Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1896-06-19
FOR LOVE OF HIM.
BIZ VIOLET ErYNGE MITCHELL
rcoYYR1GHr, 1861

By VIOLET ETYNGE MITCHELL
~ lco1YR1GHr, 1861
A sky of ragged gray clouds, through
which peeped fitfully crescent moon'
showing the figure of a young girl who'
az she ran fleet footed over stony road,
wore crimson shawl drawn snugly
about her shoulders; and, from under
en- old straw hat that had been blown
askew by the wind, escaped a curling
mass of chestnut hair. B.
Behind her stretched wide sweep OF
gently undulating country, sparsely
dotted at rare intervals by dwellings;
while, like the diamonds in marquisc
ring, flashed the lights from small
neighboring settlement, known as Car
rvs Corners.
The girls eyes wandered neither to
right or left, but were fiNed.with breath
less Impotence, upon a desolate-look-
ing frame structure, standing directly
in front of her. on the brow Of a hill.
Pushing open the gate, Alice Deering
made her way hastily to the kitchen
door, on which she raped sharply.
Mother! Mother!" called she, ac-
centuating her knocking with urgent
voice. LET me in, quick!"
A woman, whose dark eyes flashed
like beacon lights from under heavy
brows, opened the door and stood peer
Ding out into the darkness. Back of her.
in the kitchen, kerosene lamp
burned with uneven flame.
you're late" she muttered, fretful-
ly. 'We've had supper long ago. You
shouldn't stay out so long. Anice."
The girl pushed aside the lean arm
which her mother-in-law had stretched
across the door, and elbowing her way
into the house, turned the key in the
lock.
'Mother!" she gasped. 1--WE got
dreadful news; I don't know how to tell
it,"
For a moment she leaned against the
wall, clutching at the old red shawl and
struggling for breath; then, between
sobs, she poured forth her story.
They're coming! There is not a
doubt of it. I've just heard the whole
thing. You know that big oak tree in
front of the post Office? 1 was stand
ing behind it, reading letter, when
Judge Daily passed; and just then John
Halloran came out of the Office. They
whispered together, not two feet from
where I stood, and L heard every word"
Mrs. behring's face had been as
flushed as that of her daughter-in-law,
but it suddenly became pale; her nos
'trils quivered as when a war horse
scents battle from afar. .
':Quick!" she commanded. ''Tell me
everything. Is Roger in danger?"
"They are not satisfied with the ac-
.quital," walled Anice; "they say-oh!
they say that Roger murdered Davis in
cold blood, and they will take the law in
their own hands, this very night"
This - very = night" echoed the
elder woman, with startled emphasis.
She turned, and as if in daze threw
wood on the fire, adding sharply, as the
flames leaped up: ''They shall not have
him."
A responsive flash lighted from the
blue eyes of behring's wife.
well die FIRST" said she, finging
ASIDE Qer crimson shawl.
"I've run all the way home, and
planned as run. We will save him.
Don't lose heart, MOTHER"
Hes upstairs in the north chamber,
Ireading,'' returned Mrs. Deering. Gle
has light burning! don't know but
1T should be out"
"Roger!" called Anice, with soft but
imperative voice. "Roger!"
A door at the head of the stairs
opened quickly, and mans deep-toned
response was heard.
''Put your lamp out and come down
at once" cried the mother. Her tall,
angular figure seemed to have suddenly
tstiftened and assumed greater height
She resembled grenadier.
Presently fair-haired young man,
with a smoothly -shaven, almost boyish
face, ran lightly down the creaking
stairs.
He paused on the lowest step, gazing
in blank astonishment at the excited
faces of the women.
Mother! Anice!" he cried. what
has happened? Are you" -,
Anice darted forward, and interrupt
ing her husband, laid firm, white hand
upon his arm.
Roger! I've overheard Daily and
John Halloran talking. They are plan
ming to revenge Davis; your life is in
danger. Wait-don't hinder me-
must tell you the whole thing. Oh!
Roger! They are coming tonight to
drag you from me-and-and-" She
gasped at the last word, but bravelv
began again. Listen! Mother and |
will save you. 1t is too light to get
away now. That must be given up.
But, you know the old chest in the
garnet, where mother packed your ia
theirs clothes after he died. You must
make air holes in the lid, cover yourself
with some Of the clothing, and lie still.
It's large enough"
She paused again. breathing heavily.
Then she turned suddenly and be-
gan to fasten the wooden shutters.
Deering leaped to her assistance.