Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-12-25

OF the sea. / crept up in the shadow OF Tie
ruin.
Presently. heard peculiar whistle. An
ME said softly:
ssYcs-I am here" Then a figure, that Of
a man. emerged from the darkness and join
ed her.
NV establishment at all this was SO great
that for time was utterly unable to move;
but. from my shadowy hidingplace, | watch
ed the pair. Who the man was, could not
tell. the darkness completely concealing his
features; but | saw that he was taller than
Annie, and that he was smoking cigar.
They stood close together talking earnest
ly: but could not catch a word of what they
said. Presently, they began to move away,
| and deemed it time to interfere.
In two strides L was between them-Annie
uttered a scream, Jne man an OaJn. DuG ne
stood his ground, and looked into my face.
1t was now my turn to utter an exclama-
ton. The man was young Redruth, the
master Of the mine.
The cO1,tretenlps was so complete that for
a moment neither of us spoke. Redruth, be-
ing the coolest, was the first to speak.
What are you doing here, Trelawney?'
he asked, CURLY.
II am here to take my cousin home, sir"
replied.
Indeed" he sneered; Il should have
thought you were here to play the spy!'
Even that would be better than playing
the villain" returned.
Here Annie, seeing a storm brewing, in
terfered.
Hugh, dear HughP' she said, plucking at
my sleeve.
But young Redruth now stepped forward.
Don't agitate yourself, Annie" said he,
coolly, while | was ready to knock him
down. land you, SIR" he added, address
ing me, "stand out of the way; have bust
ness with this young LADY, and request you
to leave US"
And if / refuse?"
He raised a small cane which he carried
and struck me across the shoulders. In a
moment had Wrenched it from his hand,
and with one well-planted blow | would
have made him measure his length upon the
ground but with another scream, Annie
rushed forward and stood between US.
~ Oh shall pay for this, you scoundrelp'
said my master; and, without another word,
he disappeared into the darkness.
Annie still frightened and trembling,
rushed forward to follow him, but in a mo-
ment 1 was beside her
You'll come with me, ANNIE" said, TAX
ing her hand firmly in mine.
By this time she was crying bitterly "Oh,
Hugh" she sobbed, "what have you done!
You will ruin US aII-yourself, father, and
all Of us!'
But | took no heed of her, l kept my hold
upon her, and led her back across the mead
Ows to the cottage.
During the walk, no word passed between
us. l was silent, expecting she woul1 give
some explanation Of til, scene | had Witness
ed; but as she volunteered none, said moth
ing. When we reached tt cottage gate, she
paused, and spoke.
Hugh" she said, you won't tell mother
or father"
''No, no, | interrupted her Don't fear
for me, but mean to look after you in the
future, Annie"
Don't be hard on me,' Hugh" she said,
pitcously. Il meant no harm. But it will
be better for you and father if | speak to the
young master sometimes"
You'd best let us manage our own affairs,
Annie, and keep yourself to the house; al
| ways remember that"
She dried her eyes and composed herself
| bit, and we went in together.
The old couple were astOnished, but not
| ill-peased at seeing us IN company. They
noticed Armies paIlOr, too, and exchanged
| looks, the meaning of which now know full
well. | dreaded to be questioned; SO when
Annie had gone to her room, which she did
pretty quickly, | explained that had return
ed for certain little accOunt-bOoks, and hav-
ing met Annie By the way had brought her
i'll. Then | possessed myself of the books,
and hurried back to the Office to finish my
nights work