The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-01-31
LONE HOLLO ";
Or, the Peril Of the Penroys.

promptly, anxious to avoid suspicion, anC
feeling justified in making false state
ment under the circumstances.
ais that truel'
"Question her if you doubt. supposed
the powder was proper enough"
Certainly" he uttered, quickly. " 1t is
all right"
He then lifted the tumbler containing the
liquid medicine, and going to the window,
raised it and flung the contents to the
winds.
To Lura Joyce this was suspicious action,
and she was thankful that she had made
sure of one of the powders in season. The
rack should not make her give it up low.
'Why do you throw that outT questioned
Miss Joyce, innOcently enough.
1T needs replenishing," he answered.
81 hope you are to remain with US now;
Grace missed you 80 much"
81 shall remain, and will relieve you OF
all the care of my COUSIN" answered Lura.
He went out soon after, leaving the young
girl in a flutter of intense excitement. She
narbored a terrible suspicion tnat sne dare
not whisper to the suffering, uDsuspecting
Grace. She was terribly anxious to consult
with grave DR.. Cotton, but for the time was
incapable of formulating a plan of action.
since she dared not leave Grace alone for
an hour. She believed that the poor girl
had been Systematically poisoned, and that
now the villainous Captain would not hest
tate to finish his work should she give him
the opportunity.
No OF 3,cl, fho,, sS11co
he would not have flung away that meGi-
che. He hopes to cover his tracks, but he
shall not. have one of the powders and
some one who understands chemistry shall
examine it'
OF course that some one could be none
other than DR.. Cotton. a'oSS
pra did not leave the room fora for a moment
Fing the re malndaae IF 1T the AFTERNOON, and
: MeQeT at night, after the lamps were Lit and
Al4ck Lucy came in, she drew the colored
girl outside and questioned her with regard
to Captain StarbrIght.
"He's done gone to Stouefeld, MISS"
1t is well. Now, Lucy, know you love
your young mistress, and that you will do
any thing to serve her"
"'Deed does, nissus."
Il am aware of that, and want you to
make me solemn promise not to leave this
room, not to permit any one else to enter,
until l return. l. am going away and may
be gone half the night. If CAPTAIN Star
bright is away you're not likely to be dis
turbed, but even if he should come, do rot
permit him to enter. Will you do as wishs"
Good land, missus, how's goin' to help
it eff de Cap'n comes an wants to git in?"
uttered the black maid in q tone evincing
her utter helplessness
But you must not let him in. Lock the
door. l have it, I will lock you in this
room and take the key with me. You will
agree to that, Lucys"
Yes, missus."
"Very good"
Then Miss Joyce went over to the side of
Grace and told her that she was going away
for short time, but that she would soon
return.
lis this necessary?" sighed the sick girl
"Highly necessary" assured Lura. 81
will be gone but a few hours. 1t is for your
sake that am going mean to bring you
out of this in short order"
~ fear 1t is too late.''
Remember Austin Wentword and be
brave" said Lura, in low ton e, and then
she kissed the pale cheek of her cousin and
fastened from the room, locking the door
behind her.
She was soon in the open air fastening
to the stables.
She found Romeo, who whinnied at the
approach of his mistress, and hastily fixing
the saddle led him forth into the starlit
night
just then she was startled at feeling q
hand touch her shoulder.
"Whither now, Miss Joyce?"
1t was the voice of Captain Starbright
Lura faced him boldly, though not wi tn
out misgivings. She had hoped that he was
far away from Lone Hollow at this hour. It
was not pleasant to know that her eve ry
movement was so closely watched.
81 mean to absent myself for little
Lime," answered the girl.
Are you going to Stonefelds'
Perhaps"
son what errands'
"That wholly concerns me-" retorted the
daring girl, turning to reach the saddle.
He clutched her arm tightly and held her
to the ground.
"Not yet, Lura Joyce" he grated, hastily.
81 know you hope to ruin me, but I shall
not permit you to do it. You can not go to
Stonefeld tonight
"Can not!"
81 have said it,
ILVCn do UllC uGuLut WOTuS l0I 1fOm Ills
lips he staggered backward, with cry of
establishment and pain. The clinched hand
of Lura dealt him sharp blow in the face
that caused him to loosen his grip on the
girls arm
Like flash of electricity Lura bounded
to the saddle and uttered sharp word to
Romeo, who shot down into the gloomy hol-
low like an arrow. muttered imprecation
fell from the lips of the baff1ed Captain.
CHAPTER xxx.
EOILEO!
It was late in the evening when DR.. Col
ton prepared to close up his Office and return
to his boarding-p several blocks distant.
The din and roar of the busy city had ceased,
and solemn stiffness reigned save for the
roar of the river as it fell IN a white sheet