The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-04-01

S1 22
HuRLING THREATS ON THE CROWD, Now
GATHERING ROUND HIM.
backwards, while the old mans heavy
breathing told the tale of his distress.
Often to this day do the riverside men
tell the story of that wonderful strug-
gle.
It seemed as though there was no
hope for the brave old fellow-indeed,
not one of the many who, paralyzed
with fear, looked on in shuddering
wonder could for the life of them tell
exactly how it happened, but suddenly,
when Bladon seemed tottering to the
earth, when Damiens' massive form
lowered above him in shrieking tri-
umph, the old mans hands slipped from
his opponents waist to his knees, and,
with one supreme effort, he lifted the
burly Frenchman from the earth and
flung him stunned and beaten from him.
Before the madman could move doz-
en- hands had bound him.
ga trick of the old 'rastling days in
Derbyshire, when the lads used to meet
on the hillside" Bladon said, when
eager friends crowded round to give
him congratulation.
This feat of Bladon's served him well
while he sojourned in Havana, for the
riversiders were as ardent worshipers
of courage and strength as the Romans
in the height of their glory.
But the old man did not linger to en-
Joy his triumph. He turned to Wanda
Arlington, who having recovered from
her swoon, was standing gazing in
dazed wonder at the scene.
"Coom, lass,' he said, kindly.
''Thee'dst better be winning home wi
me-"
Trembling and obedient, the young
girl accompanied him. For time
neither spoke, then her pent-up emo
tions found vent.
"Oh, Mr.. Bladon,a she said, show
can I ever find words to thank you for
the noble service you have done me this
day?"
Bladon looked wistfully at the sweet
face.
Would thee mind aa old man asking
q question: 'Tnin't right, know, to
put young girl to the blush, but"
s'Ask me what you will, and will
answer you without reserve"
There was no doubling the truth that
shone from these velvet eyes.
(which, then, of those two lads was
thy sweetheart"
$50 help me Heaven. neitheri'
s'What!''
"The one, hated, seeFned, laathed
the very presence off the other I loved,
but not with love which you mean"
(which one, my pretty?"
There was depth of tenderness in
the old mans voice.
"Why, poor George Arundel. Of
course" she said with all simplicity.
..:And now, lass, speak fearlessly, as
between an old man an young maiden,
be there anyone thee dost love in the
way I mean?"
Thoygh the crimson blush dyed her
cheek, she never faltered.
Eyes, Mr.. Bladon, there is one love
in the way you mean"
THANK Godw was all the old man
said, bqt the light in his face showed
the relief he felt.
Just as they reached Dolman's door,
he held out his horny hand to the girl
and said with galAe emotion:
II didna like thee, lass. couldna
bear the sight o. thee; but all that has
passed now; an you'll try to forget the
wrong I've done thee?'
81 shall remember nothing but the
dabt OF gratitude owe you"
"You see," Bladon went on in contrite
apology, lit was thy name that first
set me against thee"
what, 'Wanda?'"
"Aye, lass, There was Wanda once
as wrought bitter wrong to my lads
father-a cruel, hard woman, as wrecked
noble life."
"You mean George Arundel's moth
er?"
II de-. lass. An strange to say. you
are her very image. Only there's soft
ness about thy pretty face there never
was on her'n."
"Was she-''
NAY, nay" Bladon INTERRUPTED. hnr-
riedly, thee mnstpa ask questions.
Geprge.s mother be nothing to thee,
lass, an never will be. Never tell the
young master even mentioned her
name to thee. Forget ever let my old
tongue wag as I've done tozaay; for
least said is soonest mended, an /
WeuId'na regret the bit of confidence
put in thee"
Sand you never shall" she said
sUeetlv as thev naasad into the horse
But, from that time forth, William
Bladon had always kindly smile and
a gracious word for the pretty teacher.
Chapter XIV.
HARRY COMES HoMHs
Alphonse Damiens' strength was laid
low now. Popular opinion was stronger
than the bonds he held over Squire
Robson, and that worthy, seeing no
way to wrigR1e out of his dilemma re-