The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1889-01-23


g How am to go, by the rivera"
"No, on horseback
81 do L It know that can get a horse"
zone will be furnished your
Then another short silence ensued. She
seemed waiting to gather up her thoughts.
From her breathless exhaustion it was evil
dent that she had come very rapidly from
the great house to the village.
Her agitation became less as she recoV-
cred from her exertion and now she was
almost rs much composed as she had ever
been. Gazing at HIM with intense eager
ness, she began giving her Instructions.
+" AS soon as am gone," she said, in
clear, steady voice, go to tho spring where
you found the locket. There you will find a
horse saddled and equipped, tied to tree
just back of the old rustic scat. He is the
best roadster in the whole country, and will
carry you safely to the end of your journey
without stopping. The poor child is deaf
and dumb, but he is very patient and will
give you little or no trouble Allen was dis
appointed to learn of the child's affliction,
for some how he thought the little prattler
would, on this long, lonely ride, unravel to
him some of the mystery of the stone house
on the hill
"Where will find the child?n heasked.
ssUntie the horse and bring him back to
the road which leads up to the stone house
on the hill, and there will be an old negro
woman waiting for you with the child.
When she gives it to you, lose no time in
your fight. Do not think this an easy task
you are undertaking. Mr. Gray, or that it
is unattended with danger There is danger
of which you can have no knowledge. The
journey is hazardous, and may cost you your
life"
Danger shall not deter me for single
moment" said Allen, his bosom heaving
with uncomfortable emotions. 81 am act
ing in a just cause in serving you; know
it is right or you would not have imposed
the task on me.''
The girl had risen to her feet, and when
she heard his noble voice, so full of faith
and trust, she extended her hands toward
him, while her beautiful face gloWed with
gratitude.
Thank you! Oh, may Heaven reward
you for saying that. | had almost come to
the conclusion that 1 would meyer sec an
other man whom could trust. l am thank
full that was in error, and it is with the
greatest joy that have put that feeling for
ever out of the way.''
She unconsciously seized his hand, send
ing such thrill through Aliens frame at
g Bcrtha-Berthap he involuntar1ly and
almost unconsciously cried. "What is it
all What is all this mystery surrounding
you! Forgive my inquisitiveness. l feel
as if our de ,tnles are one"
g Hush, hush!" she cried, starting back
and gazing in terror at the door. "YOu
know not what you say-you can notw
i" You misunderstood me, Bertha" he
hoarscly whispered, while a cold fear seemed
creeping over his heart almost choking his
:" You know not the motive that
prompts the question. 1t is personal in
tercst in yourself and not idle curiosity.
This mystery is doubtless a family affair
which you would very properly keep from
the eyes of the world Again l assure you
tits not idle curiosity that prompts me to lift
your distress, for-oh Bertha, I-l-love
goui''
What Shrek of horror she uttered and
how she shrank trembling from head to
foot from him! Then, wringing her hands
in silent agony, she gazed SO wildly at him
that he began to fear she had suddenly
been seized by fit Of madness Spell
bound and spccchless for several minutes
both stood glaring at each other
Bertha Miss Collins ~ he at last said, in
a very penitent voice, ''forglve me! For
get all that | have said. L will serve you
without making any further inquiries, and,
be the GRAND to the grave, am ready to
gor
Slowly she opened the door, and turning
her white sad face toward him, family said:
"Adicu!" s" @s