Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-10-15
DARK DAYS.
BY HUGH CONWAY.
CHAPTER VIZ. CONTINUED.

To sum up briefly, was bound to decide
that the damuing circumstantial evidence
which could be furnished by Mrs. Wilson
drove me back to my original idea. There
was no chance Of my poor Philippians re-
naming unaccused or unsupported of the
deed she had unwittingly done: 50 her only
hope of safeiy-indeed, considering all. 1
may also say my only hope of safeIy-was
rapid flight. We must gain some land in
which we could dwell without fear Of being
arrested. What land was there:
Many a one. The date Of my story is he
fore 1878, when nearly all :he extradition
treaties were made. At that time such
treaties existed with only two foreign cOun-
tries France and the United States; so
that our choice Of restlng-place was not so
limited as those who are flying from the
clutches of the law find it to-day. However,
in order, to make certain, paid visit to q
legal friend of mine; and, BY quoting sup
positions case, managed to acquire a good
deal OF information respecting the dealings
of one nation with another, so far as fugi-
tives were concerned.
found that although. with the two ex-
ceptions aboye-named, there was no settled
International law on the subject. there was
q kind Of unwritten substitute, which was
knOwnby the name of the Comfy Of Ma
tions. Under this code of courtesy, a no.
tOrious criminal, who had sought refuge in
the aims Of another country, was not un-
commonly, although there was no law under
which he could be arrested, given up to his
pursners, by being simply driven across the
frontier Of the country in which he had
hoped to find security. However, gather
ed that this so-called comfy was scarcely
expected to be exercised by the most friend
~ state. unless the fugitive had He'd almost
red-handed, and so placed his guilt beyond
doubt. No one ex ,ctly knew how far this
obliging expulsion might be counted upon.
1t was generally supposed to be decided by
the amount of influence or persuasion which
one government could exercise OH the other.
This information rather upset my precon-
caivcd ideas as to the ease with which safety
might be obtained; but reflection told me I
had little to fear. The case against Philip
pa could be nothing more than one of sus.
picion. No one, not even myself, had seen
the deed done. A warrant would, no doubt,
be issued for her arrest; but II our fight
precluded Its execution, did not belieke
that any government would put itself out Of
the way to aid the English law. There was
no one, save myself, who could positively
swear that Sir Mervyn Ferrand had been
killed by Philippe.
learned that Spain was then, even rs It
Is now, the land safest against English law.
Perhaps the reason Is that the grave, yet at
times h0t-blooded Spaniard rcckons human
life at q lower value than more northerly
nations. Any way, It was 10 Spain that I
turned my eyes; Spain that l resolved to
reach without an hours unenforced delay.
The very next day preached the subject
of foreign travel to my mother. Although
SO short time had passed since they first
met, was overjoyed to see the terms upon
which she and Philippa stood. The girl
seemed to cling to her as to a natural pro-
tector-seemed ready to install her in the
place of the mother she had lost. After all
the love Of her own scx is indispensable to
a woman's happiness. 1t did my heart good
to see the two together. Philippa talked to
my mother as she had never yet talked to
me; and knew that when the day came
upon which l should ask for the only re-
ward wanted, my mothers kindness to the
forsaken and shame stricken girl would be
an advocate that pleaded strongly in favor
Of my suit.
But, could it ever be? Could we know
,
work? All me! my heart sank as thought
that any day might bring the crushing blow.
Let there be no delay. Let me not blame
myself hereafter for any negligence or false
Security. Let us away from tho peril.
Mother" said, will you come abroad
with Phllippa aud me?'
Abroad, Basil! have only just come
home"
No matter; come with us at once. Let
us 60 to some place where Is warmth and
bright sunshine. Let us 20 to Spain.'
Spain! why Spain? Besides, surely
Philippe Is not fit for long journeyv'
1T will do her good. Her recol,ections of
this country are but sad ones.'
well, In week or two will see about
It."
mo, at once. Let us start tomorrow or
the next day. Mother. ask it as favor"
Give mo some good reason, Basil, and l
will do a. you wish"
Look at me, and you will see the reason.
Cannot you see th..t am III, worn out. nerv.
Gus? must have change, and at once"
She Eazed ut me with solicitude. Eyes, l
know you are not well; but why Spain?"
"A Wilma sick mans fancy. PERHAPS
because 1t Is Philippa's fathers country put
1t into my head. Mother, tell me, how do
you like her?'
''She 10 the woman you love; she is very
beautiful; she has been cruelty treated; she
Is blameless: to say more after SO short an
acqua ntance would be exagyeration."
You will come to Spain with me-with
her?'
She kissed me and gave in to my within.
sought Philippe.
MY mother Is going TO take us abroad"
said with smile, which was forced, as all
my smiles now were. ''She will sec to
everything for y0u."
She Is Aind-she Is sweet" said Philip-
pa, clasping her hands. Basil, I am be-
ginning to worship your mother. But why
are we going abroad!'
ITO get away from sad thoughts, for one
things for another, because feel ILL.,"
She gave me quick look OF apprehension
which brought the flush 10 my cheek. .'Oh,
let us 60 at once y she cried. LET us leave
this land Of Ice and will nurse you and make
you we'll. Where are we going? When are
We goinsf''
ITO Spain-to-morrow or the next day."
She looked at me with the troubled gaze
which had 20 often noticed. BASIL" she
said. you are doing this for my sake"
And my own, / fear"