The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-08-07

father TO do-to go into the feast and gayety
and leave his child out there; but he pro-
vided for her safety as we'll as he could,
better. he believed, than If he had made il
bis own care, by giving the man servant
strict tnjunctions TO get her to drink the
wine, and when she came to herself to see
her safely home.
II was with heart heavy as lead that be
turned away once more up the steps.
NELL Nellimy poor child; to think 1
dare do no more-that l must leave you
like this. But it shall be only for Tonight
Not many hours longer shall we be apart.
I'll risk all, give up all, 10 insure your
safetyp The sounds Of mirth and gaYety
from within here broke in strangely on his
revere. ''Ahln be went on, with a bitter
smile, as by the aid of his stick he dragged
his distor ted body up the steps, "Ah, my
friends! I'm coming to be your host once
more-only this once. Tomorrow you
may seek in vain for Sir Lawrence Hunt
ingford and the Rat. l shall be far away
with my child. to win my way somehow
It doesn't matter how, 30 that we are to-
gether, my child and my little blind
Nell"
Now Thomson, the footman, was by no
means hard-hsarted man, and despite the
disappointment at losing the dainties which
he had promised himself in the buffers
pantry, readily undertook his masters or
ders and by dint of forcing few drops Of
wine down the girls throat, contrived to
obey at least part Of them.
But the other part was not SO easy.
On coming to herself, the girl. in her
blind plessness, was more frightened
than thankful for the care bestowed upon
her, and declaring that she was quite res
covered. refused all offers OF projection to
her home
81 would rather, far rather. go alone"
she said, shrinking away; for the mau's
persistency and masterful manner, added
every moment to her alarm.
81 thank you for your kindness, but l
am quite well, and able to go alone"
Well if you won't be a sensible young
woman and let me help you, don't tell my
master as how didn't try to carry bout his
orders"
And, beating a retreat into the house with
more speed than he usually felt consistent
with his dignity, Thomson made straight
for the pantry, and enjoyed himself so
much there that he forgot to quit it until
the next morning, when he was kicked OUT,
or, to put it plainly, discharged with an ex-
cellent character for getting drunk. This
circumstance aided the Rat in the fulfil
ment Of an awkward condition Of his state
which was forced upon him.
Thus, despite Sir Lawrence's precaution,
his child was left to the dangers of the
streets, to any villain who might not scru-
pie TO take advantage of her helplessness,
to the mercy of the one whom above all
others he most feared. Royal had not been
as oblivious of the little scene OF the steps
as he had seemed.
His quick eye had noted the girl where
she stood, but he would have passed by
with no more than look, had not his mind
been full of rancor against the Rat, which
made any object of his compassion arouse
In his mind feeling Of evil.
He felt he had been worsted in his late at
tempt to win his way in the society which
moved round the new haronet. Since his
rage was powerless to touch his partner in
his revengetul mood he did not scruple to
let it light upon the girl in whom he had
seemed interested. Had any scruples risen
In his mind he would have shaken them off,
telling himself he meant no real mis- chief to
the girl. only to give her a Lesson not to be
seen wandering in the streets alone and un-
protected, to starte her by making her pay
toll TO him in kiss. Ii was just such a
piece OF mischief as he had done scores of
times before to birds who were rarely of
the dove-like species the child appeared to
be.
The street was entirely empty. ROYAL
was in no mood to be afraid OF consequences
The very chances OF resistance only
urged him the more to offer 1t, when he re-
called how singing he could make the re-
cital to his wife.
nature, tie villain approached the victim,
of his unmanly revenge.
AS he did 80 she started at the sound of a
church clock at the end of the street strik-
ing the hour.
$50 late-alreadyl" she said to herself,
in terrified dismay. "He said he always
passed by the church at o'clock. so that
might know when to expect him by my
window, but never told me which way he
came 1t may be this-it may be the other
and / may miss him, and then Ah,
what shall | do9 How shall | find him
when am 80 helpleSs-when | do not even
know his name, only that he spoke kindly
60 me as sat one day crying at the win
dow because Of my lost eyes, aud that he
came day after day, and seemed TO care to
come. All, why did l run away. Why
did not wait until knew where l might
find him2 Now ! may be lost, and never
see him again. All. no-no-I must go on.
l must find him if | can. He is the only
one in the whole world who can help and
save me-"
She set forth on her way with that des-
perate sort of courage which a sense Of
helplessness begets. feeling her way by the
palings in the direction she had been fol-
lowing when the crowd bad stopped her.
As she did so a hand was laid upon her
arm aud a voice said in her ear in an in
sinuating tone. "Are you better, my pretty
birdi"
For the moment she thought it was the
man servant, but the next moment the
voice convinced her it was not, and filed
her with q greater fear than his rough help
had done.
This idea was confirmed, when aJ her
effort to free herself from tae hold it tight
ened, so as to make her a complete pris-
oner. o, how bitterly in that moment did
she regret the impulse which had made her
quit the shelter from which she had stolen
away Her first impulse was to scream for
help, but the double terror that this might
involve her being taken, perhaps, back to
the home she hated so much, perhaps even
to prison, made her seek some other way of
gaining Ler freedom.
By great effort she controlled herself.
40. sir" she gasped, family, please let
| me cop
80 will my pretty one, he said with a
| laugh, "but not until you have paid toll for
your prettiness."
81 have no money. Indeed, sir, l have
not" she replied more bravely, thinking
she was in the hands Of beggar or at least
thief
But the reply undeceived her.
1T isn't money l want said Royal in
his most alluring tones, II want a kiss
| from those pretty lips. and mean to have
it."
80, no, no." she cried IN her terror at q
proposal which seemed to her absolute deg
radiation. "Let me GO! let me go!"
a hat ,,r,WYa aVNN f.aah anA n An