The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-03-30
cHAprEn Lfco.,,nuea,

"What" calculated Sir Basil, half
springing from his seat. II do not UNI
dcrstand, Mr.. Baldrick."
The creole, ut this instant, passed
decanter Of the drugged wine to Roger,
who cxcitally refillcd his glass, and as
quickly cmpticd it again.
Pelham Warrington glanced slgniti-
cantly at Sir Basil, who nodded his
head approvingly.
IL don't wonder ut your not under
standing Inc. Sir BASIL" proceeded the
lieutenant, stammcringly. Its hard to
believe in the tickleness of woman,
isn't it,"
some mistake. Mr.. Baldrick!" Warning
ton put In very blandly.
"Mistake! Nothing of the Sort" re-
turned the sailor, bluntly. I'm no
more to Gertrude Gilruth now than one
Of those glass dccanters,"
Sir Basil Dovetrcc opened wide his
eyes and ears.
You have no rival In her affections,
have youy" asked Pelham Warrington,
as he slipped his wine.
Rival or no rival, our wedding day
is fixed to take place on the sixth Of
this month! Oh! I'm most miserable
wretch"
ION tho sixth! Why, in four days
hence you will be married man, Mr..
Baltlrick." Sir Basil returned In CULVER
ing syllables.
Yes. to he sure. That wine of yours
Is confoundedly strong, Sir BASIL" the
sailor went Oh, passing his hand across
his burning brow. II feel quite con-
fuscd-almost tipsy."
Nonsense, nonsense, Mr.. Baldrick;
all fancy, I'm sure! The wine Is as old
us our good King George. and Of a
famous vintage rs WE'LL" said the bar
onct.
Really! Well, feel immensely stu
pid," the lieutenant rejoincd, with
parchcd lips and inflamed eyes.
II am astOnishcd to hear you say 3d. "
rejoincd the master of the house. "YOll
sailors are accustomed to far more
potent drink than wine, and should
have brains to resist the strongest
vinOus liquid that ever was cencoctesl."
Roger Baldrick started from his chair
and made for the long easement open
ing upon the terrace before the house.
I'm not absolutely inebre-bre-
atcl," suffered he; ''so rs It's glori.
GUS moonlight night, I'd like to have q
walk to the lake."
with all my heart" answered the
hMronet, suddenly draining the glass be-
fore him and joining his guest. 'What
say you, Warrington-will you bear us
company?'
I'm Mt your command, Sir Basil,
the creole answered, rising. and Mt one,
unfastcntng the easement. 1.-The foo
IL stepping into his own grave" he NUT
tered in the barOnct's ear; ''now Il
your time, do not let the opportunity
60 by YOU"
Hardly knowing what he was about
Roger put his arm through that of 81
Richard Dovetree, and the trio proceed
cd In the direction of the lake, which
lay in a secluded part Of the ground
ut no considerable distance from III,
house.
The night was calm and cloudless
II full moon was shining high above
their heads, making every object rount
about distinctly visible.
Sir Basil looked quite CHASTITY. HI
had drunk deeply, nevertheless he wa.
far from being intoxicated. As fol
Warrington, he was perfectly sober
calm aud collected.
The trio silently neared tile lax,
upon whose smooth, CLASSY bosom tn,
moons silvery beams were brightly re-
Aected.
An ornamental bridge of frail con
struture SPAWNED the water, and cas-
dark shadow across its depths.
Roger cried out Mt the sight of TIL,
bridge.
Its there still; remember it we'll
I've stood on 1t many and many /,
time" he said, pointing to it with al
unsteady hand.
perhaps you'd like to stau'l upon /
now, Mr.. Raldrick," suggested the ere
ole.
Indeed ! should, just for the SAX
Of old times" And so saying, the sail
or dropped his companion's arm, an,
dashed upon the bridge.
Take care!' warned 81. Basil; I"
will not vouch for the safety of tn,
structure. Can yOu swim:'
Not n stroke" was the reply.
80 much the better-you can," sait
the creole, Whispering in .he taronet',
ear. Now. he must never live Il
will lose all chance Of securing Ger
tr,le to yourself
Sir Basil clenched his hands ant
ynashed his teeth.
1.-The lake is deep just in the center,
continued Warrington. II ascertained
that fact early this morning."
Great heaven! What mean you, Pei