The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-01-08
CHAPTER xI.
A MAD RrDE


time before he could bring his horses
down to steady trot. They started at
their own shadows in the occasional
glimpses of moonlight; the fierce gusts
of wind which came with more con-
slant fury terrified them into mad re-
bellion and, when the snow beat their
faces and the cutting sleet dashed their
sides, it was all that accomplished
horseman could do to keep them in
hand. But at last he succeeded in reduc-
ing their speed to a swift, swinging trot,
which carried them gayly over the
ground 70 the rythmic cadence of the
sleigh bells.
Keep the buffalo robe well wrapped
around your knees" Damiens said. Il
think we had better try the marsh; it
will save at least five miles,
Try the marsh; do you mean the bay
Dolman was speaking of? Is it not
rather dangerous road?"
Bah! Dolman is an old woman-the
bay, or marsh, whatever You like to
call il, is safe enough 10 Il man who
knows his road. But if you are afraid,
why
NO, no, am in your hands, Arun-
del said hastily, go whichever way
pleases you best"
Then, hold on. for we turn down =
hill here, and the descent is a little
awkward"
So awkward that il seemed 10 George
Arundel as though they were going
down the roof Of house, but ere he
could confess his alarm, the runners
grated on the level rough ice OF the
frozen river.
The relief was instantaneous. The
cold, cutting blasts Of wind lost their
fury in the shelter Of the high bank.
and the horses, blown with their furious
speed, relaxed their pace to gentle
walk.
This is ever so much pleasanter."
Arundel observed, though | think we
ran some risk to get here. \ blind
man, YOU know. Mr.. Damlens. may be
excused for being n little nervous. and
my being frightened must not be con-
strucd into a slight of your magnificent
accomplishments as Jehu."
"Oh, I'm all right and the horses
know me-" was the careless response:
but you ought not to mind n little dan
ger for the enjoyment of so much hap
piness as you have had to-day. There's
many man would 60 through twice as
much for such n reward"
Yes, have had delightful day."
Arundel replied. puzzled at the sudden
change Of his companions tone.
And, when i the marriage 70 come
off" the Frenchman asked abruptly.
The marriage-what marria-e?''
why your own, of cOurse-yours
and the pretty teachers" was the
coarse reply.
DO You mean by the pretty teacher
to refer to Miss Arlington"
Who else? You are not ashamed of
your choice, SUPPOSE"
Has anyone dared To hint at such
thing" Arundel demanded in angry
tones.
NO need to hint-I've got eyes in my
head to see with, I suppose, if you have
not. ," was the brutal rcjoinder
Il don't know what YOU moan bv as
suming this tone to me- George said.
highly indignant: Ito taunt mo with
my afiliction Is not a very brave thing
to do, Mr.. Damiens. Perhaps, if l had
the blessed privilege Of sight. YOU
would be moro careful in your selection
OF words and your manner Of using
them"
Bah, What do YOU mean by swapping
a mans head of Tor venturing q re-
mark? Is Wanda Arlington
Please. Mr.. Damiens, let Miss Arl-
inCton's name rest"
''Oh. so Miss Arlington must not be
talked about, or even thought about. l
suppose. by anyone but Mr.. Arundel
How selfish you successful lovers are
George was silent. \ rctort rose to
his lips, but he wisely curbcd his
tongue. Helpless as he was, what
could he do 10 check the ribald non
sense of this man. who seemed deter
mined to pick quarrel with him.
But silence did not suit Damiens'
mood.
Aye, you thought you'd got the
game in Your own hands. didn't you,
Mr.. Blind Man? But when you made
your plans to entrap Wanda with your
appeals to her pity, you left
me out OF your calculations, guess"
Good heavens. Is the man insane?"
George muttercd.
Well might he ask himself the ques- /
ton. for the next moment his cOTapan- I.
on's voice, hOarse with passion, was /
-isSiy'r- y, his oar 81 mild md i1anIarn7-