Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-09-23
(Continued.)


not afraid?"
The young baronet's keen eyes
glanced him over with amused wonder.
What of" he demanded coolly.
Still nearer came Sigurd-nearer also
came the watchful, though almost In
visible IIorimer.
Look down there!" continued Sig
urd in shrill tones, pointing to the
feaming gulf. Look at the Elf-danz -
see the beautiful spirits with the long
pale green hair and glitterlng wings!
See how they beckon, beckon, beckon!
They want some one to join them
look how their white arms wave,-they
throw back their golden wells and
smile at US! They call to you-you
with the strong figure and the proud
eyes--why do you not go to them?
They will kiss and caress you--they
have sweet lips and snow-white
bosoms, they will love you and take
care Of you--they are as fair as
Thelmal"
Are they? doubt it," and Erring-
ton smiled dreamily as he turned his
menu again IOWdIub JuJ uCCIy Whhi VI
white water and saw at once with an
artists quick eye what his sick
Drained companion meant by the Elf
DAM, In the fantastic twisting, gliding
shapes tossed up In the vaporous mist
of the Fall. But III take your word,
BIgurd, without making the elves per-
sonal acquaintance! Come along
this place Is bad for you--well dance
with the green-haired nymphs another
time"
And with light laugh he was about
to turn ay, when he was surprised
ny n sudden strange CONFUSION OF Sig
urd's countenance-hi blue eyes
flashed with an almost phosphorescent
lustle ,--hs pale skin flushed darkly
led, and the veins In his forehead
started into swelled and knotted prom
1nence.
another tlme!" he screamed
loudly; no, no! NOw-now! Die,
robber of Thelma's love! Die--dle--
dle!"
Repeating these words like quick
gasps of fury, he twisted his meagre
arms tightly round Errington, and
thrust him fercely with oil his might
towards the edge OF the Fail. For one
second Philip strove against him--the
next he closed his eyes--Thelma's
face smiled on his mind in that dark
ness as though In white farewell-~the
surgng blood roared In his ears with
more thunder than tho terrific tumble
OF the tori snt-"God!' he muttcred.
and then-tthen he stood safe on the
ut per part of the rocky platform with
Lorimers strong hand holding him in
vice-like grasp, and Crimer's face,
Pale, but looking cheerlrlly into his,
For moment he was too bewildered
to speak. His friend loosened him
end laughed rather foroedly--a slight
tremble of his lips was observable UNI
der his fair moustacho.
"Dy Joye, Phil" he remarked In his
usual nonchalant manner, that was
rather n narrow shave! Fortunate |
happened to be there!
Errington ba2ed about him confus-
etly, Where's Sigurd?" he asked,
Gone! Ran off like 'leapin' goat
as Sandy elegantly describes him. |
thought at FIRST he meant to jump over
the Fall, In which case | should have
been compelled to et him have his
own way, as ny hands were full. But
he's taken safe landward direction"
Didn't he try to push me o>crY"
Exactly. lilo was quite convinced
that the mormaids wanted you. But
considered that Miss Thelma's wishes
had prior claim on my regard"
Look here, old man. said Erring-
ten suddenly. don't jest about 1t!
You saved my life!"
Welt" and Lormer laughed,
quite by accident, assure you"
Not by accident" and Philip flushed
UP, looking very handsome and earn
est. II believe you followed us up
here thinking something might hap
pen. Nov didn't your"
suppose | did" began Lorimer but
he was interrupted by his friend, who
seized his hand. and pressed 1t with a
warm, close, atfectionate feryor, Their
eyes met and Lorimer blushed as
though ne had performed some action
neriting blame rather than gratitude.
"Thatll do, old fellow" he said almost
nervously AS we say in lolite so
ciety when some one brushes our fav-
or!tc corr under his heel--don't men
ton 1t! You see Sigurd is cracked,
there's not the slightest doubt about
that. and he's hardly accountable 70
his vagaries Then know something
about him that perhaps you don't, lie
loves your Thelma!"
They were making the descent OF he
rocks together, and Errington shopped
short in surprise.
Loves Thelma. You NEAR ms a
brotner---'
"Oh no. don't! | meir that he
loves her rs brothers often love other
peoples sisters-his affection is by ne
means fraternal--if 1t were only
that"
II see!" and Phillips eyes filed with