The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1895-10-17

Her agitation became less as she recov-
cred from her exertion, and now she was
almost as much composed as she had ever
been. Gazing at him with intense eager
ness, she began giving her instructions.
"As soon as am gone" she said, in
clear, steady voice, "go TO the spring wEere
YOU found the locket. There you will find
horse saddled and equipped tied to tree
lust back of the old rustic seat He is the
best roadster in the whole country, and will
carry you safely to the end of your journey
without stopping. The poor child is deaf
and dumb, but he is very patient and Will
give you little or no trouble. Allen was dis
appointed to learn of the child's affliction,
for some how he thought the little prattler
would, on this long lonely ride, unravcl TO
him some of the mystery of the stone house
on the hill
"Where will find the childl" he asked.
"Untie the horse and bring him back to
the road which leads up to the stone house
on the hill, and there will be an Old negro
woman waiting for you with the child.
When she gives it to you, lose no time IN
your fight. Do not think this an easy task
YOU are undertaking, Mr.. Gray, or that it
is unattended with danger. There is danger
of which you can have no knowledge. The
Journey is hazardous, and may cost you your
life"
Danger shall not deter me for single
moment" said Allen, his bosom heaving
with uncomfortable emotions II am act
| ing in Just cause in serving you; know
| it Is right or you would not have imposed
| the task on me-"
bal ,.ao tn har faat and hon
| she heard his noble voice, so full of faith
and trust, she extended her hands toward
| him, while her beautiful face glowed with
gratitude.
"Thank you Oh, may Heaven reward
YOU for saying that. ! had almost come to
the conclusion that would meyer see an
other man whom could trust. am thank.
full that was in error, and it is VITA the
greatest Joy that have put that feeling for
ever out of the way"
She unconsciously seized his hand, ssnd-
ing such thrill through Aliens frame at
the touch that he seemed electrified.
bertha -Berthaw he involuntarlly and
almost unconsciously cried "What is it
alls What is all this mystery surrounding
yous Forgive my nQuisltiveness. fes'
| as if our de shines are one"
Hush, hushr' she cried, starting back
and gazing in terror at the door. "Yor
know not what you say-you can notV'
"You misunderstood me, Bertha" HI
hoarsely whispered, while acold fear seemed
creeping over his heart almost choking hi
utterapce. "You know not the motive tina
prompts the question. 1t is a personal in
terest in yourself and not idle curiosity
This mystery is doubtless family affai
which you would very properly keep fror
the eyes of the world. Again | assure yo
it's not idle curiosity that prompts me to lii
the mystic vail; it is that may help you L
your distress, for-oh, Bertha, i-l-lot
youi"
What shrek Of horror she uttered an
how she shrank trembling from head
foot from him Then, wringing her hand
in silent agony, she gazed so wildly at hir
that he began to fear she had suddenl
been seized by fit of madness. Spell
bound and speeches. for several minute
both stood glaring at each other.
Bertha-Miss Collnsp ~ he at last said, |
a very penitent voice, "forglve mel Fol
get all that have said. / will serve 20
without making any further inquiries, anC
be the errand to the grave, am ready
60"
Slowly she opened the door, and turnin
her white sad face toward him, family sale
~Adieu!'
| "Farewellr His voice was as faint an
sad as hers. They were parting, perhsr
forever, yet she was doubly dear to bill
now. That crushing weight upon his heal
, seemed almost unbearable.
He wrote few lines to the foreman, lea'
ing some instructions in regard to the bus
| ness, stating that he would return in thre
or four days. and then prepared for th'
mysterious journey.