Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1893-04-01

Vida drew near to the fallen man, and
with wild eyes and hushed breath scanned
him over
Suddenly she fell npon her knees beside
him.
Not dead, not dead r. she cried. Basil,
sneak TO me! Oh, Heaven, what have
done? BASIL come back TO lifew
IF you make this noise" said u stern
voice behind her, lyon will bring somebody
who will make II unpleasant for both OF us.
You were mad to come here"
''You yillain.' cried Vida, lesping TO her
feet and turning upon him like an angered
tgress, ''for this foul work will have you
hanged! There Is no gallows high enough
for such pitiless murderer.
"Heydayp' said the masked Bardolph
Dimsey, 80 that Is your game. You set me
to do your dirty work, and when It Is done
you threaten 10 pay me with rope. But,
my lady, mark me we shall die together" I"
She stared at him now like woman sud
denly turned to stone. Her very soul was
frozen with horror
Bardoiph glanced down the road, and see
Ing that nobody was coming, took her by
the wrist, and. tearing off his mask, looked
her full In the face.
ave live or die together" he went on.
"Do you remember that letter 1 posted to-
day? I'm not gypsy yagabond-I've gentle
blood In my veins, and I've learnt to read
and write. opened your letter before
posted II and copied n
you yillainw Missed Vida.
He laughed softly, and put his arm about
her.
Come" he said, ''let us he friends. I've
no notion OF harming yon II you keep your
word. I've done my work, let me have an.
other kiss on account"
He stopped down TO kiss her, but sho
struck him fiercely, and wrenched from his
grasp.
"Do not madden me-" she said .if you 20
too far may despise the risk run myself
and bring the dogs OF justice on you. Look,
man-is Il here" pointing to the still form
OF Basil Brandreth, that yon dare talk OF
love?'
'By-and-by. then" he said recklessly.
i've not been bred SO daintily as you, and
am not so particular. Hurry home, my
bride, you may be missed, and leave me to
give the finishing touches to this job. I've
the grave ready"
Her face blanched, and she shook 30 ter.
ribiy that she was in danger of falling, but
when he put out his arm to hold her up, she
recovered herself with an effort.
do not touch me here" was all she said.
Go then" he answered "but remember
Ihls: shall expect yon tomorrow at the
place where We met and talked so pleasant.
ly this morning. You know the spot, and
do not forget-or shall be induced TO make
a call at the Gordonfells."
IL was peaceful spot In which they stood.
Not far from the place was the old church,
with its massive tower, aud the bright sill.
very moon behind IL.
In the churchyard lay those who slept
with their fathers. and the dark windows Of
the church looked blindly down npon them.
Beyond-a mile away-the lighted houses
OF the village family cleaned.
All so still, so peaceful even to Basil Bran
dreth-peace on everything but the man and
woman oh whose souls lay the weight OF the
murderous deed.
In their hearts dark passions were con.
tending. The fires Of hate and unholy love
burned hercely, flashing from their eyes
The hot blood ran like molten lava through
their veins.
You will come for rle IL do not come to
you" said Vida slowly.
Indeed will" he answered
Suppose ain ill?' she asked. II feel o
fever in MY veins. II may lay me on a sick
couch tomorrow"
Il will not wait for fever or anything"
he said impatIently. "You must come"
so be II then" she said. ''in the after.
noon--an hour before sunset
Then, casting one shuddering glance at
Basil, she drew her cloak closely around
her, and hurried from the place.