Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1892-01-22
A Winter Niglt;;
OR,
Found in a Sn0W-Drift.
Or,
CHAPTER *. coNr1NuEn.

| WHAT misery IL Is TO have to sneak
away like thieves in the night" said Pierce,
as he settled Dorothy in flrst-class car.
riage.
She was heavily yelled, and seemed very
feeble.
Jane rode apart, feeling very Jolly: the
Idea OF so much change was pleasant 10 her.
and she liked Dorothy immensely.
Il suppose l was foolish to travel with
you, darling, but could not bear the idea
OF you enduring the long journey alone. l
fear 1t will tire GU terribly Are you sure
you are well wrapped up? i have tipped the
guard to keep all outsiders away. Is your
foot-warmer comfortable"
Yes, L am quite too cosy; shall 60 to
sleep, L believe"
$50 you shall, sweet II you will rest your
dear head on my shoulder, so that can kiss
you when like. l hate that horrld veil, I
can't get at your lips"
Dorothy laughed, and lifted IL so that he
could kiss her sweet red lips. Then she
said:
When do we start, Pierce?"
Almost directly. Keep your head turned,
Will lean out Of the window, and see there
is no one about
Everything went smoothly, and the train
steamed out of the station without any
unusual delay.
The journey passed pleasantly enough to
the lovers.
AT Gloucester Pierce said he would get
out second to get drink, and asked Dor.
othy If she would have anything.
NO, dear, thank you, Mrs. Steel filed nv
TASK with wine; but you get yourself a
bottle of Bass, know there is nothing YOU
like so well, and don't forget you want
some matches, or you will be done out of
your smoke"
"All right, pet; keep your seat I'll shut
the door. l hope no one will get in"
Pierce swung out of the carriage, and ran
across the platform to the refreshment-bar.
Directly he had gone, a gentleman opened
the door and got in, sat down in corner.
tilted his hat over his eyes, and remained
rs still as mute.
He was on the same side as Dorothy, who
did not take much notice of him, so anxious
was she for Pierce's return.
Take your seatsv' shouted the guard.
banging the doors to noisily, and Dorothy's
heart sank.
She saw Pierce come out Of the bar and
hesitate. Tire rush confused him.
Dorothy was about to get up to wave her
hand to attract his attention, when the gen.
ueman stood up and filled the window with
his big bulk.
"Oh, please let me look out, my friend
has missed the carriage"
Still the man did not stir.
Dorothy got desperate, and putting her
hand on his arm, said excitedly:
You are no gentleman to stand there
preventing my friend from finding me Let
me look outr
Still he was as immoveable as fate.
The train moved, and another moment il
had steamed away.
Dorothy, afraid Of she knew not what, sat
down shivering.
just then the man turned round, and sat
down beside her, saying:
80 am no gentleman. Yet l am your
Miss Snow, and have a right TO
know why you are travelling at night with
d man Of whom 1 altogether disapprove."
With shrek of terror Dorothy sank back
In her seat, her eyes riveted on the exukant
face of the man she feared more than the
King of Terrors.
"God help mev' walled Dorothy. "Whai
shall do?"
why, act as modest girl should: return
TO your home with me, and try to trust youi
best friend"
"You my friend! Sooner than be at your
mercy l would throw myself among a pack
Of hungry wolves. Keep your distance,
ion't dare to touch me, or will throw my.
self out OF the train. 1 am no coward, there
S nothing under heaven l fear as do YOU"
on are in my power, Dora; If you are
wise you will not provoke me. am a des.
Derate man, and this is a dangerous venture
.or us both. You see this pistol? If you
ion't promise TO return to my protection, |
swear L will shoot you, and myself after.
wards"
He put the shining toy away, and stood
'ver her, white with passion.
She tried to get away from him to ring
he alarm, but his strength was too much for
Ter, yet he held her kindly.
keep quiet, Dora, and listen to me. lam
'our guardian, the law gives me control
'vor you. l followed you here tonight to
,eep you from clipping with man Of whom
do not approve.
u can enforce my authority, but prefer to
Use persuasion. Listen to me. If you will
'et out next time the train stops, will for.
i've all; If not, and Pierce Penfold and ]
meet, there will be murder done, for l am
desperate, and would risk more than life to
.eep you with me-"
Dorothy looked at the stern set face. re-
LEVIED her position quickly, then said, with
er Innocent eyes appraised to his:
Horace Middleton, let me appeal to your
etter nature. Hear me. love Mr.. Pen
old, and have promised to marry Kim al
ny cost. will keep my promise. do
OF fear death, but do loveless life.
For the sake of my fathers friendship,
ny mothers trust, do not betray me; let me
o my own way, and be happy. Even If
ad not got to care for Pierce l could never
ave cared for you.
For once be kind TO me: II you loved me
oil could not be so cruel as to make me
'retched. IL you attempt to harm me
ill find way 10 punish you, OF die in the
tempt Remember l have friends-per.
APPS but panel divides me from my cho.
III protector. Pause before you make
ourself amenable to the law"
II fear nothing but yonr loss. l swear
lat man shall never marry you; would
Ill you first. Oh, Dora! why won't you
we me iiitle%'
Dorothy did not answer. She was sick
18th fear; he held her as in vice, and il
lie screamed, the wilma, through which they
ere rushing at phantom speed, would carry
pr voics away like whisper.
On. OH, they sped in silence, their eyes
garding each other suspiciously.