Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-08-02
A Fair
Blockade Breaker !
BY T. c. pELEoN.

but there was a glory, as of tender
memory, over It, and a sadly tender
light stole into the eyes that gazed long
and absently In the Goals on Pete's rude
hearth.
Hours later-when the slow-riding
moon had silvered crisp twig and soft
ened the dusk of wood glades-when
the thin-sheeted ice on little creeks re-
tuSned her chances, mirror-like, old
PeNo came In from tending the horse,
gathered up oars and oil skins, and
said:
"Et's bout wantin' two hours ter
moonset, Mars Kee, SO I'll git de boat
outen the rushes an float 'er down.
One hour by moon you bring missy ter
de creek"
Then, watching his shadow lose itself
in gloom of woods, Carolyn Clay turned
to her companion:
ITO reach home before daylight, in
that disguise" she said, quietly, you
must go now"
"And leave you here aloneP Not
likely!" he answered, decidedly. "I can
slip in unsupported, or, If need be, can
stay here tomorrow"
"You must CO." she repeated, firmly.
"You have already rislsed enough for
me, and there is no possible reason to
stay. 1t is but an hour, and know the
way to the creek as well as you.'
"But-leave you alonei'
"I will not be. Little as they can re-
place your friendly talk, shall have
my memories" she half sighed, adding,
softly: land my hopes! I insist that
you 60"
"But-should anyone chance to
come"
"In that impossible case, one woman
might perhaps be safer than two," she
answered, with one of her rare smiles.
"Your detection would be ruin"
But l cannot leave you unprotected"
II am not" The smile fingered; and
she pointed to the revolver lying on the
dresser. But no one will come; tits
absurd to think of it. You must go;
gave my solemn pledge-to Bess.
She will be SO anxious about-mel''
The man still argued, protested, wa
vered. The woman was gentle, but
firm, unyielding. So, finally, and with
reluctant feet, he moved towards the
hidden horse, hitching up In haste and
with assistance, at strap and buckle, from
little hands as deft as they were taper.
For the moon was low in the west, throw.
ing deep, long shadows from the trees, as
Mckee mounted the seat and held out
his hand.
81 must obey you," he said, half
sheepishly, 'as you insist so strenuous
ly. Go down soon to the creek. God
watch and speed you, Miss Clayl You
are the bravest woman ever met"
MAY He keep and protect you, VIII
lie McKee" she answered, warmly. 81
owe you n debt that words cannot ex-
press. Good-by! and may Bessie re-
ward you always for loyalty to her
friendl''
She stood wrapped in deep thought
rs he turned into the roadway, trotting
rapidly northward. Then she turned
slowly to the cabin and sank into a
chair, again questioning the Goals as to
the future-and the past.
AS Mckee turned into the road two
dimly-outlined figures, in shadow of the
trees, moved noiselessly farther into the
woods. Both peered out intently at the
passing trap and its strange occupant
but both renamed silent as ghosts until
they ratified out of sight.
| "a woman! What can it meanP" one
queried.
Its all right" the other answered
"That is Carroll Meredith's trap, and
think his old servant. She must bt
>therev'
He pointed to the dull-glowing win
dow of the cabin; and both men, still
keeping close in the skirt of woods
crept noiselessly up and peered into i
eagerly.
''She is there! Let's" the frs
speaker began; one firm hand over his
mouth, the other pulling him down be
meath the sill, as Miss Clay quickly
turned her eyes from fire to window.
"Am growing nervous?" she said tx
herself, with half-smile. 81 really
fancied heard a whisper there. Caro-
Ign Clay, am ashamed of your coward
| icel"
The two shadowy figures had with
drawn to some distance, the first speak
er again the first to break silence
"Why' not2" he whispered, eagerly
"The coast is clear. Let me go in ant
speak"
"First, let me remind you to remem
Der your pledge" the other broke in
CT must be in the city by dawn. Yo1
are to go alone; but hold you to you
oath in spirit as in letter. Remember
Absolute silence"
NOC even 10
"To none, save to him! One whisper
one hint, might ruin all. More live
than yours and mine depend upon it."
81 will obey" was the answer. go,
knows I can never cancel my debt t
you'll Without my oath, your wis
would be my law. will be silent an
obey"
Enough trust you" He held on
r his hand. His companion grasped II
0 standing quite still, as it was with
drawn-with something like groan-
and the man passed rapidly away int
the shadows.
= A moment later Miss Clay agai
started-this time to her feet. Their
was no mistake; n step sounded with
i out, approaching tho cabin. Ouickl
the girl grasped the revolver, levelin
it as soft tap sounded on the door.
= A sharp click sounded warning simu
taneously with her calm call: