Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1890-04-18
A Terrible Love Story.
CHAPTER X.

cred in the rushing wind. which moan
ed like the unquiet spirit of the dead
woman reproducing her son.
judith sank upon her knees beside
the chair in violent outburst of grief,
hiding her face in the lustrous skirt
which robed her dead mistress. When
at last the bitterness of her grief had
spent itself, and she raised her head,
she found that she was alone with the
object of her sorrow. Gustavc had
gone.
The rain poured down and the wind
blew hard as he fled from the Mill
House like one pursued. He had taken
his hat, but carried it in his hand as
he rushed along the deserted country
road. In the midst of his bewilder-
ment and horror, he caught sight of
two figures taking shelter under u
tree, and instantly remembered that
he must present wild and unnatural
appearance. He therefore moderated
his pace, put on his hat, and even
drew on his gloves. When he reached
his hotel, the night-porter who add
mitted him started back in amazement.
''You do look ill, sir!" remarked
the man, unable to keep silence. "Can
l get you anythingp"
Nothing, thanks. l have been
running all the way back, for the
wind and rain are anything but agree
able tonight, and | am late. But no
matter. l wish TO be called in time to
catch the first train leaving town in
the morning. Let me have my bill
when call"
Eyes, sir. Any breakfast, sir?"
"a cup of tea-nothing more
Good night" returned Gustave, as he
slipped some money into the mans
hand.
Good night, sir, and thank you"
returned the porter.
He watched Gustave ascend the
staircase with no more than usual in
terest, for he saw too many queer
strangers to be much disturbed at the
appearance of this one. Going back
to his seat he muttered, "a free-hand-
cd gent, but rather too fond of the
wine-cup, it strikes me; he were
wonderfully strange all day yesterday.
However, he don't interfere with me,
and so it's no business of mine"
judith, finding herself alone with
her dead mistress, began to examine
the room, but without discovering
anything to reward her search; she
then passed into the dining-room,
which was in perfect order. Here,
however, she picked up the torn tele-
gram, which Madame Dumasque had
thrown aside. She smoothed il out,
read it, and preserved it carefully.
She searched the kitchen and the bed
rooms upstairs; then noticed the alb
sence of the bonnet and mantle, and
also looked in vain for the black bag
containing the money and jewels. Ju-
dith's heart burned within her to
avenge the death of her mistress,
whom in her stern way she had loved
and pitied. She hated the man who
had wrecked her late mistresss early
life; she hated the man who had so
cruelty murdered her, and, returning
to the drawing-room, she began to
lay her plans for vengeance.
"He cannot get away tonight, u
she unused, .'unless he takes car
riage; he might do that. l was a fool
TO lose sight of himl Why did | leave
her alone? He has been bad from his
birth-from his cradle. My poor mis-
tress! / will lock up the house and
give information to the police. will
make sure"
She examined the pocket of the dead
woman; her purse and pocket book
| I.
motive for the crime; for Judith knew
of the cheque lying ready in the let
| ter.
ale has murdered her and robbed
the dead" she murmured; and then,
catching hold of the lifeless hand
nearest her, she again knelt down,
and remained sobbing quietly, until
she was suddenly disturbed by rap.
ping at the front door, which she had
taken the precaution to fasten wher
she found herself alone, although she
had not closed the windows. In hei
distress and horror she had not hear6
either wind or rain, or footsteps of tho
girl and the man who had looked in al
the window.
Lena and Joe Topping waited pa
tiontly for some time in the gloom and
silence of the mill, until at last the
Girl broke the oppressive silence.
''Hark!" she cried. "Did you mo-
hear groanP"
mo, miss" answered Joe; Il heert
nothing but the wind, which makes 6
rare noise in this part % the country.
at is fearful night" said Lena
shuddering; land l know that The
wind is sometimes here. But, hush
| hear the moan again! am certain
| heard it! Who is here?" she called
out, in her clear voice, which vibrat
ed through the mill; but there was NJ
reply.
Joe looked puzzled, but not afraid
his senses were dull which might have
accounted for his wife's sharp mode o
addressing him.
There it is again!" cried Lena
"Now did you not hear it, JoeP"
"Well, did hear a something tina
time; but you wouldn't care to be lief
a minute for me to have look around
would you?"
II do not mind; l am not afraid,
she said quietly.
81 must take the lantern, and you'll
be in the dark" returned Joe Top
ping, hesitating.
Lena looked round the mill care