Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-04-04

VINO Was her, erorled the police spolzaa-
man, with grfmaces
ssDon Benito.n
A half-crazed fellow explained Ffnga1.
met him q few days since. He seems to
be harmless, usually. I suppose he mag
ined you were about to imprison him. He
seems to have dread of such fate. Think
likely he has escaped from some asylum"
Then he ought to be looked after.'.
Perhaps; although regard hum as q
harmless lunatic.n
(" don't then" asserted the officer, stil
grimacing "pn lock him up If can lay
hands on him. .5-s
Again Offering apologies the officers with
drew. 74-sf
" Now what.' queried Wentword Fingal
closed the door, turned the key once moro
and then sat down. 5fet
s' That was an unlucky interruption,
Austin.''
cit would be foolish to deny it," admit
ted the young mechanic.
I" am convinced that Don Benito is no
ordinary person. His hatred OF Captain
Starbright conv1nces me that the Captain
has injured the old man at some date in the
pastn
ut may be sou @
"Where could he have obtained that Will
I am puzzled about that-''
Do you imagine that it was genuinez"
ST am not prepared to say. But for that
interruption should have soon learned
more about it-''
Perhaps we can find the old man In the
morning." -a.fs s..F
eyes, that will be easy enough, prorid-
ing he doesn't fall into the clutches of, the
law" answered Fingal. al must see that
viii, and you must see 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 a fast hold upon her
heart.'
81 wish I had such assurance said
Wentword, modify. g 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 Fin gal, shortly.
" Faint heart never won a wife. Go in to
win and thwart this Captain Starbright. I
tell you the battle is to the vigilant and
brave. Would you see Grace fall a victim
to wicked fortune-hunterg"
"Never-"
"Then visit her at once Be man and
stumble at nothing. 1 will help you to win"
HYoua" 7'i
sCertainly.' ft y
The young hunters small, brown hand
went out, and there in the dim light the two
clasped palms in token Of mutual regard.
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
scoundrel in the end"
The speakers face was agiow 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
foiy n 10 do h
such a friend was worth the possessing. j.
81 am with you, Louis Fingal, to the Bit
ter end in this battle for the right"
Thus was the alliance sealed.
= ~
It was evening. The wind moaned through
the trees and sighed mournfully about the
walls of Lone Hollow. f.p.
Nearly 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 Stonefield. There
was a troubled look on his brow that did not
escape the notice Of Grace Penroy.
No news from Lura Joyce. -. =.
1t was this that troubled Grace more
brave cousin. .t, -
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
a few weeks before. -
A slight sound fell,on the girls ear, the
creaking of the door. Grace needed it not,
however, deeming it but the act Of gust of
air along the hall.
sGracew
The girl before the glass started at the
sound of 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.
''Will you permit me to rest here mo-
ment?" uttered the stranger.
Rest? do not understand. Who are
youa Surely your. voice sounds familiar, I"
cried Grace, in bewilderment.
A low, musical laugh followed from the
visitor, a laugh that awakened old echoes in
the heart of Grace Penroy. She stood