Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-07-29

denly adding: ''How in thunder could it have come from Yankee headquarters? Will, it's trap or a joke"
 Ut is no joke," was the confident re, ply "The words are too exact for CO., incidence. She must see it, anyway. It will fix her determination to go; and we must get her to the river before the freeze. Wait till come back"
 Hastily pocketing the letter, Mckee seized hat and overcoat, sallied into the street, and raced for the Gray mansion. Bessie opened the door for him, her ear more acute from long and wondering waiting-recognizing his step before his hand touched the bell.
 "Well, you are here at last, Willic," was her eager greeting. Eve looked for you four whole days. Where hdUO you been?"
 'I have been quite busy" he an swered, formally. II have sent daily notes for Miss Clay, inclosed to you"
 And without one word for me-" the girl replied, with a little pout. But, Willie, have watched for you all day ran down from Caro- dozens of times to see if you had not come."
 'I have come now" he answered, with what aimed at dignity but struck pettishness only. And I must see Miss Clay at once"
 The girl stared at him, surprised, a hot flush stealing to her face and hot words to her lips But she held them back, saying, as gently as gravely:
 And have not seen you for four days!"
 II saw you," was his quick reply-''at the prisoners.
 ''Then why did you not come to me? never saw you once."
 q presume notr' This was at zero mark. "You were much better em- ployed."
 "Perhaps was; but I always have time to welcome you-Willie, what a the matter2 What hdUe done, that you | should be so diff"
 "Nothing," he interrupted, stifly. "Can not see Miss Clay? It is very i'm portant."
 'Walk into the parlor," the girl re- piled, coldly. q will see if any servants are about" And, without even a glance at him, she ran lightly upstairs.
 "She didn't seem to mind it a great deal," Mir. Mckee said to himself, turn ing into the empty parlor. But was T1ght. She talks one way and acts an | other. If it had been one of the prison ers-any man! But that fellow!" And he stared at his angry-faced reflection in the mirror, with the pat-me-on-the- back expression of a man who convinces himself against his will. Then he took out the mysterious note again, reading 1t very slowly and very carefully; but, somehow, the characters would change to familiar English penmanship, the short, mystical sentences would twist themselves into those meaningful noth, ings so well remembered in many diff fering missive, on theme less important perhaps, but fateful to his peace ot mind.
 "The coast is clear; you can come, Bessie Westchester said, quietly, as she tripped lightly down the stairs.
 The youth started towards the door hesitated, then halted.
 "She may leave tonight" he said. "Li everything ready?"
 'Of course it is. Mamma has kep things ready for immediate call" Mis- Bessie responded, in business-like tone Her voice was low and gentle, but he1 eyes never met his Come; you said yol were in great haste"
 "It is terribly cold outside" was thu rather irrelevant reply.
 "Is it? thought the wind had dieC down" There was peculiar attempt a interest in the weather showin through her. tone.
 "Yes, it-has; but that only makes colder" v "a ! "Does it? How oddI"
 ''Yes; think it will freeze tonight, he said, vaguely.
 " ahonldn't wonder. BnA would hal