Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-02-20
wants to kill YOU. I'm sure"

would let you go alone.
well, whit them"
LET me go with you--oh, do, Alph."
"Well, sweetheart, if you must
Alph fastened the ponies, and they
went hand in hand for the ranch, fol-
lowed by Jack. They kept in the
shadow of the bushes that fringed the
banks of the little stream for some dis
tance, and then descended into it,
STOPPING so as to conceal themselves as
they silently threaded the tortuous
tunnel. When they came opposite to
the cabin, Alph took look through a
rent in the bushes, but in the dim star.
shine he could not discern Ions hid.
ing place. All was quiet save the mu-
steal tinkles of the tiny stream. and
above their heads was the peaceful sky
glowing with the brilliancy of innu-
merable stars.
After waiting n few minutes Glenn
finally consented to let Alph work his
way round the corral. This he did, and
came back TO Glenn down the bed of the
stream and reported that Lon was no.
where TO be seen.
Suppose l send Jack out" whis.
percd Glenn.
Very WE'LL" assented Alph.
"Go find Lon, Jack" said Glenn, I'm n
low tone.
The intelligent dog started and fol-
lowed Ions track 10 the cabin, and
then ran down the draw and disap-
poured. Glen pressed Alph'g hand, for
Lon must have gone towards the wag-
on. But presently Jack returned and
assembled the draw, showing that tho
trail went in that direction. In tho
course of u few minutes the dog came
back and crouched at Clients feet with
u low whine.
Lon has gone home," cried Glen.
Hes," assented Alph, "and now |
must see you there"
"No, l can go alone. I'm not Bit
afraid for myself, but, oh, Alph, my
heart is so heavy with fear for you"
You must not worry so, sweet
heart" said Alph, kissing her tender
ly. Il shall be on guard now. But let
lne saddle pony for you now and take
you home"
mo, Alph," said Glenn, lion may he
concealed somewhere waiting for us
and he would hear the pony. We mus,
walk"
well, I shall let you have your way
this time replied the lover.
Arm in arm they assembled the draw
to the open prairie, Alph scrutinizine
every place where Il man might con.
ccal himself, but he saw nothing o!
Lon. When they came to the house
Glenn chung to Alph as though she
could not let him 60 Alph kissed her
cgitin and again and babe her good
night, saying that Lon and he must
have an understanding in the morn.
ing.
"Oh, Alpl, If you only could go away
Tor awhile"
no" said Alph, firmly, ~ could not
10 that"
Glenn watched her lover until hi.
form disappeared in the darkness, and
then went upstairs to her room with
out being observed, but she sat long al
her window, and the dawn began &c
] c''ii 'hN 'hot OtlOlt lltG cNtS were
closed in slumber. When, some time
in the forenoon, Alph came to thf
ranch. he was met by Glenn, who tod
him that Lon had disappeared ant
| left no word.
Alph was naturally courageous anf
unsuspicious, and he made light o
Ions nocturnal journey.
Nov, sweetheart. you must promise
Inc no. to make any more tran,ps a
night. Lon could not sleep, and h,
walked to make himself drowsy. If h,
intended to injure me, he would have
done 1t ere this. These jealous pas
sions wear themselves out. Now you
must not worry any more, darling,
said Alph. hopefully.
"Oh, Alph," and he felt her trcmbl,
in his arms, 81 have such forebodings
II l only could plead with Lon, bu
he gives me no opportunity to spcal
to him, and oh, the look saw in his face
when | told him / was going to MARI,
you, and his conduct last night-oh
1T makes me so fearful"
"Nonsense, Glenn. You know I shall
soon take you away, and then Lon vii
look out for some one else"
Clem's face was sutfused for the mo
mcnt with happy blush, but the old
fear soon returned to her. If it were on =,
some tangible trouble she would ino
means to fight it, but how cout
she forefend against suspicion, {
shadow? Yet Lon surely meant mis-
chief when he went in the middle o.
The night to Alphs cabin in that
stcalthy way.
1t had been agreed between Glen anC
Alph that they should be married In,
medintely after the shearing. And prep
nrations were now making for the sim
pie wedding in the ranch house. Tic
plain wedding gown was made, and il
the preparation for the wedding feast
Clem's time was taken up, so she had ne
time for broodng. Lon had not re
turned, and her fears, while not dis
PEELED, were not so active.
The wedding night came, guests and
minister arrived, and all was bustl,
end joyous confusion. Glenn was clad
in her soft snow-white gown, and al
said she was the prettest bride the,
ever saw. Indeed, Glenn was fairy
who made every spotenchanted ground
Several times Clem's eyes caught sight
of her revolver lying in its accustomed
place, but she thought it would be fool
ish to carry it when she was going TO bc
married, but finally, she could not ex
plain why, she picked it up and placed
1t in the pocket of her dress. "How
Alph will laugh at me- she thought.