Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-09-07
CHAPTER XIV.

1--WE must first help ourselves" Sir An
thony answered sharply, rousing himself
with wonderful energy from the prostra-
ton into which my story had thrown him.
Il will send after her. Sho shall be
brought back Ho! Baldwin, Martini"
no cried loudly. Send Baldwin hitherl
Be quick therc!''
Out of the ruck of servants in and about
the hall Baldwin came rushing presently.
wiping his lips as no approached. A sin
gle glance Mt our faces sobercd him.
Send Martin down to the m!ll!" Sir An
thony ordered curtly bid him tell my
daughter if she be there to como back, and
do you saddle couple of horses and be
ready to ride with Master Francis to Wat
ney's farm and on to Stratford If 1t be
necessary. Lose not a minute. My daugh-
ter Is with Master Ferdinand. My order
is that she return
The fool had come up only q pace or two
behind the steward. do you hear, Mar
TIM" added eagerly, turning to him.
My thoughts, busy with the misery which
might hcfall her in their hands, maddened
me. "You will bring her back if you find
her, mind YOU.
He did not answer, but his eyes glittcred
rs they met mine, and knew that he I'M
dcrstood. AS he fitted silently across the
court and disappeared under the gateway
knew that no hound could DO more sure.
knew that no would not leave the trail
until he had found Petronilla, though no
had to follow her for many a mile. We
might have to pursue the fugitives to
Stratford, but I felt sure that Martins
lean figure and keen dark face would be
there to meet us.
Us9 No. Sir Anthony indeed said to
Iac, You will 60, of coursc:" speaking
as II only one answer were possible.
But it was not to be SO. NO." said;
you had better go, sir. Or Baldwin can
be trusted. He can take two or three of
the grooms. They should be armed"
added in lower tone
My uncle looked hard Mt mo and then
gave his assent, no longer wondering why
l did not go. Instead, no babe Baldwin
do as had suggested. In truth, my heart
was so hot with wrath and Indignation
that dared not follow, lest my father, in
his stern, mocking way, should refuse to
let her go, and harm should happen be-
tween us. If 1 were right in my suspi-
cions, and he had capped his intrigue by
deliberately getting the girl loved into
his hands as hostage, either as a surety
that would share with him if succeeded
"
money from his brother, then dared not
trust myself face TO face with him If
could have mounted and ridden after my
love, could have borne it better, but the
curse seemed to cling to me still. NV
worst foe was one against whom could
not lift my hand.
But what" my uncle asked, his voice
1uavering, though his words seemed in
tended to combat my fears, "'what can he
do, lad! She is his niece"
'Whatf' l answered, with a shudder.
Il do not know, but fear everything II
he should elude us and take her abroad
with him-heavcn help her, sir! He will
use her somehow to gain his cnds-or kill
her."
Sir Anthony wiped his brow with a
trsnbling hand. Baldwin will oycrtakc
them" he said.
Let Us hope so," answered Alas,
how far fell fruition short of anticipation!
This was my time of triumph. You had
better go in, sir, said presently, gain
ing little mastery over myself. II see
Sir Philip has returned from settling his
men for the night. He and Greville will
be wondering what has happened"
And your" he said.
II cannot" answered, shaking my
head.
After he had gone stood awhile in the
| shadow on the far side Of the court listen
| ing to the clatter of knives and dishes
the cheerful hum Of the servants as they
| called to one another, the hurrying foot
steps Of the maids. A dog crept out and
licked my hand as 1t hung nerveless by
| my side. Surely Martin or Baldwin
| would ovcrtake them, OF IL not it still
was not SO easy to take q girl abroad
| against her will.
| But would that DO his plan: He mus,
have hiding places in England to which
he might tako her, telling her any wild
story Of her fathers death or flight OF
| even perhaps of her own danger IL hel
|, whereabouts were known. had had ex
| perience of his daring Of his cunning, hi
| FEASIBILITY. Had he not taken in all Will
| whom he had come into contact, excep
by some strange fate myself: To be sure
Anne was not altogether without feeling
| or conscience, but she was his-his entire
ly, body and soul. Yes, IL I could hnv,
followed, I could have borne It better.
UNA this dreadful fnacfion ychich UNA kill