Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-02-20
HOLLOW;
Or, The Peril Of the PsnrOyS.
A Thrilling and Romantic stc--

wheels announced the coming of the ply
stefan fro,a Stonefield.
Mrs. Penroy and young Wentword were
at the bedside of Grace when the doctor en-
tered. Both fell back to permit the man of
medicine an opportunity for examination.
The widow, after recovering from the
first shock, was extremely nervous, yet she
seemed to realize her duty and at once
assumed a place near the wounded girl.
Grace was still unconscious, but breathed,
and when the doctor rose from brief ex-
animation and turned to the widow, there
was look on his face that brought throt
of hope to the hearts of all-no, not all, for
there was one present who was not pleased
at the good doctors announcement.
"a bad wound, but if the Inflammation can
be kept down, the girl will recover. A few
days will decide. The skull has been slight
ly fractured, 1 think"
For the first time since the crack of the
pistol had rung in his ear Austin Vent
word breathed easy. HIS pallid counte
nance lit up with a glad light, while from
his heart fell u silent benediction.
DIR. FaXon left medicine, washes for the
wound and brief yet comprehensive in
structions, and then took his departure.
He had scarcely gone when another
vehicle drew up at Lone Hollow.
Austin Wentword stood over the wounded
girl in solemn, thoughtful attitude. He
heard no sound of steps, although two men
had crossed the threshold and stood at his
elbow.
A hand touched his arm.
He turned then to confront bluff-look
ing man, who, with wonderful dexterity,
snapped n pair Of handouts over the wrists
of the astounded Austin Wentword.
"What does this meant" demanded the
mechanic, reeling backward.
at means that you are my prisoner, Aus
a.. i a. -,
stern voice. ~ have warrant for your ar
rest"
At the same time the officer, whom Went
word recognized as the county sheriff, pro-
duced q paper and began reading. So dazed
was he that the prisoner only caught word
here ana there, enough to inform him that
he had been accused of an assault on one
Grace Penroy with intent to commit muir.
der.
The idea seemed ridiculous as well as
horrible to Wentword.
He was not permitted to say word in
his own defense, but was hurried from the
room and the house, and was soon being
whirled over the road to Stonefield Jail 1t
was n sad termination to the lovers meet
ing of the evening.
And now two watchers were left beside
the wounded and inscnsible Grace-her
mother and Captain Starbright. For some
minutes after the departure of Wentword
in the hands of the sheriff not word broke
tho solemn stiffness of the room. The Cap
tain was the first to speak.
"You see now what comes of permitting
Grace to receive the attentions of a low me-
chanic."
Mrs. Penroy lifted her faded eyes and re-
gardcd the speaker fiXedly.
$50 you imagine it is to him my poor
Grace owes this hurtl"
"Certainly. have proof that will hang
him should your daughter die. 1t was a
lovers quarrel again, and the use of n pistol
in the hands of n low villain mad with jeal-
ousy."
ut is tcrrible"
The tremor in the woman's voice went far
to provo that, although seemingly heartless
at times, vet Martha Penroy had au affection
for her daughter that was u credit to her
motherhood.
"Tcrrible, indeed" returned the Captain.
81 hope you see the folly of countenancing
low fellow like Wentword now. /"
Captain Starbright, please DON'T"
moaned the wrctched woman, pleadingly.
She was pale and trembling, seeming alb
solutely i'll, and even the Captain had not
| tho heart to proceed further then. He
| turned on his heel and walked from the
| room.
He passed along the hall and entered one
| of the large front rooms in which light was
| burning. The room seemed to be empty,
and Captain Starbright threw himself into
| large armchair beside the comfortable
and clasped his hands, with elbows on the
| table before him.
IF she would only die" he muttered, IL
should feel better, for l know that she will
never consent to DO my wife. Should she
die he would hang, and then ~
A touch on his arm startled HIM.
| He sprang up, white and trembling, with
an indefnablc fear shooting to his heart.
AS he turned about he uttered an exclama-
| ton.
Before him stood his old enemy, Lure
Joycel