The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1894-03-24
CHAPTER WI.

Valerie Ross was chatting in her
most pleasant manner to Lady Darrell
whom her quick ears caught the
sound of arrivals on the graVcled path
leading to the castle entrance. She
rose and swept to the window: her
quick eyes caught a glimpse Of Roy's
face, white ant agItatcd, as he threw
himself from his horse, and her heart
told her that something bad happened.
So great was her cmot on that for an
instant a film gathered over her eyes.
She could distinguish no other among
the group of hOrscmen below. and
when the mist cleared away they had
AL dismOuntcd and hal entered the
castle.
At all hazards she must know what
had happened.
She made some hurried excuse to
Lady Darrell, and Slipped from the
room.
maid. The woman had never liked
her, and since her very opcn abuse of
poor Ali g, had grown to hatcher
w hat has happened. Davis" cried
Valerie, shrilly, forgetting even her
dignity in her fear. is anything the
mattcr.'
Nothing that I have heard Of
miss" answered Davis, and then Va
lerie knew She must endcayOr to grow
calm, or she would betray herself
Il thought ! heard noise, she
said, cOldly, but dare say | was mis-
taken"
Il think you must have been, miss ."
Valerie swept away. At the heal Of
the staircase she halted. ShO I'D she
90 downstairs o" not, Hermovemcnts
were soon decided, for at that instant
Roy. followed by frank Meredith and
Godfrey Armistead, ran up the stairs.
All, Valerie he cried. cXCitedly.
Great news We have captured som"
OF the burglars, and traced nv
Lady Darrell. Who're is my mother:
He hurried of. leaving Valerie face to
face with Mr.. Armistead. She grew
suddenly pale
Caught some of the robbers" she
exc Anne /. How romantic Where
an how? Ah. Mr. Meredith. YOU are
the gentleman who bcfriended my
Lady Alice the other day. And Othc.
laced her: Where is She"
safe, | trust, " said Godfrey Armi-
steam We have scotchcd two ofthc
villains. the other we shall have to-
morrow"
NaIeries heart stood still.
Are they very ferocious3" she
asked in a forced laughing manner.
DO they look very TERRIBLE"
They are most ordinary in fat one
is strangely like yourself.
Valerie gasped, put out one hand
and clutchcd the baluetrade.
Godfrey mOtiOncd Frank away: he
I,t, nj
hereyes.
My brother Paul" she gasped.
IL below in handouts
My God, failed" she murmurcd
wildly: what has happened2" She
passed her hand over her ewes: then
ner brain cleared MIR. Armistead
she pleaded pass onatcly. .'nelp me. I
beg. ~ wretched brother. You
know what | have suffered through
him. For Gods sake help m. now.
They know nothing of him here
shall toe disgraced cternalIy shamed.
unless you Will aid me- See. I Hinr
myself at your feet, Help me to escape
this
Il will help you on one condition. ="
Geoifrey Armistead said quietly.liftin
Valerie from her humiliating position:
and on one condition only
Name il, cried Valerie.
That you confess what share YOU
had IN Lady Darrell's abduction:"
She gave slight scream. then drew
herself up.
Il don't understand you. she said
haughtily. You insult NE by such
words"
''Oh no, don't" answered Geofrev.
= am pretty good Judge Of things,
Madame Valerie. and Your own Iip-
have condemned you. What did YOU
whisper just now. Failed. What
has failed Your plan. of course.
Come, will you confess:"
Never. said Valerie, pa. sionately.
II Is all false. | know nothing"
i hear Lord Darrell coming. Twill
tell him all-tell him that the woman
he Is harboring in his home Is the sic