Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1896-09-18
CtIApTER NIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
1t was early very early. according to
notions. OH bright, breezy
i'll July when Violet Mowbray. u
book in her hand. left the house, and
walked out into the Park. The countess,
ut her brothers. wish, had been particu-. :.
larly gracious to the inmates of the Par
sonage at Woodburn, had called on the
l4angtons, had asked them over to the
Park frequently, and had invited Miss
Mowbray to spend few days ut Thors-
dhle.
Ono solitary spot of peculiar plpttincss
there WAS toward whicH Miss Mowbray
never failed To wend her way. 1t was
called locally the Black Pool, a place
where the fern arched high. and the wild
uowers nestling among the projecting
roots of the hoslry hawthorns seemed
brighter and of richer tints than wild
flowers elsewhere. s'io.et had felt the
enchantment OF the spot. and she was
fond OF repairing there early on Il fine
morning. and before the fashionable COM
pany under the etrl's roof were astir.
The deer within Lord Thorstla!e's inn
memorial Park We're no plump. lazy. fall
low deer. but of the true old prehistoric
breed. And the pool was Il fayorite re-
sort of the tan red deer. Violet knew
this Well, and had more than once looked
with admiration ut the line of graceful
creatures as they filed down from tl,c up
lands to slake their thirst. But what
she did not know was that stays. e!e-
giant and picturesque adjuncts to
p.easaunce as they may be. are in sum-
tn ,>f
and resent intrusion OH their haunts.
So when fine solitary stag. with wide
branching ant!crs, came slowly marching
down the steep and narrow path that led
to the BLACK Pool, waving his proud head
from side to side, she WAS so far from
anticipating ANY possible danger that it
merely seemed to her as if another ele-
ment of beauty had been added to the
prospect before her. She had seated her
self, book in hand, OH Il nossy seat, form
ed by the contorted roots of one of the
venerable hawthorn trees that bordered
the pool, and watched the stag's approach
without the slightest suspicion that the
creature regarded her as an enemy, and
her presence as an affront
On came the stag. That there was mis-
chief in his rolling eye, mischief in his
tossing head, an experienced park keeper
or vcrdcrer could have read at gluncc.
Violet, however, noted only the grace of
each successive attitude until low,
fierce, believing sound betrayed the hog
tile intentions of the animal, which now
began to gore the turf with it's many-tined
horns. and to snort and foam, and pause
In its slow march to paw the ground i'm
patiently with its sharp-hoofed fetal
signs Of hostility which denoted that q
charge was to be expected.
Violet began to grow alarmed as the
stag. red-eyed, foaming and tossing into
the air grass and leaves at every stroke
Of its horns. drew nearer, repeating its
menacing below. The girl had risen
from her seat and let fall her book, but
she was too frightened to fly. Fascinated,
like bird that flutters close to the glar-
ing eyes of a snake, she stood still A
mans quick trasd, a mans cheering voice
yes, that meant rescue. A film seemed
to come before Violet's eyes, and she sank
fainting on the bank, and only recovered
consciousness to find Don supporting her.
You are not hurt, Miss Mowbray No.
Then all is well. There is not, assure
you, the least danger now." said Don,
earnestly. but softly. 'Yonder toward
the hills, you can just catch glimpse of
your late enemy" And. indeed, far off
might be seen the now distant form of
to rejoin the herd.
Violet never quite knew the circum-
stances Of her rescue. Don, as was his
habit, made Ight of his own prowess.
1T was very easy" he said, smiling.
with this stout stick for conjuring
wand in my hand, to exercise the trouble
some apparitioa. But stays are often ILL
tempered, as am told, and it might l,e
more prudent, Miss Mowbray. to avoid
lonely places in the park, unless you are
escorted. AS 4 is. it was fortunate that
l happened to be near"
"a kind Providence sent you to my
help, think. said Violet. simply. 81
was very frightened. and gave myself up
for lost. But when heard your voice.
Mr.. Don, then felt that was snfe. and
SOL was very foolish!' And she tried
to smile, while tears swan in her beau.
tiful eyes.
you owe me no thanks. Miss Now
bray, for the little was lucky enough to
effect. Any one else would have done as
much. happened to be crossing the
Park on my way to look after some
woodmen who are engaged in telling trees
for am in the ear,'s employment for
time, you may perhaps remember"
Violet was trembling yet, but she look.
ed at her watch, and saw that, under
penalty Of being late for breakfast, and
thus attracting notice unwelcome to a
timid girl among strangers. it behooved
her to return to the Hall. Her first steps
were weak and unsteady. Don offered
her the support Of his strong arm, and
side by side they travelled the winding
path that led past bosky dell and fern
crested bank. under leafy elms and be-
meath spreading beeches, toward the
house.
Presently they dew so near to the or
namental grounds. full of rare shrubs and
flowers Of lower growth than the indigo
nous giants of the Park. that. Don deem
ed it best to leave Violet to pursue the
rest of the short walk by herself. lest her
presence in his company should be no.
ticed and commented OH.
Cro be continued)