Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-08-13
A WOMAN'S LOVE.

give reasons for our deeds. The deeds
were enough, and this black cross
meant death. aud when it had been
shown us all that we needed to know
further was at what hour we should
meet for the contemplated raid.
word from the captain settled that, and
when the next Friday came a dozen
men met at the place of rendezvous
ready for the ride which should bring
them to the judges solitary mansion
across the mountains ] was among
them, and in as satisfactory mood as
l had ever been in my life for the
night was favorable and the men
hearty and in first-rate condition.
The house toward which we were
riding was built on a hillside, and the
first thing we saw on emerging from
| the forest was a light burning in one
OF the distant windows. This was \
surprise, for the hour was late, and in
that part OF the country people were
accustomed to retire early, even such
busy men as the judge. He must have
visitor. and visitor meant posi-
bic complication of affairs. SO a halt
was called, and l was singled out to
reconnoitre the premises.
The house, which had now become
plainly visible, was solid one of
stone. built as have said on the hill
slce. 1t faced the road, as shown by
the large portico dimly to be discerned
IN that direction. but its rooms were
mainly on the side. and il was from
one of these that the light shone As
l came yet nearer perceived that these
rooms were guarded by IA piazza,
which, communicating with the por,ico
in front, afforded an open road to that
window and a clear sight of what Law
behind it. l was instantly off nv
horse and upon the piazza. and before
l had time to realize that my fears had
returned to me with double force had
crept stealthly toward that uncurtained
window and looked in.
What did | see? At first nothing
but calm studious figure bending
above batch of closely written pa
pors upon which the light shone too
brightly for me to perceive much of
what lay behind them. But gradually
an influence, OF whose workings | was
scarce conscious, drew my eyes away,
and | began to discover on every side |
strange and beautiful objects which /
greatly interested me- until suddenly
my eyes fell upon vision of loneliness !
so enchanting that | forgot to look
and became for the moment
nothing but sight and feeling.
II was picture, or so | thought in /
the first instant of awe and delight.
But presently | saw that it was a
woman. living and full of thoughts
that had never been mine: and at the
discovery, sudden trembling seized
me, for had never seen anything like
her beauty, while she saw nothing but
the man who was bending over his
papers. There was door or some
thing dark behind her, and against
It her tall. strong figure clad in close
white gown. stood out with distinct
ness that was not altogether earthly.
But it was her face that held me and
made OF me from moment to moment
/ new man. For in it discerned what
had never believed in till now. de-
'otion that had no limit and love which
asked nothing in return. She seemed
o be faltering on the threshold OF that
Dom, as one who would like to enter,
'ut does not dare, and in another mo-
nent with a smile that pierced me
through she turned as if to go. In
tantly forgot everything but my de-
pair, and leaned forward with an i'm
that betrayed my presence
she glanced quickly toward the win
low, and, seeing me- turned pale, even
While she rose in height till | felt my
elf shrink and grow small before her.
Thrusting out her hand she caught
rom the table before her what looked
ike small dagger, and holding it up,
advanced upon me with blazing eyes
md parted lips, not seeing that the
Judge had risen to his feet. not seeing
but my face glued against the
zane, and staring with an expression
hat must have struck to the heart, as
urely as her look pierced mine When
he was almost upon me turned and
led. He'll could not have frightened
ne, but heaven did; and for me that
rOman was heaven, whether she smiled
r frowned. gazed upon another with
owe, or raised a dagger to strike me
o the ground.
How soon met my mates can not
ay. In a few minutes doubtless. for
hey had stolen after mo and had de-
ected me running away from the win
low. / was forced to tell my tale.
md =! told 1t unhesitatipgly. for /
Knew could not wve him-if l want
ID to-and asked that she be spared
rot only from sharing his fate, but
rom the sight OF his death. for she
owed him.
This from me! No wonder the Cap
ain stared. then laughed. But did
lot laugh in return, and being the
trongest man in the band and the
unrest with the rife, he did not trife