The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1894-03-24

~ 0CCAICu " S1tc way w.
gether. She just managed to totter into
the draWing-room by her husbands
side; and then, with the help of Minna,
who saw that she was at the end Of
her powers Of endurance, she left the
room in time to avoid distressing Duke
and ministered to her quietly and kind
~, bathing her temples and letting III
the soft summer air upon her without
one word. 4
But Cicely recovered herself after a
Few minutes with a great shock.
Go down." she whispered hoarsely,
land see what that man has come for.
Don't let him tease Duke. Tell him to
keep his questions-he is sure to ask
observation-disclosures"
Her voice died away family; she was
worn out. Minna assured her that she
would carry out her wishes faithfully,
and ran down stairs, full Of un:, peaEa-
BILE terror. Something horrible, for
Duke, for all Of them, was going to
happen, something to be brought On
by Mr.. William Berrington's visit. The
lock exchanged by Uncle and neI heW
on their meeting would haze told her
this, wen without Cicsly's anxious
words. She reached the dra wing-room
just too late; Mr.. Bennington had not
failed to take advantage OF Ciccly's
absence; and after wasting very little
time in preliminary speeches, he had
come to the point just as the girl en-
tered the room.
"By-the-by, Marmaduke," he was
saying, trying to speak carelessly. but
betraying his excitement both in look
and tone; "Algernon tells me of a won
derful discovery you made in your
wine-cellar a little while ago, Of a hid
den bin Of choice wine. I propose that
in honor Of your return you should take
us down there and let me choose a
bottle to drink your health on your re-
turn home"
Duke started, flushed deeply and hest
tated. Mr.. Bennington insisted, with
rising excitement. The three onlook-
ers watched and listened with painful
interest; Minna with q chill of terror.
Dukes manifest reluctance Was SO
great al to fill her with alarm, which
grew suddenly more definite upon her
uncle's next words.
Come" said he, trying in vain to
assume q jocular tone, IF you wont
let is see into this wonderful cellar, we
shall think you have something there
which you want to hide"
Duke was standing in the middle of
the room with a dazed expression on
his face, which he had worn from the
first moment that this expedition was
proposed. Now, he stood without an
swering; and when his uncle thrust his
arm through his to lead him toward the
door, he seemed too stupefed to offer
any resistance. Minna, however, white
faced, trembling, sprlng before the
door and barred the way.
HE must not 60 downstairs, uncle.
He would catch a chill. Remember, he
is not yet strong" 80, ,
But Mr.. Bennington brushed her out
Of the way, Is if she had been a fly.
Opposition to his stubborn, patient will
was altogether useless. Still holding
Dukes arm, he merely said 70 the girl:
Go and fetch the cellar key
II can't. Cicely has it. / cannot dis
turb her." painted Minna, while the two
young men stood in the background,
watching and listening with ever-in-
creasing aWkWardness, bewilderment
and fear.
"Tell her to fetch it," said Mr.: Ber-
rington to his nephew, in the tone of
q dictator.
Duke nodded to the girl, still in a be-
Wildered, ~half-stupid manner.
Minna few out Of the room and up
| stairs, and presented herself, painting,
before Cicely. The young wife, who
Was on her knees, sprang UP at the
girls entrance, and put something into
her hands without waiting to be asked.
1t was the key of the cellar.
Her eyes burned brightly, f1ercely;
| her lips were dry and parched.
."Fake It," she whispered IN cultural
tones. And mind you don't bctray by
a single glance where the secret door
was. And tell the boys. *
She pushed the girl from her hastily,
| aud fell once more on her knees. Min
IA went down stairs with trembling
feet.
Uncle and nephew were already at
the cellar door; the two younger men
| were at the head Of the stone staircase
waiting for her. Leonard was trying to
dissuade Algy from going down, but
the curiosity of the other was too
strong.
Please don't remember anything you
saw-when you were down there last
4 tAAlCy puAASCA MAAAAAS 00 o4C PNooCu
them on her way down. s
The young men gave a mumbling as
sent, and followed her slowly to the
Bottom of the staircase, as Mr.. William
| Rerrington's hard voice was heard call
ing to, them to come. -
Duke himself, still supported by his
uncle's arm, still looking as IL he only
half understood the import Of his ac-
lions, took the key from her, and with
some difficulty, for his hands were
weak and trembling, turned it in the
lock, and suffered his uncle to lead him
into the cellar. He shivered as he
| stepped over the uneven ground, and
glanced about him as IL he wanted to
ascape. His nncle's strident voice
echoed through the vaults.
Come now, where Is the precious
bin3 Don't pretend you have forgotten
the way to- II.
mol have not forgotten answered
Duke IN d faltering voice. And to:
Minna's surprise and horror, he led the
way straight IN the direction OF the
secret door.
But It was no longer to be seen. As
row OF white bins partly filled, occupied
the space against the wall before them.
Duke started In q beWildered man
nef at the new obstruction.
ST was here, I'm sure 1t was here.n
was NIL he said.
His uncle shook his arm impatiently.
s.Nonsense,'' he said abruptly. III II
had been there then. 4 would have been
there nov, Z
.sannnnhr17v m,,sf haUa hlnckad it mn