The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1892-07-30

sk 80
and knew that he was intoxicated I
comprehended then the danger that en-
vironed me, and my soul sank with q
Bickening fear. was entirely in the
power of the wretch, and understood
very well that he would not hesitate to
deal with me as his fendish nature
might suggest l continued to struggle
for my freedom, but it was useless. I
sent up scream after scream, but had
no hope of anyone hearing me.
The man dragged me to the wagon
md attempted to lift me in. but
grasped the spokes Of the wheel and
held on with superhuman strength, re-
fusing to be torn away. For long
time the terrible struggle continued
and felt my strength failing me, and
l realized that in little while must
give up the contest.
Then heard horse galloping across
the prairie. A ray of hope sprang up
in my heart and took frmer hold on
the wagon and waited. The horse
stopped near Us and heard some one
dismount. Then heard voice say:
'.What does this mean?"
'*save me, save me- cried: "save
me from this wretch"
was aware that the newcomer
struck nv prosecutor blow which sent
him sprawling to the earth, but was
conscious of nothing else for some time,
for had swooned: >~s-<>'r'zs:sss:>
When I recovered my faculties i was
lying on the grass and kindly looking
young man was lneeling by me en-
gagged in chafng my hands. Hooked up
into the young mans face and examined
his features infinitely, and had no fear
! of him. read true nobility in every
lineament, and l knew / could trust
him implicitly. He was the first to
speak, and his voice was 50 soft and
gentle that it sent thrill of pleasure
through me to hear it,
Are you better now?" he asked.
eyes, much BETTER" I replied. ''Is
he gone?''
''That man? Yes, you need have no
fear of him now
Glow can thank you for what you
have done for me?'' I said, after a short
pause.
81 do not want any thanks he re-
piled, t'but I will be only too happy to
render you any other service l cam
made no reply aside from murmur-
ing my thanks, and for minute or so
we remained silent, he in the mean
time keeping his eyes fixed inquiringly
on me. I suppose he was at loss to
account for my being there in the plight
he found me, yet was too delicate to
question me. At last, seeing that was
not inclined to speak, he said:
II am ready to serve you as you may
direct. Don't hesitate to express any
wish you have in mind"
Il only want to be conducted to some
place to spend the night" | answered.
IT am a stranger here, and know no
one.'
''My home" he replied, els couple
of miles distant, and if you can reach it
you will be welcomed by my parents
and whatever there is in the house will
be at your command. But you cannot
walk. You haven't the strength for
that
II cannot, indeed" said I. II have
walked long way Since morning, and
when reached this spot my strength
was all gone.''
81 see" he unused, seemingly buried
in thought. Then, after a pause: ''If
you wouldn't mind, you might ride with
me My horse will carry double, but a
lady cannot ride him alone"
II do not mind,'' answered.
He arose and brought the horse, and,
mounting into the saddle, lifted me up
behind him. We went slowly across
the prairie, talking very little, my COM
panion asking no questions and I vol
unteering only such scraps of informa-
ton as thought necessary 10 establish
my character and in some degree &C.
count for my strange situation.
Finally we reached our destination,
and, stopping in front Of great,
rambling old farmhouse, my com
panion dismounted, and, lifting me
gently to the ground, conducted me in
doors and conided me to the care of a
motherly-looking old lady, who, though
greatly surprised at my appearance, re-
ceived me with the greatest kindness,
asking no questions and making no
comments.
CHAPTER x.
LABOR AND CAPITAL.
After had been provided with food
I was sent to bed in a cool, airy room
through the open windows of which the
summer breezes came laden with
the sweet perfume of wild roses and
red clovers. / was too exhausted to
think or prieye, and within q few rim