The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-04-26
CHAPTER XVII.
A STRAY SHOT.


Lady Ennismore, hesring-it was supposed
the noise of Lord Ennismore being car
ried into the house, had gone to her room
and looked down into the hall below, and
seen the terrible sight. This was what was
said, at least, when the maids cries brought
others to their lady's assistance.
But while the servants were running
bither and thither. calling first one thing
and then the other, the rector and Miss Sin
clair arrived on the scene. Miss Sinclair
had attended the meeting in Mortonbury.
and fingered when it was over until she had
an opportunity Of complimenting the rec
tor on his speech. Then, she had said with
a little nervous SILVER, she must go, as 1t was
already 80 dark. And what could the Rev.
Peter saw 1t was dark and it was also
misty. and no gentleman could have allowed
a lady to go unattended on such a night.
He. therefore, offered his escort, which was
delightedly accepted. Luckily Miss Dorothy
was laid up with cold in her head, at the
rectory, and Miss Martha had remained to
attend on her sister, 80 the rector was free
to do as he pleased. He, therefore, walked
with Miss Sinclair to Brackenford, and the
distance seemed only too short for him.
Miss Sinclair spoke of their friendship,
and said what support 1t was to her, and
the rector's shallow cheeks Glowed in the
misty air. But still he did not forget
Martha and Dorothy at home, and when
they reached the hall door at Brackenford
nothing very particular on either side had
been said.
They were Just parting when Miss Sin
clair perceived something unusual going on
inside.
Come in and see what is the matter, she
said, still holding the rector's hand. There
must have been an accident, l am afraid, on
TIE moors," she added; and thus together
they went into the lighted hall.
The butler was kneeling by Lord Ennis
more's side, holding one of his hands as they
entered, and the other servants and the
laborers who had found him in the woods
were standing about looking stupid or
frightened. But Miss Sinclair soon changed
all this.
what has happened to Lord Ennis
moreT she asked, quickly, going also up to
the side of the prostrate man, who was still
lying on the gate on which he had been car
ried in.
The half dozen voices told the story,
and the rector at once knelt down by Lord
Ennismore, and felt his pulse, and held his
cold, ne veless hand.
"Help me to lift him on a couch, and let
US carry him into the library" he said; ad-
dressing the butler, and send Cox imme
diately into Mortonbury for DIR. Grey, and
one Of the other grooms for DR.. Braittan;
there Is no time to be lost, Lord Ennismore
is faint from less of blood"
These orders were all promptly executed.
Lord Ennismore was carried into the library
on a couch, which was placed near the fire,
and then the rector, assisted by Miss Sin
clair, succeeded in pouring little brandy
between Lord Ennsm ores lips.
He moved slightly after this and opened
his eyes, and when he saw the rector
bending anxiously over him he tried to
smile.
''Are you feeling better my dear lord7'
said the Rev. Peter. Try and swallow a
little more orandyp
The spirit seemed TO revive him, and
while the rector took off his necktie and
opened his shirt. which was soaked with
blood, he spoke few words in faint. low
voice:
''I've got badly hurt somehow" be said
Eyes, but you will be all right presently,
] hope ausWe cred the rector, who now had
found one wound high on the chest close to
the collar bone, and was holding a handker-
chief to it to stanch the bleeding. "Dr. Grey
will be here Immediately, and Braittan too,
in the meantime we must try to keep you
up"
All this while Miss Sinclair had stood
near the rector, but she shrauk back little
when she saw the blood-stained garments.
And as SIZE did this one of the women
touched her arm.
ooh, Miss Sinclair, will you come up
stairs to my lady," she whispered and Miss
Sinclair, after another half>shuddering
glance at the wounded man, complied with
her request.
She found Lady Ennismore lying on the
bed where they bad lifted her, still in a
half-fanting condition, though she was be-
ginning to show some signs of consciousness,
and in the expression of her face there was
a strange look of terror.
Dear Lady Ennismore," said Miss Sin
clair, approaching her, this is very terri
Bile, but hope Lord Ennismore's injuries
are not serious"
Lady Ennismore looked at her as If she
scarcely compromised her meaning.
THE rector is with him." went on Miss
Sinclair; lit was very fortunate, was it not,
that he kindly saw me home from Morton
bury, as the evening is SO dark, aud when
we arrived here it was great shock to us to
find Lord Ennismore lying in the hall"
Lady Ennismore suddenly lifted her head
and her pallid lips parted, and her eyes were
fixed with a terrible look of inquiry on Miss
Sinclairs face.
But the rector has sent Cox for Dr.
Grey, and Lord Ennismore has swallowed
some brandy and spoken a few words, SO
trust the accident may not prove a severe
one" said Miss Sinclair, soothlngly.
Lord Ennismorem gasped out Lady En-
nismore.
YES; you knew. did you moth They tolc
me you had seen him carried in, and it haC
upset you so terribly"
Lady Ennisnore sprang from the bed, ant
fell tottering forward, but Miss Sinolai
caught her in her arms.
mot Ennismoreg she said, wildly; "sa,
not Ennismorel"
Dear Lady Ennismore--"
ut was not my husband they carried in
not, not Ennismore?" repeated the unhapp
woman, peering up in her governess' fac
with her terror-stricken eyes. II saw ther
bear in-some one"
There has been slight accident, but d
not disturb yourself 80 dreadfully.
would grieve Lord Ennismore so much if h
knew
Lady Ennismore gave a kind Of gaspin
sob, and sank down on a seat, and covere
her face with her hands.
Take some sal-volatile, Lady Enni!
more,n urged Miss Sinclair, and 81
ordered one Of the maids to prepare thi
and then held it TO Lady Ennismore's lip
who eagerly swallowed it.
1t seemed to compose her. but again st
gave shuddering sigh, and covered be
face. But after a few moments she locke
Hp,apd said almost steadily.
Tell me again, Miss Sinclair, what b;