The Forrest City times., 1891-10-09
\ Tsrribls Love Story .
CHAPTER xI.

Joe Topping, in q few words. made this incoherent accusation more clear; and, guided by him. the officers at last drew up Clifford's s motionless form and 1t was gently laid upon the floor of the mill. Judith looked at 1t in silence, and offered no consolation to Lena; but she fetched brandy and other restoratives from the house, and the men soon succeeded in restoring Clifford to oconsciousncss. When this was accomplished. they debated as to what was to be done next.
 '.No one can come into the house" said Judith resolutely. Mir. Pere- grine must be taken to town--and the sooner the better, I should think"
 She had picked up Madame Du- masque's costly mantle and elegant bonnet, and held them tightly in her hand. The leading official drew her aside, and the two conferred together in low tones. The result of their con- ference was that Mustif was taken to the Mill House; while Clifford, who was still unable 10 speak. was carried to the cub. into which Lena stepped with Topping, while an officer mount ed the box with the driver.
 Tho second officer entered the Mill House with Judith. and the door clos ec upon the horrible tragedy within. Slowly. on account of Clifford, they drove into Fladgate. and stopped at the first hotel. They were at once re- ceived; and Lena saw her lover car ried to bedroom, and saw that u messenger was sent for the nearest medical man. She had been un- naturally calm through all tse hor- TOTS of that dreadful night. Although she felt sure that this was questions and expressed no curiosity at all she had seen and heard. Her only thought had been for the man she loved; her greatest care to keep strangers from seeing her agony. She felt that she was a defenceless girl among men who would smile at any display of sorrow as woman's weak ness, and she was very brave. But, when for few brief moments she found herself alone with Clifford. be- fore tho arrival of the doctor, all her grief burst forth. She entreated him to live for her sake---she repeated his name in accents which at last reused his sinking spirit. He opened his eyes. looked at her. knew her and smiled; and she raised his hand and kissed 1t passionately. She rubbed his temples with brandy. bnthed his face. and did everything for him that her loving heart could suggest. but slipped away when the doctor arrived, and waited in her room for the verdict. sinking down upon her knees in pray CT that he might live. After what seemed very long time. Joe Topping brought her some intelligence.
 Mir. Peregrine has come round. mics. and has asked for you--least- ways I took 1t for such; but he's mighty bad, and so says the doctor. '
 It was fortunate for Joe that his wife was not at his elbow to hear him make this alarming statement, or he would have had U harassing half -hour; but Lena did not rebuke the faithful fellow she wen. back to CliiIord's side and stayed there.
 Mrs. Topping arrived the next day, and sent Joe home to tell the tale and rouse all Abbottsford with the story. So many inquiries invaded the bar of ssThe Blackthoru" that it's resources we're severely taxed. The landlord was village hero, and their young lady heroine.
 Before Joe returned home the trag- edy had reached it's last act. the de tails Oi which Lena and Clifford did not know until months had passcd away and the excitement had partially subsided.
 On the memorable night of his flight from the Mill House Gustave reached his bedroom in the hotel in state which fully j,@tified the remarks of the night-porter. He was intoxicated with dread and horror of himself. He locked the door of his room, turned up the gas and sank into an armchair, He could not control his shaking limbs or arrange his thoughts. and he rescrted to . smoke to steady his un- strung nerves.
 In feeling for the cigar-case his fin- gers came In contact with the pocket book he had taken from Madame Du- mAsquo, and he laid it upon his knee while he lighted cigar and began to smake and think He had killed his mOther---he had murdered his mother. Tho words seemed to ring in his ears, He opened her pocket-book. in which he believed lay his means of escape-- of saving his life. Her very last act, in her great love for him. had been to obtain tho chequo she had ready to reward him for his obedience. He began to search for 1t fevcrishly. nut tering all the timc.
 Fl will be on 10 Australia; will go away by the arst train in the morn ing; | cannot set of tonight Bcsides Judith wiA do nothing until to-mor- TOW. md perhaps not even then. Mus 1T is far enough away. Lena would forgive mo. am sure. and rather fAvor my escape, for che will not know that | s&ruck down her lover. until it
 VIII bo too Into fOr revenge. Where is tAs eAequsp NY hands shske so !