The Forrest City times., 1891-10-02

weaker, fainter than before. Oh, what shall we do? What can we do? Here!' she cried as the landlord joined her, where she stood, candle in hand, leaning over the iron rail round the mouth of the mill-wheel well, and trying to peer into the blackness below.
 .'Take-take carer' she called, dreading lest an accident should befall her honest friend. Don't you fret, miss; I'm all right" he answered cheerily, as he disappeared in the black abyss. Lena waited in silence; fearing to speak.
 lin all right, miss,- called out Topping at last; .'but can't come up for u few minutes. Don't you go, Miss Lenan
 The girl assured him that she would not move, and asked if he had found | anybody; but he made no reply, and, | not daring to make much noise, she stood in fearful expectation until he camely slowly into view once more. '.Well.n she said tearfully the mo- ment he reached the top, .whom or 1 what have you foundp Be quick and say!"
 'i an'trightfully answer you, miss," answered Joe slowly; "but there's | some one been thrown down there, | and they're alive, for certain. l ex- | pect they was meant to go right down I into the we'll; but at the bottom of this I first ladder there's kind of platform l for some purpose or other, and the l person has lodged on that but there's | some shawls as has broke their fall. and there's lady's bonnet there too. But is it a woman you have foundn cried Lena, turning very pale. Well, no, it ain't. Miss Lena; it's 8 man--that's what it is" returned Top ping slowly.
 The girl stood in front of him, and said in resolute tone You need not try to hide the truth from me. You have found Mir. Pere- 1 grne-tell me the truth, my good kind friend?'
 The expression on Joe Topping's face answered her; for he looked at her in very solemn way, and his kindly eyes were full of tears.
 "Come." cried come with me to the house. or he will lie there and die. We must have help--there is not moment to lose; l will go at once"
 But your aunt. Miss Lenao Let me go first" entreated Topping. | N ,.tn ,,-,th S ,al the girl; Il do not fear her now. should not fear ten thousand aunts while his life is in danger. Follow me l will go.'
 She opened the door. letting in a blast of wind and rain, ran across to the front door of the house, and knock ed boldly.
 1 The door was almost immediately ] opened; and. to their astonishment. Judith confronted them. She did not seem at all surprised to see either Lena or her companion.
 "You here, Judith2" exclaimed the l girl.
 I "les; 1 am here, Miss Eena,H re- turned Judith, surveying the figure of burly Joe Topping with grim displeas- ure. 'I came in the same train with you; but my journey has been in vain --my mistress is dead. 1 Lena could not believe Judith she thought Madame Dumasqe had been taken suddenly i'll since she had seen her writing by the window. 1 .'She may not be dead--she may re- cover." she answered wildly; but Mir. Pregrine is lying unconscious in the well of the millwheel, and he must be saved. Oh, let us get help before 1t is too late, My aunt will not refuse me help
 She clasped her hands in passionate entreaty; while Judith said griInly---
 Your aunt is past helping you; and fl she was not, you wouldn't care for her to recover should think" Judith" returned Lena indignant | ly, ''do you imagine am so ungrateful and wicked as to desire her deathp Oh, do help me, and at once,"
 "Who has seen Mir, PeregrineP" in quired Judith hastily. as she barred the entrance with her tall figure.
 ''I have" answered Topping. live been down the ladder, and l reckon whoever sent him there didn't mean him to come up alive A sudden flush rose to Judith's fore head, a triumphant light gleamed in eyes.
 I've will have him or his dead body up" she said bitterly .'this is some of Gustave's hand diwork m help you, and without delay. You can't come in heren she added. shut tlng the door upon them and locking l 1t.
 Lena looked in despair at Topping as Judith left them thus; but in a few | minutes she came from the back of the house carrying some strong rope and a lantern; then the three went in si- lence to the mill. l They were destined to receive un- expected aid; for they had scarcely entered the mill when carriage cou taining Jacob Mustif and two police constables drove slowly up to the house.
 ! Lena shrank bnck as Jacob came in- to the place, followed by the officers She wondered what it all could mean. Judith looked at Mustif and the con stables in amazement The rufYan was | ayidentlv sswaptpd as hia hands wara