The Delta independent., 1895-12-11

had disappeared from the surface of
the earth. What is remarkable about
this part of the hunt is that nothing
occurred publicly to awaken the sus-
picion that Bench and Kent We're the
same person.
Laport's escape from the prison was
effected with but slight variations as
it had been planned for him, and there
was nothing in his methodical execu-
ton of the plan but a grim and un-
eventful determination accompanied
by a silent apprehension, until he ar
rived as arranged at the old mill, and
there the whole character of the pro-
ceedings changed as if by magic and
began to wear the aspect OF sixteenth
century romance.
While yet some fifty feet away from
the mill and hidden in the brush, he
listened and distinctly heard female
voices of merriment coming from the
other side. His heart sank. Some pic
nicking party had taken possession of
the secluded retreat and cut off his
last chance. There had been no pro-
vision for this contingency in Kent's
plan. While Laport stood listening
to the bursts of laughter and subdued
screams that mingled with the voices
of men in some kind of sport, he dis
tinctly heard some one singing the
strains OF "Home, Sweet Home" in q
clear soprano. 1t might be one Of those
fatal condolences, for the air was one
that anybody would be apt to warble.
He considered q moment and deter
mined to take the risk.
WORKING his wav fhronnh tho thick.
cts he came out on the overgrown bank
where the mill stood and went delib-
erately round to the side from which
the voices proceeded. He had scarcely
turned the corner of the mill before he
found himself in full view of party
of ladies and gentlemen who had evil
IDENTIFY rendeZvoused here for lunch.
Their horses were tied to the neigh
boring trees; a white cloth was spread
upon the grass; colored servant was
opening wine. They were elegantly
dressed and were Enthusiastically people
of means and leisure taking an outing.
AT the same moment Laport saw pro-
truding from the grass almost at his
feet the circular form of an old mill
stone and, with a feeling of helpless
ness, he sat down upon it.
A minute had not passed when he
was aware that some one was ap-
preaching him. 1t was a woman. She
had left the group Immediately and
was standing very near him. lie
looked at her with the greatest amount
Of interest and suspense. She was
handsomely and jauntily dressed in
riding habit and appeared to be at
least thirty years of age. Her whole
bearing was easy, but dignified. Her
handsome oval face was expressive Of
determination, softened by sensibility.
She carried riding whip.
"You are late, professor" she said.
looking at her watch, land have kept
US waiting. Did you meet anyone after
you left the stile9"
"Yes, I did," answered Laport. II
met a woman in the wood road going
to town with basket, and she re-
garded me suspiciously."
Then we have no time to lose" said
the woman, calmly. "These people
are all friends. You are 10 change
!. u i garments Immediately. My serv-
ant viii help you. Explanations and
Further directions must wait"
She called the negro servant and
said to him: "Now, then, Fan. be as
quick as you can. We are fifteen min
utes late"
"This way, professah." said the serv-
ant, with o grin, as he pointed 10 the
old mill.
Laport, without further words, made
bow and followed the negro into the
dilapidated structure. Here. in one Of