West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1897-07-01

az Hthb Jatk lelt lHrlntt 20 laugh.
Tho effect Of the man, in his long light
brown livery cont, seated on the ton of
heap OF stones and nopping his head
with a rod handkerchief, borderod on
tho rudicrous, but almost az the Same
time ho saw that 10 was indeed no
laughing matter, for blood WAS flowing
from deep cash in the mun's forehead.
Tho box has gone, sir. You've boon
robbed, " said James fnintly.
What box?" asked Jack, iurnpiDp
down from the dogoart. But never
mind the box now; won tie this hand
kerchicf around your head aud got You
homo.
IT'S the box from the bank. sir, +"
continued James.
Jack gave a long whistle Of astonish.
mont. All his auut's jewels gone at one
swoop. but hc said nothing and tied
eccond handkerchief around james
head. For the moment he had quito for.
gotten Mn. Wicks.
Now rec IL you can't yet into the
dogcart. Take hold Of my arm That's
II" Then he asked, But what hap
pencd TO Mr. Wicksf"
No answer.
"You know tho gentleman you had
Go moctY'
still no answer, for James had faint.
ed.
Jack was up on tho box scat Ike
shot. He loosened the nlnn's collar.
There was no tima TO think OF Mr..
Wicks or thieves. 10 whipped mp the
mare, and tho dust rose in clouds be-
hind them.
Passing through che air so rapidly
brought James gradually back to con-
seriousness, but so fcoble was his condi-
ton that Jack rofrained from asking
questions. lie drove straight into the
stables, saw the unfortunate James
well cared for sent message for tho
doctor, aud then, turning to the coach
man, asked again tho question, "Wbat
happened TO Mr.. Wicks?"
James thought for moment Then
no said:
"Iio was in tho dogcart when tho
mare boltcd, and tho tramp didn got
hold Of him"
Then Jack ran TO the house, hoping
that Mr.. Wicks had arrived.
AT the front door Miss Cherryton and
Sylvia met him.
Where is Mr.. Wiclls?' they both
cried in tho same breath.
That's what I want to know. " re-
piled Jack. Mr. Wicka has disappear
ed. There has been chapter of acci.
dents, consisting Of robbery, injury and
mystery. All your jewels have been
stolen, aunt; that's the robbery James
has been badly hurt by the thieves, and
Mr.. Wicks has disappeared. "
Miss Chcrryton was rufflod out Of her
complacancy into saying:
This is most unfortunate. James
ought not 90 have gone. There never
was time when no didn't bungle, but
Go trust nothing serious has happened
to Mr.. Wicks. "
u hope not, indeed" said Sylvia.
What q dreadful afternoon this has
been. Can't we do something? Mr..
Wick5 may be hurt, and it seems SO
wrong 70 be standing here doing moth
ing" She spoke impetuously ana gazod
along the avenue Of trees that led 70
tho house
Jack noticed all Sylvia's movements,
and her great anxiety for Mr.. yYicks' |
safety aroused oil tho bitter feelings he |
had experienced when told of Mr. Wioks' |
coming. and there was just shade Of !
GOODNESS in his voice when no said:
am going 10 walk into town TO |
make inquiries, and l hope 70 goodness
that we shall find Mr.. Wicl1s cafe and
sound somewhere.
All this timo Sylvia had been lean
ing against the doorpost with her hands
behind her back but at this moment
She suddenly ran forward, with d little
cry of JOY.
"Oh, Mr.. Wioks my sweet little Mr..
Hicks, you arc safe after ali. "
Worry slowly aud with extreme digni- !
~ small fox terrier walked beneath
the tall trees toward the house With
head erect no looked from sido to side.
bot no sooner did he hoor Sylvia's voice. |
that we'll known voice, than his whole |
attitude changed in the twinkling Of AN
eye His cars sank down fat his little /
stump OF tail wagged frau6cally 10
gave ono sharp, delighted bark. and
then few toward Sylvia and positively
wriggled with glee.
Won, Mr. Wicks, here you orc OF
last, cried Sylvia, taking tho puupy
up III her arms and Caessing him.
You've grown little, ] think. " sbo
remarked thoughtfully, "and you are
lust a5 beautiful as ever; but, dear Bir.
Wicks, how did you get here all aioao
without the carriage?'
And Mr.. Wicks tried hard 90 explain
In his own peculiar way all about his
strange journey.
Jack gave deep sigh Of relief So
this was Mr.. Wicks.
Now Mr. ChCuyton. you must no.
knowledge that all wo said was trco
Isn't Do handsomcy And ho proves HIM
solt cicycr to have found lis way horc."
and Sylvia looked up at Jack with
large, wide open blue eyes.
"You and my aunt viii both be- glad
20 hear that ] havo bccu completely
taEen in, said Jack, laughing. us
was sC delighted TO lud U4a5 aff. Wicls
wns not Is IMAM th.tho frlt ploaeod with
HvaiyDoly and cyoy.hius And, " ho
continued, ~ think 49, wicls IS pcr.
foctiv leauHfai"
There, do yoIh.ar thlt. .ll uleag'
said yIeia
M-. Woke evidently sew Hat jock
waa urrcur Of fIr ana he urusI8
w H.f at..o POGO, Io doubt ~ ..lnr.
edge raa uD.Iualt
Donf y11 a1mt hi8 lovely dar.
go asked sylvia.