The Forrest City times., 1892-05-06
VIDA'S REVENGE,
CHAPTIK v.-coNTIf JED.

CHApTER v.-CoNTIFUEp. 'Come," said Hugh Brandreth. pallnr q eittle, don't jest with me. You know how Gear to me Basil is-" "Brandreth, on my word of honor he has not been near Gordonfells," said MT. Moore earnestly.
 He left Briarwood abou. five o'clock. and ought to have been here by six, said Nr. Brandreth; lon my word don't under Stand it."
 No more do I. But we won't alarm our- sslves just yet, Brandreth. Come into the library, and we will see what we can make of it."
 They could make nothing of it, and in few minutes, Mir. Brandreth with a color. less face was riding for the police to come and see what they could do.
 Ere he came back all at Gordonfells knew that Basil was missing; but Ruth still held her letter close, and Vida dared not sneak of it.
 Better that they should think that he is dead" thought Ruth, than know that he is false. Oh, Basil-Basill cruel as you have been. your honor Is safe with me-"
 All day long ths police, accompanied by Ar. Moore and Mir. Brandreth. went abou. making inquiries, and obtained no clue Some of the villagers had heard horse 90 through the village about half-past five o'clock, but none had looked out to sec who the rider was. He was as clean gone as if he had b.en spirited away.
 What is your opinion?' asked MT, Moore of the inspector who had charge of the in- Quiries-
 'I think tho young gentleman is alive somewhere" was the reply. "Yes, and you think something more." "I do not believe that he came near Cor donfells."
 Just my opinion" said Mir. Moore. eI think, Brandreth, that Basil is playing some youthful prank"
 ''No mo-" replied the sorrowing father; Basil was no. such fool. Foul play has taken my noble boy from me-
 The inspector shrugged hl. shoulders. ] "I don't wish to disagree with you, Mr. Brandreth," he said but men in our line come across many mysterious disappear. ances that are not at all mysterious"
 What do you meanP
 "Young gentlemen get into debt-'
 "My son does not owe shilling"
 "Or they fall in love with parties that their friends object to, and steal of with them"
 "Enoughr' said Mir. Brandreth. 'I'll hear no more. You take professional view of my sons disappearance; but l have a fath- CTS instinct to guide me which is some thing better and surer than your experience. My son has met with foul play. tell you, and will fathom it. Woe to them who have injured him; and should he be dead. by Heavens I'll have such revenge that all the land shall ring with the storyf'
 And, putting spurs to his horse, he rode away without another word simply notion ing with his hand an sdieu to Abel.
 Mir Moore reds slowly home, wonder Ing how he should break ths news to Ruth, and what theory he should ad .pt to account for BasiPs absence. Mrs. Moore was wait Ing for him, and on that head she set his mind at rest.
 Ruth has been speaking to me about Basil" she said; ''she desires that he may not be spoken of in her presence"
 "A wise and prudent suggestion" said Abel; it is better that he should be forgot ten."
 AS one dead" said Mrs. Moore.
 But not dead" returned Abel. "l sec you think ss the officers and do. Bran- dreth insists that he has met with foul piay' but that's all nonsense
 You and Basil are the only two men l over believed ip," said his wife; "and Basil has decNved me, so have only you left to place m faith upon"
 And ! think you may trust me- replied her husband. But surely you do not doubt Kenard."
 He is my son; and what mother, worthy of the name, ever doubted her boy? When speaking of doubt or faith, woman does not include her children"
 II wonder what Kenard will say?" sad MT. Moorg, musing.
 What he says matters little" said Mrs. Moore; T fear what he will do. II ever lie meets Basil he will shoot him like dos. Kenard loves Ruth dearly"