Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1894-03-17
Dayton, Nevada, Saturday, March Y, 1894.

My heart beat wildly as caught sight OF
the kilns beyond Westminster, my head
swan, and every object grew dim and in
distinct before my eyes as the boat crossed
toward Lambeth pier.
Prudence told me that-here at least
ought to go below or screen myself, for
every man on the pier knew me we'll by.
sight But was deaf to every voice, blind
to every danger. ! even raised my veil
that might better scan the faces of the
passengers upon the pier we were nearing.
Oh, if Taras might only be among themi
II he would come on board. where / might
feel his. preseace!t' There were three or four
familiar faces close to me when we ran
alongside, but not his. stood up and
strained my eyes as the late passengers ran
down the footbridge. He was not among
them, and that vain hope was gone. But
there was still the chance of seeing him at
the window when the bridge was passed
and could get an unobstructed view of the
house. -s
We passed under the bridge, snorting as
the funnel was lowered, and then as the
smoke blew away something seemed to
smite my heart like the blow Of great
hammer. for. looking back, saw the blinds
Of all the windows were drawn down.
Great heaven, Taras is deadP That
was my first thought, and then, divining
the truth, l said to myself, ''The czar has
conquered"
But this end of all happiness was too ter
rible to be accepted while any spark of
doubt remained, and | tried to cheat myself
with hopes-as If mere belief could alter
the course of inevitable fate. or hope undo
what was done. tried to explain the drawn
blinds by supposing less dreadful calam-
ity. Poor old Mere Lucas was gone
Eyes, yes" said to myself. grasping at
this possibility. Mere Lucas is dead, poor
soulp'
Leaving the boat at Vauxhall pier. thur
ried along Millbank, repeating this phrase
again and again like charm and crossing
Lambeth bridge drew near the old house,
still striving to believe that my eyes had
deceived me, yet faint with dread.
could 20 no farther than the corner op-
posite the house. Its aspect of desolation
paralyzed my limbs and forced me to cling
to the wall for support. There was no sign
of life in it. The shutters of the living
room were closed; the blinds of the win
dows above drawn. The bulbs Taras gave
me to plant in the boxes on my window
sills the last week | was with him had
fiowered and faded The withered blooms
hung over the edge. Even the foliage had
dropped for want of attention. At the cor
ner of Ferry street one of the carmen from
the pottery was packing jars in his van.
Needless of the risk ran-for there seemed
no longer any need of disguise-l tottered
across the road. and in a voice made weak
and tremulous by emotion | asked him II
be could tell me where Mime. Lucas lived.
mime. Lucas" he responded carelessly.
still packing away the jars. "Oh, she's
gone away. She used to live In the house
down there as is shut up now She's been
gone ever since Christmas."
"Does-does any one live there nowi"
taltered.
mo. Look here, missis." he added,
Strengthening himself and scratching his
head, you're upset my counting along OF
your questions. Here, Bill Wright" he
called to young man who was arranging
more jars against the wall, heres party
wants TO know something about Mime. Lu
cas-"
81 only wanted to know where could
nnd her." said timidly.
shes living now down in Surrey along
with Mr.. Taras." said William Wright.
"He is not deadt" gasped.
II haven't heard OF his dying. mum,
though | know he was very bad before he
left"
My heart leaped at this Oh, II Taras
were only Ill there was yet hopel
'Can you tell me where can find him
Nine, Lucas, | meanS"
II know it's Woking way where they
live now Betterford thinks the name
Of the place. but can't be sure"
Here" said the carman, run round to
the hoffice, old lady. and ask for Mr.. kava-
nagh He knows. Hand us up them quarts.
Bill"
At that name recognized the rashness OF
my folly, albeit neither the carman nor
William Wright had seen through my dis
CAUSE.-THE reckless madness into which my
fear had led me- Nevertheless within an
hour was on my way to Betterford.