
This was an opportunity not to be neglect
ed something seemed to whisper in his
ear, and he felt at the same time a wild,
almost irresistible, desire to rush from his
concealment, cast himself at her feet, and
row that he would never rise until his love
was returned. He waited long enough to
get full control over his feelings. when bs
went boldly forward to her side.
She rose with little exclamation of SIR.
prise, and said:
Mr.. Gray, are you here? I had almost
lost hope Of ever seeing you again."
ibid you wish to see me?" he asked.
II did. I wish to thank YOU for your
noble actor so kindly obeying my re-
quest"
Say nothing about it. It was a simple
service I rendered you, and one which
should be forgotten
:" Yet one will never forget, Mr.. GRAY.
would be ungrateful indeed were to for
get that, at my request and for me, YOU
risked your lifen
lave you any objections to me sitting
here at your sidean said Allen.
None whatever. There is no other seat.
and you must have become weary climbing
the hill"
How is the little boya" he asked, sitting
himself at her side.
He is well''
"Does he like to stay there?n
HE can be happy nowhere else"
For several moments Allen sat thinking
that he was fully repaid for all he had en-
dured on that journey.
"Was pursued!' he at last asked.
mo, sir, you were not'
~ thought was, and yet there was no
direct proof of it."
Every precaution was taken to prevent
pursuit, and every precaution taken in case
you were pursued: but, thanks to Providence,
our precautions in that direction were un-
necessary
How did he learn of my returns'
do not know, Mr.. Allen-but let us not
talk any more of that Grateful hearts
VIII ever hold you in sacred remembrance
1cr your noble self-sacrifcing actions. I
can not thank you enough. l wish / could
repay the debt Of gratitude owe to you.,,
would rather you would not mention
it.n
L will not, then. You want to 90 AWAY
from Turkeys Points''
How did you learn that2',
II Judge SO from your editorials, and I
nave seen your press and material adver-
used for sale in other papers,"
KY>~~