Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1890-03-28

''Oh, yes--l do not mind, | will
trust to you, cried the agitated girl
as she sank back in her seat.
Mrs. Topping drew down tho blind
ana went away. leaving Lena alone in
the room. where tokens OF her lovers
presence still remained She rose
and examined the tIines he had left
behind There was his pipe his UNI
brella, his slippers and smoking-c cap,
and book he had been reading. She
carried the little volume back to the
easy chair, opened it, and out fell her
photograph.
"He loves me- she murmured. ale
has gone to rescue me, weak and unfit
as he is for the dangers which may
threaten him; he trusts me still-he j.
faithful and true TO me! My love. my
brave sweetheart, you shall not seek
me in vainl'
She thought of all that Mrs. Topping
had told her of his devotion to her,
and. in the blissful remembrance of his
faithfulness, she fell asleep and dream
ed of Clifford. 1t seemed but a few
minutes before the landlady came back.
"Now, if you please, my dear Miss
Lena" she said gently, "Joe's going
with you, for you're not going back
alone If | know it; and whatever you
wish | know he'll do; he'll protect you
and help Mr.. Peregrine if he wants
help; but don't be too venturesome, my
dear, for | don't want you to be carried
off after all, and married against your
will Now the fly's ready; for l thought
1t would be best for you to ride up
quiet and out of sight, in case Mrs.
Judith should be prowling about. Ex-
cuse me, my dear, but my advice is,
when you meet Mr.. Peregrine go right
oil and get married at once, with Joe
for witness; then you'll be safe, for
your husband will take you out of the
way of Madame Dumasque. Mr.. Pere-
CRIME is right down a gentleman, every
inch of him; he wouldn't care if he
lost all of your money so long as he
got you. Come upstairs and battle
your face and hands and put on your
hat. I've packed some lunch against
you're hungry; and Joe's got plenty of
money; so don't you fret, but try and
sleep in the train
The tears came into Lena's eyes as
she poured out her grateful thanks;
and the kind little landlady felt fully
repaid when she saw her drive away
with smile of gratitude and hope
Lighting up her beautiful face. Joe sat
opposite to Lena in his Sunday
suit of broadcloth, and new pair of
boots which pinched his corns and
made the good fellow vince; but he
did not mind; he felt himself hero,
| npanapnl IN 90 oh =
Miss Lena and his Sarah trusted him.
They accomplished the journey with
out any interruption on the road, and
they were quite unaware that Judith
had travelled with them all the way.
That clever spy had seen Lena enter
1.-The Blackthorn," and from that mo-
ment had never lost sight of the house
until she saw, from her place of con-
cealment in the garden of an empty
house near by, Joe Topping dressed in
his Sunday clothes. Then she made
her way at once to the station, and
waited out of sight for what should
happen. She saw Lena and her pro-
tector arrive; she watched them take
a ticket for London, took one herself,
and followed them until they eluded
her on the way to Mill House, although
she managed to get there before them.
Lena and Joe sat out on their lonely
walk from Fladgate station in the
midst of heavy rain, and in the lonli-
est part of the road were compelled to
pause for shelter under tree. While
thus waiting they suddenly heard foot
steps approaching their place of shell
| ter; and the next moment man pass
ed swiftly on towards the town, and
Lena grasped Joe's arm convulsively.
''Who were it, misspn he asked soft
ly.
''Mr. Dumasque," she whispered.
''Oh, wonder if he and Mr.. Peregrine
have met! We will go on, Topping"
'lt pours wi rain; you'll get wet
through" returned Joe, rubbing his
chin ruefully.
''Never mind" she persisted
can run. Come along-I must go on
to the house. Mr.. Dumasque was
his hat in his hand-didn't YOU seeP"
in great excitement.
Running from the rain mayhap,n
was Joe's reply.
more than that, returned Lena; II
could hear him painting for breath as
he rushed along. Something dread
full has happened am sure. / cannot
wait here any longer" and she almost
wept in her anguish.
..How far is it now, missp" ques-
toned her companion.
.Rather more than half a mile, and
up hill all the way, which makes it
| seem farther. Come along"
They hurried on towards the Mill
House, the rain pouring down and the
wind blowing in violent gusts. At
last they reached the path which led
through the garden, lying open to the
| fields; and then Lena held up her
finger to enioin caution, and stealthily
they drew near the house. The draw
ing room window was open halfway,
the candles on the mantle-shelf flicker
ed in the wind.
As Lena ventured nearer she could
see her aunt in her place before the
davenport, apparently writing, and
she fancied she could hear sounds of
suppressed weeping. What could be
the meaning of the sobbing-the open
window-the meeting with Gustavep
Il dare not venture nearer" she at