Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-12-21

CASo Viz uCSh OF WCOU RlslOeJ-WHeu
the thin-sheeted ice on little creeks re-
turned her glances, mirror-like, old
Pete came in from tending the horse,
gathered up oars and oil skins, and
said:
"Et's bout wantin' two hours ter
moonset, Mars Kee, so I'll git de boat
outen the rushes an float 'er down.
One hour by moon you bring missy ter
de Creek
Then, watching his shadow lose itself
in gloom If woods, Carolyn Clay turned
to her companions:
ITO reach home before daylight, in
that disguise" she said, quietly, you
must go now"
''And leave you here alone? Not
hl>ely!' he answered, decidedly. 81 can
slip in unsupported, or, if need be, can
stay here tomorrow"
You must CO." she repeated, firmly.
''You have already risked enough for
me, and there is no possible reason to
stay. 1t is but an hour, and I know the
way to the creek as well as YOU"
''But-leave you alone"
81 will not be. Little as they can re-
place your friendly talk, shall have
my memories" she half sighed, adding,
softly: land my hopes! l insist that
you 60"
"But-should anyone. chance to
come"
in that impossible case, one woman
might perhaps be safer than two" she
answered, with one of her rare smiles.
''Your detection would be ruin
but cannot leave you unprotected"
81 am not" The smile fingered; and
she pointed to the revolver lying on the
dresser. ''But no one will come; it's
absurd to think of it. You must go;
gave my solemn pledge-to Bess.
She will be so anxious about-me!''
The man still argued, protested, wa
vered. The woman was gentle, but
firm, unyielding. So, finally, and with
reluctant feet, he moved towards the
hidden horse, hitching up in haste and
with assistance, at strap and buckle, from
little hands as deft as they were taper.
For the moon was low in the west, throw
ing deep, long shadows from the trees, as
| Mckee mounted the seat and held out
his hand.
Il must obey you," he said, half
sheepishly, ''as you insist so strenuous
ly. Go down soon to the creek. God
watch and speed you, Miss Clay! You
are the bravcst woman ever met"
May He keep and protect you, Will
lie Mckee, she answered, warmly. Il
owe you a debt that words cannot eX-
press. Good-by! and may Bessie re-
ward you always for loyalty to her
friend!''
She stood wrapped in deep thought
as he turned into the roadway, trotting
rapidly northward. Then she turned
slowly to the cabin and sank into
chair, again questioning the Goals as to
the future-and the past.
AS Mckee turned into the road two
dimly-outlined figures, in shadow of the
trees, moved noiselessly farther into the
woods. Both peered out intently at the
passing trap and its strange occupant,
but both renamed silent Us ghosts until
they ratified out of sight.
| "a woman! What can it mcan?" one
queried.
Its all right" the other answered.
''That is Carroll Meredith's trap, and
think his old servant. She must be
there!"
He pointed to the du1l-glowirg win
dow OF the cabin; and both men, still
keeping close in the skirt of woods,
crept noiselessly up and peered into it
eagerly.
She as there! Let's" the first
speaker began; one firm hand over his
mouth, the other pulling him down be-
meath the sill, as Miss Clay quickly
turned her eyes from fire to window.
Am growing nervous?" she said to
herself, with half-smile. Il really
fancied heard whisper there. Caro-
lyn Clay, am ashamed of your coward
| ice!"
The two shadowy figures had with
drawn to some distance, the first speak
er again the first to break silence.
"Why not?" he whispered, eagerly.
1.-THE coast is clear. Let me go in and
speak"
First, let me remind you to remem-
Der your pledge" the other broke in.
81 must be in the city by dawn. You
are to go alone; but hold you to your
oath in spirit as in letter! Remember!
Absolute silence"
Not even to"
''To none, save to Mimi One whisper,
one hint, might ruin all. More lives
than yours and raisru depend upon it."
Il will obey" was the answer. God
| knows l can never cancel my debt to
| you! Without my oath, your wish
| would be my law. will be silent and
| obey"
Enough! I trust you" He held oat
his hand. His companion grasped it,
standing quite still, as it was with
drawn-with something like a groan-
and the man passed rapidly away into
| the shadows.
A moment later Miss Clay again
| started-this time to her feet. There
was no mistake; a step sounded with
out, approaching the cabin. Quickly
the girl grasped the revolver, leveling
it as a soft tap sounded on the door.
sharp click sounded warning stimuli
taneously with her calm call:
Come in!''
The door swung slowly open, and the
freight showed her a stalwart figure,
dressed in the very height of loudest
fashion.
Then a cry broke from her lips, and
the next instant she was folded in the
arms of Evan Fauntleroy!
CHAPTER Kill
IN CAMP MORTON
Packed in with companions in misery,
on the prison train, that frosty Balti-
l,al