The Forrest City times., 1891-10-02
\ Terrible Love Story l.
CHAPTER X.

ing the convulsive working of his fea- lures, showed no other signs of emo- tion. The flames of the candles flick cred in the rushing wind. which moan ed like the unquiet spirit of the dead woman representing her son.
 Judith sank upon her knees beside the chair in violent outburst of grief, hiding her face in the lustrous skirt which rObed her dead mistress. When at last the bitterness of her grief had spent itself, and she raised her head, she found that she was alone with the object of her sorrow. Gustave had gone.
 The rain poured down and the wind blew hard as he fled from tbe Mill House like one pursued. He had taken his hat, but carried it in his hand as he rushed along the deserted country road. In the midst of his bewilder- ment and horror, he caught sight of two figures taking shelter under 8 tree, and instantly remembered that he must present wild and unnatural appearance. He therefore moderated his pace, put on his hat, and even drew on his gloves. When he reached his hotel, the night-porter who ad- mitted him started back in amazement.
 "You do look i'll, sir" remarked the man, unable to keep silence. ..Can l get you anything?"
 Nothing, thanks. 1 have been running all the way back, for the wind and rain are anything but agree able tonight, and am late. But no matter. wish to be called in time to catch the first train leaving town in the morning. Let me have my bill when 1 call. 7"
 ..Yes, sir. Any breakfast, sir?"
 "A cup of tea-nothing more. Good night" returned Gustave, as he slipped some money into the mans S hand.
 '.Good night, sir. and thank you" returned the porter.
 He watched Gustave ascend the staircase with no more than usual in terest, for he saw too many queer strangers to be much disturbed at the appearance of this one. Going back to his seat he muttered. "A free-hand- cd gent, but rather too fond of the wine-cup, it strikes me; he were wonderfully strange all day yesterday. However, he don't interfere with me. and so it's no business of mine"
 Judith, finding herself alone with her dead mistress, began to examine the room, but without discovering anything to reward her search; she then passed into the dining room, which was in perfect order. Here. however, she picked up the torn tele- gram, which Madame Dumasque had thrown aside. She smoothed it out, read it, and preserved it carefully She searched the kitchen and the hed- rooms upstairs; then noticed the ab- sence of tho bonnet and mantle. and also looked in vain for the black bag containing the money and jewels. Ju- dith's heart burned within her to avenge the death Of her mistress. whom in her stern way she had loved and pitied. She hated the man who had wrecked her late mistress's early life; she hated the man who had so cruelty murdered her, and, returning to the drawlng-room, she began to lay her plans for vengeance.
 He cannot get away tonight. l" she unused. .unless he takes u car riage; he might do that. was fool to lose sight of him, Why did leave her aloneo He has been bad from his birth--from his cradle. My poor mis- tress! will lock up the house and give information to the police. Twill make sure"
 She examined the pocket of the dead woman; her purse and pocket book were gone. Here then was double motive for the crime; for Judith knew of the cheque lying ready in the let ter
 .'He has murdered her and robbed catching hold of the lifeless hand nearest her. she again knelt down, and remained sobbing quietly, until she was suddenly disturbed by q rap ping at the front door, which she had taken the precaution to fasten when she found herself alone, although she had not closed the windows Ill her distress and horror she had not heard either wind or rain. or footsteps of the girl and the man who had looked in at the window.
 Lena and Joe Topping waited pa tiently for some time in the gloom and silence of the mill. until at last the girl broke the oppressive silence.
 ''Hark" she cried. Ibid you not hcar groana"
 No, miss, answered Joe; Fl heerd nothing but the wind. which makes a rare noise in this part Q the country. V
 ''lt is fearful night" said Lena. shuddering; .and I know that the wind is sometimes here. But, hush hear the moan again. am certain heard 1t! Who is here?" she called out, in her clear voice. which yibrat- ed through the mill; but there was no reply.
 Joe looked puzzled. but not afraid !; his scnses were dull which might have accounted for his wife's sharp mode of addressing him.
 '.Therc it Is againr' cried Lena. Now did you not hear it. Joc?"
 Well. did hear something that time; but you wouldn't care to be left minute for me to have look around. would youp"
 al do not mind; am not afraid. :"