Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-01-14

through the curtains and bespoke com
fort 10 the weary traveller, who could
scarcely drag along his benumbed
limbs. He boldly approached the door
and knocked vigorously. A colored
man.servant answered his summons,
and hastily calling another TO take his
horse TO the stable, ushcrcd the
drenchcd visitor into q comfortable
room, on whose hearth big log-fire
was burning.
As Frank stood rcveling in the glow.
ing warmth, n tall dignihed, aristo.
cratic old man entered, whose keen,
dark eyes expressed spirit that could
he suave or irritable as occasion
prompted.
"Where are you from" he asked, alb
ruptly, moro in tone OF authority than
Of anxious inquiry.
Frank, shivcring with cold, told his
story briefly and without comment.
When he recited his adventure with
the wounded youth in the forest, the
hosts manner quickly changed. Moth.
ing could be more urbane and agreeable
than the tones In which he babe the
young man welcome to his roof
1--WE must thank your accident for
procuring us the pleasure OF your visit
in this lonely place." he, said, with n
sweet smile. "And, II you will excuse
me few minutes I will see that
chamber Is prepared for your occupa.
ton. You will be glad to be rid Of that
dripping uniform"
but the poor lad. wounded In the
woods" Frank said, anxiously. 1--WE
must lose no time in going to his relief"
"Ah, that is already attended TO. A
party OF my people, attracted by the
firing, hustened TO the spot and found
him just rs you left him. They brought
him here an hour ngo--doubtless you,
being ignorant Of the country, wandered
by more circuitous route"
And Ia he much hurt?" Frank asked.
greatly relieved by the information. II
did not strike him then as remarkable
that his hosts people should have
been so fortunately successful in spot.
ting the whereabouts Of the unfortun.
ate young man, though afterwards
events made the mystery clearer.
You certainly saved his life," the old
man declared, gravcly. "And now.
without more talking, let me go and
make preparations TO relieve your dis.
comfort"
Frank soon found himself in delight
full quarters-a CHEEKY, airy bedroom,
with roaring fire on its hearth and a
suit OF his hosts clothes and linen lying
handy on the snowy covcrlet Of big,
old-fashioned four-post bed. To strip,
to wash, TO dress, was but the work Of
few minutes to the young soldier: but,
quick as he was, he was barely ready
when II servant announced that supper
was served and Mr.. Lascellcs was
awaiting his company.
"Mr, who?' Frank demanded OF the
rctrcating domestic,
"Mass'r Lasccllcs, boss. An the
ladies don gone down In the dipin'-room
already"
Lascelles! Could fate have thrown
him once more In contact with the
Charming heroine of his adventure ut
- Louis? Why not2 She said she
Lived In Kentucky; then, what more
probable than that this mansion werc
her home, and his host the husband OF
the courtly old lady, who had nursed
Charlie Fulton so tenderly2 With these
reneetions' he descended the staircase,
ana ioiiowing the sound OF voices en-
tereu the dln'ng-room'
les, there she was nashing In the
superb beauty that had set his heart
afame so many months ago-she and
another girl about her own ago arm In
arm, while the old man stood slightly
fownlhg NJ the unavoidable delay.
mary Lascelles recognized him in an
instant "thont the slightest sign OF
embarrassment she stepped forward
WIN outs'retched hand very tiny and
uelea'e u was TOO FRANK noticed) to
welcome MN.
why MIR, besant' she said, sweetly
ms Is indeed an unexpected pleas
ure.
lhch turning 70 the Ola gentleman
she added with dcmurc assurance II
hau 'he graunchtloh OF making Mr.
besaht acquaintance during my stay
IN 81 LOUIS last tall, grandfather
MT Laseellcs dld not speak, but n
scarcely perceptlole movement OF his
eyebrows expressed his surprise
And now" continued the charming
girl TO Frank, "let me introduce you to
my cousin, Mabel Carter. There, you
know us Ill now, so let us get 10 sup
per"
! Conversation at tho table flowed
freely, but Bcsant could not but observe
that when brief allusion was made 10
the fall OF Fort Donelson-not by Frank,
you may be sure-her proud nostrils
seemed to dilate and decidedly danger
OuS cNDrcSyiDn plitterpd In Miss Las