Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1891-08-08

the evening, when all was quiet, and
the first-class passengers were at dinner,
he would steal stealthily on deck, and,
hiding behind one of the thick coils OF
rope, remain there, listening to all that
went on far into the night, until the
last straggler had retired to rest. Then
he, too, would pass quietly to his quar-
tiers. He seemed harmless enough, but
he was powerfully built msn, and few
would have cared to interfere with him
or rouse the sleeping lion.
II.
Darlington Manor, from which the
small village near took its name of Bar
rington, was q lovely old house which
had belonged for centuries to the Hill
tons, one of the most ancient families in
the County of Cork. It was situated on
hill surrounded on three sides by
strawberries, and approached on the
fourth by long drive, which wound
down the hill for some distance through
a lovely park and terminated in an old
Uncovered archway and large iron
gates, which always during the day
stood Hospitality open. The house it
self had been added to at various times,
and looked what it was-not overpower-
ingly magnificent or even imposing, but
thoroughly charming and comfortable
house. The entrance hall was perhaps
the most beautiful part of it, having
several handsome old carved oak pill
lars, which supported an arched roof
and the broad. shelving staircase was
also of oak. It was large house, with
winding passages and long corridors
with rooms on either side, but through
out it all there was feeling of homely
comfort and cheerfulness which many q
smaller house often lacks. The furni-
ture was coy and suited to the rooms;
nor had the occupants joined in the
high art craze. Draperies arranged in
every possible or impossible corner
were, as yet, unknown in Darlington.
The family party was small one.
consisting of Col. Hilton, already intro
duced, and who had a few days since
arrived from India, his wife, Mrs. Hill
ton, Nellie, their only daughter, and
Glare Featherstone, young girl. and
Nellie's greatest friend, who had been
spending . few weeks with her. These
two were inseparable companions,
though very different in character, for
Glare was ell energy and decision and
Nellie owned that sweet yielding dis
position preferred by 30 many.
|
In the meanwhile how had it Jared
with Bhola? When the Colonel landed
1T Queenstown he, too, left the vessel
and by few judicious inquiries learned
that the village of Darlington was
about twelve miles distant He was in
no great hurry. and the next few days
were spent in arranging his plan of action
Is far Is was possible without being
actually on the spot He made up his
mind to walk the distance. as then his
arrival would be less noticeable than il
he went by train. and his small store Of
savings was nearly exhausted, 80 it be-
hooved him to be careful
Il was . gloomy, dark evening when
he reached the park gates. having
passed through the village street with
out meeting any one. A more favor
able time he could not have wished for,
and q he reconnoitered the grounds and
noticed the many advantages and places
of concealment his hopes rose high q
he saw before him the vision of venge-
ance satisied. Of the risk to himself
he thought nothing. Risk was natural
to him, and he trusted to his native
auickness to extricate himself from any
| awkward position. He had brought
with him provisions enough to last q
week, and early morning and late even
| ing saw him prowling about and %.
auaintine himself with the habits Of the
household. Nellie and Glare little
knew that in thsir daily rambles then
steps were dogesd, and eyss fun d