The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1889-01-16

CHARGED WITH TREAcnERY.

CHAWGED WITH TREACHERf.
Despite all his courage and all his slrep-
ticism in ghosts, Allen Gray was so overcome
with terror that he shrank from the win
dow. That horrible creature that glared at
him through the iron bars could not be hui
man.
He had run across the lawn in the garden
before he could collect his wits sufficient TO
remember where he was. He was hasten
ing through the garden when he discovered
a figure in white entering summer house.
Allen came TO an abrupt halt. On that
figure glided until it had disappeared inside
thesummer house. Then issued therefrom
Q low, musical voice, sweeter by far than
the fairy's shell-in plaintive song. Like
the enchanted boatman, he drew nearer to
listen. The air was new TO him, and, the
words being in French, he could not under
stand them.
The singer scarce spoke above whisper,
yet each note was distinct and clear. His fear
was gone in moment, and he stood thrilled
with pleasure at sound Of that familiar
voice. The fair singer he had recognized as
Bertha, and he determined not 10 go away
without another attempt, at least, 10 have an
interview with her.
"Oh, Bertha, Bertha IL Icould only take
you from this prison and make you happy, l
should feel that my work in life was ac-
complishedw
He reached the summer house, and fear
ing that an abrupt entrance might frighten
her, he went TO the rear and halted within a
few feet Of where the beautiful singer sat
She ceased singin :, and sigh escaping her
lips told the intruder that she was sad.
How was he 10 make himself lnownl
Even while he was pondering on that mat
ter she rose from her seat and came out ut
the rear door. The clouds which had OBJ
scured the faint starlight at this moment
rolled away, and the features OF both the
intruder and astonished girl became quite
distinct
Sse stopped and gazed at him for a mo.
ment In silent amazement. ANY other girl
would have shrieked, swooncd or fed at the
sudden appartion, but Bertha was no ordi-
nary parsonage.
"Why did you como herei" she asked, In
sad, reproachful manner. 81 warned
you never under any circumstances 10 en-
ter these grounds, under penalty OF death;
why do you insist in disobeying met"
Allen was for several moments unable 10
answer, because he had no reasonable ex-
cuse to make. AT last he said:
''Do not reprove me, Mss Collins, TOR as.
sure you that II was no morbid curiosity
that brought me-"
Gould you understand the danger In
which you place yourself by coming here"
said the pretty girl, taking a few steps
nearer TO him, "you would not do 80. 1t Is
dangerous TO you and 10 me. II would be
death TO us both TO be discovered here"
Allen Gray was only deeper plunged into
this dark mystery. He was speechless, his
brain seemed stupehed, and he was incapa-
bic Of thinking. He stood dumb, amazed
and almost as pallid as the girl before him.
She came quite close TO Allen, and speak
ing In cautious undertono that could not
be heard dozen PAGES away, said:
$50 away Mr.. Gray; go at once, aud
never come near me again II you value your
"win YOU go with Inc to the gater' he
asked.
"Win you leave thenp
81 give you my sacred promise that /
will, said Allen, earnestly.
He took the arm OF the trembling girl
within his own and in silence they walked
TO the gate. Here they halted, both casting
anxious glances at the great old house
which rose up so gloomily before them. To
the relief OF both all was quiet, and there
was no one In the yard
go, CO." said Bertha, eagerly. Though
speaking in whisper, her voice trembled
with passion and fear 1T would bp fatal
for you TO be discovered here II would be
your ruin death" She became choked
with sobs, aud for moment was silent.
"Bertha," said Allen, his voice strangely
calm, 'you are in great dlstrcss-what is
itln
"Oh, do not ask" she answered. continu-
ing 70 sob. "Leave me 10 my misery and
otornal doom. am the most wretched OF
humans, my fate Is sealed, and II Is useless
for others 10 attempt 10 aid me. Go away
go away
"But will not leave you alone in this
distress What is III Tell me that may
help you"
~ can not, dare not tell"
"Bortha, you are miserable heror'
A sob was the only answer.
"Let mo take you away from this terrible
place"
mo, no, noj not Tor tho world. DO not
think OF that ! can not leave-I am held
here by bands stronger than iron.n
SLOW long have you lived hereir Jf
"Not more than eight months-t though II
seams so many ages.
Another momenvsawful silence followed,
and then Allen, becoming desperate, said
Bertha, ! would aid you II l could-I-I
would give my life II necessary--n
Hush hush ~ she QUICKLY interrupted,
seizing his arm, (" You know not what you
cay. On, why don't you g6i Go, IN Heav.
ems name, and let us forget that we over
met. I--I-Iam doomed, ; and why should
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