Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1891-06-19

were still essentially child-like.
In his secret heart Louis cherished the
the hope that; some time in the far
future, he might win her love, when he
should have attained to fortune and
fame. But Hermione was quite an
heiress for a country bred girl, and he
was too prond to let her know of his
love unless he could meet her upon equal
ground.
Now, had Guy been less noble In his
trusting generosity, Louis would have
been crushed to the earth with shame
AS it was, it caused him to elevate his
cousin into the hero of his life, and
determine to repay him.
1t was quite long time before he had
the desired chance, but it came at last.
Guy, although wealthy, did not disdain
to put his own shoulder to the wheel
day after day and set his men good ex-
ample. None could lay a more regular
swath Of grass with the sickle in now
ing time. No one could cut or bind
the ranks of grain with more rapidity
than he. 1t was before the time when
moving and reaplng machines took all
the poetry out Of harvesting, and Her
nione was fond of making visit to the
scene of labor about luncheon time,
carrying with her pitcher brimming
over with cooling, non stimulating
beverage.with which to quench the mems
thirst.
Then, book in hand, she would seat
herself under the shade Of some friendly
tree, and alternately read or note the
movements of the actors in the busy
scene before her.
One day IN the height of the harvesting
one of the men fell i'll, and it chanccd
that stranger came to the place and
asked to be employed about the farm.
He was dark, unprepossessing man,
with restless, uneasy ways and lowering,
stealthy looks from his deep-set eyes
but Guy engaged him, thinking only Of
the inconvenience of being short
at the time.
After they had all set off for the fields
man drove up to the farm house in hot
haste, asking if a person Of the strangers
description had been seen there; aud
upon receiving a reply in the affirmative
he looked very much startled, and caused
Hermione's blood to turn cold in her
veins by explaining the cause of the un.
easiness.
SHE is an escaped lunatic, and nearly
killed his keeper to make his way out Of
the mad-house. If his frenzy seizes upon
him he will make bloody record for
himself before the day 10 over. Is any
one here who can go and warn Mr.. Eel
lows2 1t won't answer for me to be
seen by him. He knows me and it
would set him frantic to know that he
has been followed. The only safety lies
in not arousing his suspicious until u
strait jacket can be put upon him."
~ will go, !" said Hermione, unhesitat-
ingly. "Iwould do anything to prevent
such tragedy"
Take this with you and give it to
Mr.. Fellows. 1t is strait jacket.
Whisper the truth about the man to him,
and tell him to watch his opportunity
and take him by surprise"
She reached the place, and catching
her guardians eye, motioned him to
come to her; and, in few frightened
whispers, told him the danger that
threatened him.
Some instinct must have attracted the
lunatic's attention and conveyed to his
mind the idea that they were speaking
of him; for, with a wild cry, he banished
the scythe he held in his hand with
threatening gestures and shouts of fren-
zied fury. Then he started toward them.
Louis had stopped work a moment
previous, and WAS about halfway be-
tween his cousin and the madnan. Look
ing up, upon hearing the discordant
yells, he saw at once that Guys life was
in danger, and, throwing himself direct
ly in front of the madman, caught him
about the waist and clung to him, max
ing himself as much of deadweight as
possible. The swinging scythe described
mad circle in the air, and then it
descended upon Louis, giving him fear
ful cut in the side. But by this time Others
had reached them, and the lunatic was
overpowercd by numbers and secured.
Louis, however, lay like one dead
prostrated by the shock, and with the
blood pouring from his ghastly wound.
Unless 1t could be stanched at once he
must bleed to death; but where were the
cloths to apply to it before messenger
could be sent to the farm. house2
This question was soon answered
Hermione was dressed in dainty gown
of embroidered white linen, with man.
tie of the same material over her shoul-
ders. She tore this in pieces, and,
lSneeling by him, applied one after an
other to his wound as each in turn be-
came wet with blood. Her white hands
were colored crimson, and her dress was
spotted with the same ensanguined hue;
but she faltered not. She who had al
ways before felt faint, even at the sight
of blood, now unflinchingly played the
part of surgeon until more skilled help
could arrive"
In these terrible moments Hermione
first learned her hearts secret. Without
Louis the whole world would henceforth
be as nothing to her.
For long days afterward the youths
life trembled in the balance, but at last