The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1893-03-16
Con nue. ! from first nave.

derson, OF which the Stacks lived.
Mark concluded to take this road us far
as Anderson, and then strike west with
a view to reaching McMinnville On the
other side of the mountains. Mrs. Fain
left all to Professor Rhett, in whom she
had perfect confidence, and on coming
to the road in question Mark led the
party northwarl.
The change Of route was unfortunate,
inasmuch as it would add another day
to the journey. The departure from the
Fain residence had been delayed by the
preparations till rearly noon. McMinn-
vile was. a considerable distance over
the mountains, and Mark knew they
could not reach it that night. He re-
memhered that they would soon pass
the 81 lcks', and it occurred to him that
it would be IA capital place to pass the
night. giving them good day of twelve
hours light on the morrow to pursue
their journey. His disappointment at
the delay was compensated for by the
thought that he would likely learn
something of Souri, and Jakey, of whom
he ha,. heard nothing since he left them
in the Chattanooga jail.
Mark told Laura of his plan. She was
distressed at the delay. Something
seemed to tell her that it would bring
trouble But Marks reasoning was IN
answerable, and there seemed nothing
else to do. If they must spend night
anywhere it would better be among
those upon whom Mark could rely.
At last they drove up at the Stacks
gate. Mark handed the reins to Laura
and jumped from the phaeton inpatient
ly. Not seeing any one in the front Of
the house he proceeded to the rear. The
first person he met was Jakey. He took
the boy up and Rugged him.
Are you glad to see your big brother,
Jakey"
Air tn corn ripe!'
Souri, came out Of the house, her big
eyes glistening and her expressive face
radiant with pleasure and excitement.
She had heard nothing of Mark since he
left her in prison. Mark seized her by
both hands.
You uns air safe. knowed it," she
said. almost in whisper. She could
hardly speak for joy.
For the present, Souri,, thanks to
you
Mark asked no questions then. He
knew that they were safe and at home,
and he fastened to inform them and the
father and mother who came out to well
! come him that he was with party who
was unaware of his true character. which
they must not betray, and desired per-
! mission to stay i'll the house over night.
! Then he led them around to the gate.
Daniel had meanwhile caught up, and
the two vehicles We're halted i'll the road.
I'VE willspend the night with these
good people," said Mark. They are
| quite willing, and will make us as com
Portable as possible
The party alighted and the horses We're
driven to the barn. Mrs. Fain and her
daughter We're given the room in which
Mark had changed his clothes when he
went through to the south, and Mark was
assigned a bivouac on the gallery. or in
| the barn. or any other place he might Sc
lect.
An apology for meal was carried in
to Mrs. Fain and Laura. which they left
untasted. preferring luncheon they had
brought with them in d basket. After
supper Laura came out and begged Mark
to bring Souri, and Jakey to speak to her.
She smoothed Jakey's tumbled hair out
of his eyes and asked him if he remem
bered her. Jakey was about to reply in
his usual fashion when he checked him
self, and for the first time since Mark
had known him answered directly
Souri, stood eying Laura from the cor.
ners of her black eyes with mingled
expression of admiration and antago
nism. Laura spoke to her kindly. but
got only monosyllables in reply.
Mark passed the evening with the
Slack family listening to recital OF
Souri's and Jakey's experience after he
had left them in the Jail at Chattanooga
and he gave them all account Of his OWL
adventures.
After all were asleep that night Mark
took Farmer Slack out into the yard
where they could converse unheard. and
developed plan he had conceived fol-
Souri, and Jakey.
1T is due to your son and daughter.
he said. that am here at this moment
indeed that l am alive. | belong to 8
wealthy family and am wealthy myself
1t only requires means to make splen
aid woman Of the girl and a fine man OF
the boy, for means will produce educa
ton. and education is the open door to &
desirable career l am going to leav
with you letter 60 my father in Ohio
which will contain an order for sufffi
Gent amount of money to insure bot
Jakey and Sour; an education. Take 0
send them north. present the letter. an,
you VIII find everything provided TO
you. Souri, may not consent at once
but doubtless she will in time Now
must have pen and paper
''You uns is good un. stranger.
treat us ar. Hadn't you better send til
letter when Y git no thu"
NO. | must write it tonight. an
by no means safe; my neck is still in
halter"
The man led the way to his bedroom