The sun., 1894-03-08

joke OF the matter III town, III every
corner of which 1t will be published
with distinctly different particulars"
IN not go to town for a whole
twelvemOnthw said Sir Basil.
"What!' exclaimed the other. "Why
you could never endure RavenSmarsh
for such a period"
II don't intend to do so. Warrington;
I'll be off at once to Africa, or to one
of the Sandwich islands,
''Such an act on your part would
be nothing less than sheer folly"
We'll. what am l to dO?' cried Sir
Basil, his senses all In helpless bewil-
derment.
You cannot now remain much long
er here" returned the creole.
II wish to heaven I'd never seen
the place." Sir Basil said. starting up
wildly.
"Pshaw"' uttered Warrington, very
calmly. Don't be a madman or q
fool, Basil. but sit down. and together
let us talk over the affair with ration
al senses"
Talk with rational senses, Pelham,
when my brain and heart are both on
fire.
'Sit down, tell you"
The young Daronet Oheyed.
Listen to me-" said the creole. "You
believe me to be your sincere friend,
do you not?"
Yes. yes, Warrington. I do"
"And you will be guided by my ad-
vice."
Yes. yes. will"
That's WELL" returned the creole
II have not been idle in your service,
Basil. for I somehow foresaw your
approaching disappointment and trou-
BILE, and l arranged my proceedings
accordingly. l have been making in
quiries in the village relative to the
Gilruths. and l have learned a little
secret about Gertrude"
"A secret about GertrudeW
The knowledge of which may per-
haps prove useful to YOU"
Speak more plainly, Warrington, for
l am on the rack"
We'll. she is not Parson Gilruth's
granddaughter, or In any way related
to him."
mot Gilruth's granddaughter &C.
hoed Sir Basil. "Who then is sheY'
Nobody at all, answered Warning
ton. "She was picked up in the viii
lage street when a mere infant. She
is what people call a stray"
"A stray! Well. how Is the know
ledge Of that fact to benefit me?"
Can you not guess?''
"No."
"Well, get the girl into your power
just as soon as ever you please; it
will be an easy task to do so, for there
will be nobody but old Gilruth to
make racket concerning the matter. :"
But her lover, Warrington; you have
not reckoned ON him?"
What need to do so? He is In his
ship, on the wide sea. We have no
occasion to dread his interference"
In his ship? I do not comprehend
you"
'Gertrude's lover is one Roger Bald
rick, lieutenant in the royal navy"
Sir Basil's face frightened on hearing
of the absence Of Gertrude's sailor lov-
er.
$50 you see, you may carry off the
girl without the slightest fear of en-
countering the slightest obstacle in
your path; and, instead of meeting ridi-
cule at every turn ON the score of your
rejection by simple rustic maid, ycu
will become the envy of almost every
man in town. and all the while pre-
serve your precious freedom"
"But-''
And be revenged on her for the
slight she put upon your honorable
but very foolish offer"
But she will hate me, Warning
tom
Hate your echoed the creole, con-
temptuously. Nothing of the kind,
Basil. l know women too well to an
ticipate anything of that sort from her.
Get her up to town; when there, daz-
zle her eyes with plenty of silks and
jewels. and she'll become as docile
and as affecdonate towards you as
any petted spaniel you ever fed"
I'D rather make her nv wife, than
practice any wrong ,1pon her"
In other words, you'd rather be a
dolt than a sensible man." Warrington
returned, brusquely. Il shall give you
up at once and entirely if you intend
to act unwisely."
"No, no; Warrington! nay, be pa
tient with me-
Are my proposals to be carried out,
Basil?" demanded the creole, abruptly.
'One word-yes or no"'
'Give me some little time for re-
Election, Warrington"
DO you wish to secure Gertrude to
yourself?'
Yes, yes-a thousand times, yesr'
answered sir Basil
Then leave the rest to roe. and she
is yours" was Warrington's rejoinder.
Mine! When?"
Before the present month is ended"
MY best friendr exclaimed the
young baronet
But I shall not be able to accom-
plish my plans without some small
personal aid Of your own. my dear Sir
Basil"
II will follow all your instructions,
Warrington-ay, even though they
should lead me to the very gates of
perdition."
And over their midnight libati' ns the
two men speculated OH various plans
of Turing an innocent girl into their
wicked tolls
Meanwhile Gertrude sleeDs peaceful.
ly; happy visions of her sailor lover are
bedecking her slumbering features with
soft smiles and pretty dimples. Frank
guileless, lovely girl! There is nc
thought of wrong within her breast
hence her tranquil and sweet repose
All at once she starts: a pebble has
struck her chamber easement; and ther
another and another in quick success
sion strikes the panes.
She awakes and listens with palpi
tating bosom.
Now whole shower Of gravel hits
the window. and in n tremble Gertrude
springs from her couch.
House ahoy!' shouts n voice from
the outside the easement.
Gertrude flies to the sash. and fling
ing 1t wide open, looks out into the
| night.
Gertrude, my blessed darling, / an
here; Gertrude, my own promised one
/ am come home once more"
rs 1t indeed YOU. dear Rogcr?' sht
cries, answering the speaker. "Oh
am so glad to hear your voice againv
T. "And so. also. am / to hear yours
my precious love?' he returns, with ar
dor.
And before Gertrude can answer tn,
young sailor. he has clambered int
the tree beneath her chamb II window
and Is stretching out his hand to clasl