The record-union., 1895-09-14

when they arrived at their destination.
They dlsmounted, and she was immedl-
ately assisted up a very steep path over
the rocks, through shrubDery that was
very trying to her. as her limbs had been
in such a cramped position that every
| movement was painful. At last they
stopped while her conductor blew 8
whistle which was answered from. it
seemed to her, a long way Off, but a
moment later a voice called 'Where?'
and was answered Here"
| Then they went along silently until
voice said, 1T is all ready" and she was
made to stoop down, and moment after
ward the bandage was removed from her
eyes and she discovered herself in a
strange looking room which a moment
| later she kn9w was cave, for hundreds
of little stalactites were hanging from the
roof and glistening In the candle light.
but worst of all by her side stood Kirby
Kirk.
"Y on see 1 am true to my promise-we
have met again." he said. 81 knew it
would do no good to 60 to your house,
so have brought you to mine"
| Lucy was scarcely able to speak, but
| after moment she answered: MIR.
Kirk, l did not think any human being
could perpetrate such an outrage as this.
o. why have you done it? In the name
OF heaven, take me back to my brother.
We have never injured you"
Miss Ray" said Kirk, 'It is useless
now TO talk of tit has been done
and it cannot be undone. l told you no
| power could prevent your becoming my
wife, and you may as we'll submit. L
love you so madly that l would under
take anything that promised success.
/ Be my wife and you shall go back to
| your brother tomorrow. We can be
married to-night'--
| Marry yOU after this contemplate out
rage. | would sooner be laid in my
| grave. L would sooner suffer torments
unheard Of" said Lucy, her eyes flash
ing, and all the simidity which seemed to
possess her at first disappearing before
her great and righteous anger.
You have stolen in the most cowardly
| manner poor, defenseless girl from her
home. You have heaped insult, cruelty
ana outrage upon her head, and ask to be
rewarded for it by her marrying you"
Not 80 fast. young lady: you may
storm and threaten, but it will do no
good. / am fully prepared for this. |
have not undertaken this with single
chance of failure. You are secure here,
and can never be found though they hunt
till doomsday; and you shall never leave
this place excepting as my wife. | shall
bring man who has authority TO marry
US, and you must be ready, willing or I'M
willing, before two days have passed to
become my wife. [ give you this time to
reflect and see the folly of contending
| longer against your fate. | will send you
food and then you may retire.
Before she could answer him he was
gone, and she heard him say to some one,
| ION your life see that she does not come
out of that room except by my ORDERS"
| Then she knew she was to be guarded
| night and day. A moment more aud
stout but rude gate was swung before the
curtained door, and she was helpless
prisoner. The strain Oh her nerves had
been SO great and the fatigue of the jour
ney SO exhausting that now the reaction
mad come she could scarcely stand, and
sinking upon the couch prepared for her,
she burst into tears and sobbed until
knock at the gate aroused her, and voice
said: "1 our supper is here"
She did not answer, and the voice said:
Unless you take it Captain Kirk will
bring it to you himself" Anything
rather than a sight of that mani So she
arose and received the basket through
little door In the gate. As she took it she
glanced at the man, ana to her surprise
she saw the miner to whom she gave the
water few days before. She was about
to speak when be Immediately withdrew.
| There was no mistaking the bushy red
hair and the cruel, greedy eyes. Left to
herself again she tried to realize her po-
sition, but her mind was all in a whirl.
She could not taste the supper and lay
down upon her couch again and sobbed
until becoming thoroughly exhausted she
dropped asleep.
TTo no Confju9,oI