The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-01-17
LONE H0 Ii ";
Or, the Peril of the Penroys.
CHAPTER XIII.
THR WIDOWS DEFIANCE.


All the evil passions of Captain Star
bright's nature mastered him at that mo-
ment. Both men had made mistake. Fin
gal in accusing the Captain Of murder, and
the latter in resenting the accusation as he
did. Conscious guilt, however, made the
Captain coward.
In vain Fingal struggled under the ter
ribie grip of Starbright. He was as babe
in the hands of giant. He could not even
cry out for help, and had not third person
appeared on the scene at that moment the
angry Captain might have perpetrated MUIR
der then and there.
AS Fingal was sinking down helplessly
a door opened and some one appeared on
the veranda, a man who, taking in the sit
uation at glance, sprang at once to the
rescue and tore the enraged Captain from
his victim. When Starbright faced about
he found himself confronted by Austin
Wentword, the Stonefield mechanic
The two had not come in contact in many
weeks, not since the scene in the grove
where they collided with what would have
been fatal results but for the interference
of Louis Flngal, who, as it will be remem-
bered, saved the Captains life at that time.
To-day the mechanic had met Grace Pen
roy and reconciliation had taken place, all
of which had been brought about through
the good offices of the young hunter and
Lura Joyce. The latter, however, had alb
sented herself from Lone Hollow since her
narrow escape from death at the hands of
Captain Starbright.
- Did you mean to murder the bOy?" de-
manded WentwOrd, sternly, as he faced
the Captain.
He insulted me. Imeant to punish him
for inSolence."
Fingal, looking pale and weak, leaned
against post and regarded the two men
without speaking.
you are miserable coward" declared
the indignant Wentword. 81 have notion
to thrash you blind.'
6 think you had better let the job out"
sneered Starbright, as he laid his hand on
the butt of revolver that protruded from
his hip pocket
This movement was observed by Fingal,
who cried:
"Draw a weapon, Captain, and it will be
worse for YOU"
Then the rattle or wheels Tell on the ears
of all. A carriage halted in front of the
great mansion. and little, thin old man
alighted.
Captain Starbright at once recognized
his lawyer from Stonefeld. Something of
Importance must have sent him here so
soon after his interview with his client
The Captain was at once anxious to be rid
of the two men, and so, forcing a laugh, he
said:
- was angry, gentlemen. l beg your
pardon for what has occurred. l hope we
may be friends hereafter"
Then he actually held out hand toward
Fingal. The young hunter disdainfully re-
fused the proffer of friendship. Plucking
the sleeve of the mechanic he led him down
the steps, and the twain hurried away with
out attempting to continue the CONVERSE
ton.
Il should like to know what brings that
sneaking lawyer here just now," said
Fingal, after they had passed into the road
"Ihe Captain employs him, evidently"
''Evidently, and - but the schemes of
that man must be thwarted. have learned
something of the utmost Importance during
the last few days. I think that scoundrel
will hear something drop before he is many
days older"
what have you planned?"
''This, to place detective in the house in
the person of Lura Joyce"
''Then you have seen her, and know that
she still hves?"
81 have. She will help rs to thwart the
evil Captain and save the Penroys. Of
course, Grace can not be deceived by him
further"
mo. have found her true as steel, and
determined to assert her rights"
In the meantime Captain Starbright and
Seekmore Gripes met on the veranda. The
Captain saw that in the face of his lawyer
that told him to expect good news.
CHAPTER XIV.
SHOT FROM AMBUSH.
Several days later.
Two forms stood in the shadow of some
trees not many rods from the great house
at Lone Hollow
SIT seems so strange that cloud should
have come between US, AUSTIN" SAID
Grace, as she leaned confdingly against his
shoulder and glanced up into his brave,
dark eyes.
'There is perfect trust now, darling"
returned the young mechanic. 81 was to
blame entirely"
She stopped his lips with a soft hand.
''Not word like that, Austin I know
that was hasty as well. Let it pass.
have other troubles now.'
"Other troubles, dear?"
"About poor grandpa's will"
but why should that trouble YOU,
Graces He left every thing to you, 1 under
stand"
''True, but"
"Well!" as she hesitated and dropped
her honest gaze from his face, 81 am afraid
the will is not genuine"
mot genuine? What do you mean Pm
sure I've heard your grandfather say a
score OF times, if l have once, that YOU
would have all his property when he was
gone"
Il know, and believe that such was his
Intention" said Grace, in an unsteady
voice, ''but-but he did not live to sign the
will''
"Who tells you thisa" demanded the
young mechanic, holly. TT is scheme to
deprive you of your rights, Grace, and you
must not submit to it."
Why was he so earnesta Was it possible
that a sordid motive influenced him after
all? Grace permitted this thought to mar
her happiness for a moment only, then she
cast it from her as an unworthy reflection
on the character of her noble lover.
II have seen my grand fathers will,
Austin, and do not doubt but what it con-
tains his true intentions" returned the
girl, after moments reflection ''yet even
it all is right, could not live up to the con-
ditions, should prefer death sooner
''What are the conditioner
"That become the wife of Clinton Star
bright"
'Impossibler'
ut is true"
'Who showed this to YOUR
Lawyer Gripes read it, and I have no
reason to dispute the contents of the docu-
ment."
''Then the will is false, would be willing
to swear to that" declared the young
man, Indignantly. "This Starbright is at
the bottom of tremendous scheme. lean
not believe that old Mr.. Vandible could
iend himself to such wickedness If in his
right mind"
..Sfreal lnnuenca rnner n a.ro noox h-a,.-a A