Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1890-07-19
CHAPTER V.
rHE Prnr rHIcKENs.

CHAPTER Y.
THE PLOT THICKENs.
| When Harold Darlington went to his
room the night following the excursion
10 Trevarrock bay he suddenly remem-
bered that Judith Female had given him
two letters, which he had thrust into his
pocket in his haste to follow the pony
cart, and which were still lying there
unread.
He had not fastened to open them, for
he had recognized the handwriting on
one envelope only too well, and the
other in its fiinsy blue envelope ap-
peared only a bill or circular, the post
mark being Penzance, from whence he
sometimes had things sent out to Ire
varrock.
With slightsFr5ssn of WEAKNESS he
tore open the t'ek cream colored en-
velope of the first ! ST, regardless of the
dainty lilac and SILVER monogram adorn-
ing the flap.
The contents of this note were brief,
and were written in thick and dashing
hand, obviously a woman's, in spite OF
its affected masculineness They ran
thus
lam getting really angry with you, and shall
be glad to know when this is to end. Surely you
must have received my two last letters, telling
you all had blown over, and that you need not
fear to return? 1t is not fair to leave me alone to
bear the hrunt of everything, and feel cannot
parry inquiries much longer. What can you, OF
all men in the world, find In such an out-of-the
| way corner of the earth to keep you away from,
London now, Of all times in the Year, Anyway,
/ ask you to come back. The part am playing
now is, as you know, foreign to my whole nature
but with YOU to support me, things were bearable
ct least. Again say. Harold return, or will not
answer for the consequences. BEATRICE
He read the letter twice through, with
an expression of irritation on his face.
Then his stern mouth relaxed again and
softened into a kind smile.
"Poor Beatricel A good creature, but
l wish she would not be so tragic; it is
hardly necessary In private life. Still,
she is right; ought to be getting back,
and it is-as she says-hard on her.
Next week, them must pack up my
traps"
He sighed as the vision of Madge's
gentle, childlike face rose before him
and he thought how the bright tears
would gem her lashes at the news
He still held the letter he had just
read between his fingers. Then starting
from his reverie he tore it across, and
crumpling 1t into ball threw it into the
empty CRATE.
He had almost forgotten the blue mis-
sive, which lay on the table at his elbow,
but as he rose his eyes fell on it. He
opened 1t carelessly and without interest.
the only contents Of the envelope were
a half sheet of soiled paper, with few
words penciled on 1t, and a newspaper
cutting.
But as Harold Darlington read them,
his face became blanched to ashen white
ness and cold drops of dew started to his
brow
eat last--at last! 1t has come to this
| always feared, always thought that
one day 1t would be SO. If he had only
trusted me; he knew could not be hard
ON him-and yet, even while l am talk
ing, am losing time. Something must
bedone, but what? All! merciful Heaven,
/ whatP'
Utterly stunned and crushed, he stood
looking in dazed way at the piece OF
paper in his hand. He had been in daily
dread of receiving the tidings 1t con-
veyed, had known that at any hour they
might come upon him thus. The thought
had been the hunting nightmare of his
life, and in his proudest, happiest mo-
nents had often come to torment him.
Yet the blow was none the less hard to
bear
Taking out his watch he saw that it
was about quarter to II. The inhab-
itants of the cottage oreakfasted at s; he
had, then, nine good hours before him in
which to think and act
Fortunately for him his bedroom was
on the first floor. To open the front
door would be too great risk; the lock
was old and clumsy and creaked with a
Earring sound when the key turned. But
his window was within easy reach of the
ground, and could be opened and closed
without any noise.
He began to take off his white linen
suit, then paused irresolutely, ending by
drawing on his coat again. He took
from a hanging press long, dark ulster
and wrapped himself within it's heavy
folds. 1t covered him almost completely.
Eyes, that will serve my purpose best,
he muttered. Then, his eye falling on q
small box at the top of the press, he ex-
claimed under his breath, 1.-THE very
thing! What fool was not to think of
that beforel 1t seems almost providen-
tial, and yet how enraged l was when l
found that ass, Jean, had sent them by
mistake! little dreamed for what pur-
pose should one day use them"
He stood motionless an instant, q look
of excessive pain on his face, and then,
rousing himself, unlocked the box and
took from it wig and beard, most ex
quisitely made of the finest soft white
hair; also some small pots of pigments
rouge and grease paints.
| With unusual skill and dexterity he
altered his face, and put on the false hair
and beard, which fitted him admirably.
No one would have recognized him, so
extraordinary was the change in his ap-
pearanee.
He murmured few words, initiating
the toothless mumbling of very old
man, and stopping slightly, looked at
himself in the glass. The whole thing
was perfect, and shabby felt hat, hav-
ing the brim we'll bent down. completed
the disguise.
Harold took up the letter and put it in
his breast pocket, then, opening the win
dow, he swung himself lightly out, clos
ing it softly behind him.
The little garden was flooded with